Kedarnath Opening Date 2026 – Official Temple Opening & Yatra Schedule
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(Kapaat Opening & Closing Date – Complete Guide)
Kedarnath opening date 2026 is 22 April 2026 (Monday) at 6:25 AM. The sacred portals (Kapats) of Shri Kedarnath Temple will open with traditional Vedic rituals in the presence of priests from the Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.
The opening date was officially announced on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), following the Hindu Panchang calculations. Every year, the temple opens around Akshaya Tritiya and remains accessible for approximately six months.
Kedarnath Opening Date 2026 – Latest Update
As of now, the official opening date of the sacred Kedarnath Temple for 2026 has not been announced. Every year, the date is formally declared by the Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri. In 2026, Maha Shivratri falls on 15 February, and the temple’s opening date will be confirmed on that day along with the exact opening time.
Traditionally, the temple gates open a few days after Akshaya Tritiya. In 2026, Akshaya Tritiya will be celebrated on 19 April, which means the expected opening window for Kedarnath Temple is likely between late April and early May 2026.
Please note that these dates are only estimates based on past trends. Devotees are advised to wait for the official announcement before finalizing their travel plans.
Kedarnath Temple Opening & Closing Dates 2026
- Opening Date: 22 April 2026
- Opening Time (Muhurat): 6:25 AM
- Expected Closing Date: 16–17 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj)
- Total Yatra Duration: Approx. 6 Months
The temple gates remain closed during winter due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather. Once snow clearance and rituals are completed, the kapaat is ceremonially opened for devotees.
Kedarnath Temple Closing Date 2026
The Kedarnath Temple closing date 2026 usually falls around Bhai Dooj, which comes after Diwali.
- Expected Closing Date: November 2026
- Reason for Closure: Extreme winter & heavy snowfall
- Winter Seat of Lord Kedarnath: Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
After the closing ceremony, Lord Kedarnath’s idol is moved to Ukhimath, where devotees can worship during winter.
Who Decides Kedarnath Temple Opening Date?
The opening date of Kedarnath Temple is decided by:
- Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC)
- Chief priests and religious scholars
- Based on Hindu Panchang & auspicious muhurat
The announcement is traditionally made on Maha Shivratri, which is considered highly sacred for Lord Shiva devotees.
Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2026
The Kedarnath Temple opening date 2026 is expected to be:
| Detail | Information (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Kedarnath Opening Date 2026 | |
| Expected Opening Time | Around 7:00 AM |
| Kedarnath Closing Date 2026 | October–November (tentative) — around Bhai Dooj. |
| Temple Darshan Timings (General) |
|
Sacred Rituals Before Kedarnath Kapaat Opening
Before the temple opens, several important rituals are performed:
🔱 Bhairavnath Puja
Lord Bhairavnath is worshipped to protect the temple during winter months.
🚩 Panchmukhi Doli Yatra
The five-faced idol of Lord Kedarnath is carried from Ukhimath to Kedarnath with traditional rituals and celebrations.
🔔 Temple Purification
The sanctum is cleaned, decorated with flowers, and prepared for devotees.
Kedarnath Opening Date History (Last 5 Years)
| Year | Opening Date |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 6 May 2022 |
| 2023 | 25 April 2023 |
| 2024 | 10 May 2024 |
| 2025 | 2 May 2025 |
| 2026 | 22 April |
This historical trend helps predict the expected opening window for 2026.
Weather in Kedarnath During Opening Time
Weather plays a major role during the early yatra period.
- Temperature: 0°C to 10°C
- Snowfall: Possible in April
- Nights: Extremely cold
- Daytime: Cold but manageable
Travel Tip: Carry heavy woollens, gloves, rain protection, and proper footwear.
Is Kedarnath Safe to Visit Immediately After Opening?
Yes, but with precautions.
✔ Safe if:
- You are physically fit
- Weather is clear
- You follow official guidelines
❌ Avoid if:
- You have breathing or heart problems
- You cannot handle cold or trekking
- You are travelling with infants
Senior citizens are advised to consider helicopter services for a safer journey.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Kedarnath in 2026
- ✔ 1. Pre-Registration is Mandatory
The Uttarakhand Government requires every pilgrim to register for the Kedarnath Yatra. Registration can be done online or at designated counters.
- ✔ 2. Book Early – Hotels & Helicopter Seats Fill Fast
Since the opening date attracts maximum rush, book your:
- Hotels
- Trek Mules / Palki
- Helicopter Tickets
well in advance.
- ✔ 3. Weather Conditions
May to June and September to October offer the best weather. July–August bring heavy monsoon rains.
- ✔ 4. Fitness & Medical Checkup
The 18 km trek from Gaurikund requires basic physical fitness. A medical check is compulsory for all trekkers.
Kedarnath Yatra Registration 2026 (Mandatory)
All pilgrims must register before visiting Kedarnath.
- Mode: Online & offline
- Authority: Uttarakhand Government
- Documents: Valid ID proof
Note: Without registration, entry is not allowed.
Trek & Helicopter Services After Temple Opening
🥾 Trek Route:
- Route: Gaurikund to Kedarnath
- Distance: 16 km
- Time: 6–8 hours
🚁 Helicopter Services:
- Available from Phata, Guptkashi & Sersi
- Starts after temple opening
- Weather dependent
Helicopter services are highly recommended for elderly devotees.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath in 2026
| Period | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Opening Week | Cold & crowded |
| May–June | Best weather |
| July–August | Landslide risk |
| September–October | Peaceful & scenic |
| After October | Cold & risky |
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath in 2026
The best months for darshan are:
- May – June (Opening Period)
- September – October (Post-Monsoon & Clear Weather)
Avoid monsoon months (July–August) due to landslides and unstable weather.
How is Kedarnath Opening Date 2026 Decided?
The opening date of the Kedarnath Temple is not fixed like a regular calendar event. Instead, it follows traditional rituals and ancient astrological calculations.
- Basant Panchami – On this day, the temple priests determine the most auspicious time for opening the temple.
- Official Announcement on Maha Shivratri – The final opening date is publicly announced on the day of Maha Shivratri.
- Based on Panchang Calculations – The dates are selected according to ancient Hindu Panchang and planetary positions.
- Winter Seat at Ukhimath – During winter, Baba Kedar’s idol is worshipped at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath until the shrine reopens in summer.
Kedarnath Yatra 2026 Best Time (Mahine & Season)
April–June (Summer)
September–October (Post‑monsoon)
Kedarnath Yatra route map from Dehradun 2026
Kedarnath Yatra 2026 Registration & Important Guidelines
- Medical fitness, ID proof, e‑pass, daily darshan limit, etc.
🧭 What to Do BEFORE Planning Your Kedarnath Yatra 2026
To avoid last-minute disappointments and ensure a smooth pilgrimage, here are recommended preparatory steps:
✅ Keep Monitoring Official Announcements
Even though 22 April 2026 has been widely indicated, final confirmation comes from BKTC. Watch for updates on:
- The official BKTC website or authorized portals
- Uttarakhand Tourism notices or reliable pilgrimage booking platforms.
✅ Plan & Book Early — Packages & Accommodation Fill Fast
As soon as the opening date becomes public, demand spikes rapidly. Hotels, guest houses, lodges, and helicopter/pony-palki services get booked quickly. To avoid last-minute hassles:
- Book your travel & accommodation early
- Reserve trekking or helicopter slots (if you prefer)
- Ensure registrations & permits are completed ahead of time
✅ Prepare for Himalayan Conditions
Kedarnath is located at a high altitude (approx. 3,583 meters) in the Himalayan range. Winters leave thick snow, and even spring can bring cold, unpredictable weather.
So, carry:- Warm clothes, jackets, rainproof gear
- Valid identity proof, yatra registration receipt
- Medical kit & any high-altitude precaution essentials
🎯 How This Info Helps You as a Tour Organizer / Traveller
If you manage or promote Kedarnath tour/yatra packages — like on your website — highlighting accurate opening dates and guiding pilgrims on how to plan around them can significantly increase trust and conversions.
You’ll be helping your visitors by:- Reducing uncertainty & confusion about when to plan
- Encouraging early bookings
- Offering clarity on registration, travel & accommodation needs
💡 Final Thoughts / Key Takeaways
The Kedarnath Temple opening date 2026 marks the beginning of one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. With the expected dates falling in April 2026, pilgrims can plan their journey smoothly by arranging travel, accommodation, and registration in advance. Whether you’re trekking or opting for a helicopter, knowing the Kedarnath opening and closing date 2026 ensures a comfortable and well-organized trip.
- The 2026 opening date for Kedarnath Temple is 22 April 2026 (tentative but widely accepted) at around 7:00 AM.
- The official opening is declared by religious authorities during Maha Shivaratri, based on Hindu calendar calculations.
- Always cross-check with the official temple committee or tourism authorities before final booking — particularly if you’re planning a package or group trip.
- Early planning, proper gear, and advance booking help ensure a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling Kedarnath pilgrimage.
Book Other Char Dham and Kedarnath Releted Packages
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Cancellation Policy (Apply on total Package cost)
Cancellation and Refunds
Standard policy (will be reconfirmed in your voucher):
- Up to 30 Days before travel: 20% deduction. 15–29 days: 60% refund.
- Between 29 – 10 days before travel: 30% deduction.
- Between 9 – 0 days before travel: 80% deduction.
- After 7 days cancellation: No refund.
- Weather/landslide disruptions: We assist with re-routing/extra nights; extra costs are on actuals. Refunds for unused services depend on third-party policies.
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Kedarnath Temple Opening Date — FAQs
Q-1: When is the opening of Kedarnath Temple in 2026?
The Kedarnath Temple is expected to open in the last week of April, but the exact date for the 2026 opening will be officially announced soon by the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee.
Q-2: Who decides the Kedarnath Temple opening date 2026?
The Badrinath–Kedarnath Mandir Committee decides the opening date based on Panchang calculations on Basant Panchami.
Q-3: What is the Kedarnath Temple closing date 2026?
The expected closing date for Kedarnath Temple in 2026 is 2 November 2026, usually on Bhai Dooj.
Q-4: Can I visit Kedarnath temple before the opening date?
No. The temple and trek route remain closed due to heavy snowfall and safety reasons.
Q-5: When will helicopter services for Kedarnath start in 2026?
Helicopter services typically begin on or a day after the official opening date.
Q-6: Is registration required for Kedarnath Yatra 2026?
Yes. Government registration is mandatory for every pilgrim for 2026.
Q-7: Does Kedarnath Temple open for VIP darshan before the official date?
No. Both normal and VIP darshan start only after the official opening ceremony.
Q-8: How is the Kedarnath Temple opening date 2026 decided?
The date is chosen after priests conduct a Panchang calculation ceremony at Ukhimath.
Q-9: What time will the Kedarnath Temple open on the first day?
The temple usually opens early in the morning between 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM with special rituals.
Q-10: Will the weather be safe during the opening week in May 2026?
Yes, early May generally has stable weather, making it one of the safest times for the yatra.
Q-11: Are hotels and camps available near Kedarnath during opening time?
Yes, accommodations open a few days before the official temple opening.
Q-12: When should I book helicopter tickets for Kedarnath 2026?
Booking should be done as early as possible, ideally as soon as the government portal opens.
Q-13: Is trekking allowed before Kedarnath’s 2026 opening date?
No, trekking is strictly prohibited until the route is officially opened.
Q-14: Will there be heavy rush on the Kedarnath opening date 2026?
Yes. Thousands of pilgrims visit on the opening day. Advance planning is recommended.
Q-15: What is the best time to visit Kedarnath after it opens in 2026?
May–June and September–October are considered the best months for darshan.
Q-16: Will the Kedarnath Temple opening date change if weather is bad?
It is rare, but in extreme weather conditions, authorities may adjust the schedule.
Q-17: Where is the idol of Lord Kedarnath kept before the opening date?
During winter, the idol is kept and worshipped at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Q-18: Can senior citizens visit Kedarnath during the opening period?
Yes, but it is advised to undergo medical checks and choose helicopter services if needed.
Q-19: What ceremonies take place during the temple opening in 2026?
Special pujas, doli procession, and Vedic rituals mark the sacred opening ceremony.
Q-20: When will the Kedarnath Yatra 2026 officially end?
The yatra ends on the closing date, expected to be 2 November 2026, after which the temple remains closed for winter.
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