Kedarnath Opening Date 2026 – When Will Kedarnath Reopen for Pilgrims?

If you are planning your pilgrimage to Kedarnath this year, it’s crucial to know the exact opening date of the temple so you can time your travel, accommodation, and booking of yatra packages accordingly. Below is the most up-to-date information — along with tips to stay prepared, confirm updates, and plan a smooth journey.

What is the Kedarnath Opening Date 2026?

• According to several reliable sources, the 2026 opening date of Kedarnath Temple is 22 April 2026
• On that day, the temple gates (kapat) are scheduled to open in the early morning — typically around 7:00 AM.
• The reopening is based on sacred timing: the date is traditionally announced during Maha Shivaratri by the priests of Badrinath‑Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), following calculations in the Hindu Panchang (calendar/astrological calendar) and often aligns with Akshaya Tritiya.

Important Notice:Though 22 April 2026 is widely mentioned as the opening date, such dates can vary slightly depending on lunar calendar alignments, weather conditions, or official BKTC announcements. Always double-check with official sources closer to your intended travel date.

🕉 Why These Dates Matter — Tradition & Timing

• The opening and closing of Kedarnath Temple every year follow ancient traditions. The doors remain closed during winter due to heavy snow and harsh Himalayan weather, making the shrine inaccessible.
• The decision of when to reopen is carefully taken on the day of Maha Shivaratri. The priests check the Hindu calendar (Panchang) and select an auspicious day — often aligning with Akshaya Tritiya.
• KFor 2026, this tradition has led to 22 April being communicated widely as the temple’s reopening date.

Thus, pilgrims eagerly await this opening — it marks the official start of the pilgrimage (yatra) season for 2026.

Char Dham Opening Date 2026 Overview

2026 me Char Dham Yatra ka season April ke third week se start hota hai, jab Yamunotri aur Gangotri ke kapat Akshaya Tritiya ke shubh din par khulte hain. Kedarnath aur Badrinath ke opening dates generally inhi dino ke aas-paas announce kiye jaate hain, isliye yatra planning ke liye April last week se November first/second week tak ka time window maan sakte hain.

Kedarnath 2026 — Tentative dates & timings

Detail	Information (Tentative)
Kedarnath Opening Date 2026	22 April 2026 (tentative — final announcement by BKTC on Maha Shivratri)
Expected Opening Time	Around 7:00 AM (approx). Exact time will be announced after the Maha Shivratri declaration.
Kedarnath Closing Date 2026	October–November (tentative) — around Bhai Dooj.
Temple Darshan Timings (General)	Morning Aarti: 4:00–7:00 AM Darshan: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM Closed: 3:00–5:00 PM Evening Darshan: 5:00–7:00 PM

Kedarnath Opening Date 2026 Kaise Decide Hoti Hai?

Kedarnath Opening Date 2026

• Date Maha Shivratri ke din Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath me Panchang dekhkar announce hoti hai.
• Generally Akshaya Tritiya ke baad late April–early May ke beech temple khulta hai
• 2026 me Akshaya Tritiya 19 April hai, isliye 22 April jaisi date logical window me aati hai (isliye tentatively use kar sakte ho).

Kedarnath Yatra 2026 Best Time (Mahine & Season)

April–June (Summer)

September–October (Post‑monsoon)

Kedarnath Yatra Package From Dehradun 2026

Kedarnath Yatra 2026 Registration & Important Guidelines

Registration kedarnath and badrinath yatra

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 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.