Checking when will Kedarnath temple open in 2026, along with daily darshan timings and mandatory registration rules, helps you plan a safe and well-organized Himalayan pilgrimage.
Because Kedarnath sits at an altitude of 3,583 meters in Uttarakhand, the shrine opens for only six months each year before closing for the winter snowfall.
Every year, we assist pilgrim groups from Mumbai, Pune, and Shirdi with airport drops, railway station transfers, and Tempo Traveller bookings as they begin their Char Dham Yatra.
Below is the complete 2026 Kedarnath schedule, registration checklist, and travel guide.
Kedarnath Temple 2026 Schedule: Opening Date, Closing Date & Darshan Timings
The Shri Badarinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) announces the exact Kapat (door) opening muhurat every year on Maha Shivaratri at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. For the 2026 pilgrimage season, Kedarnath Temple opened in late April on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya and remained open until Bhai Dooj in November.
| Yatra Detail | 2026 Schedule & Information | What Pilgrims Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Opening Date (Kapat Opening) | April 22, 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) | Doors opened around 6:20 AM with traditional Vedic rituals |
| Daily Morning Darshan | 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM | Temple closes from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for Bhog & cleaning |
| Daily Evening Darshan & Aarti | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Shringar Darshan & evening Aarti take place between 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
| 2026 Winter Closing Date | November 11, 2026 (Bhai Dooj) | During winter, Baba Kedarnath is worshipped at Ukhimath |
| Yatra Registration | Mandatory (Free of Cost) | Must be completed online or via WhatsApp before starting |
Daily Kedarnath Temple Darshan & Aarti Timings
During the open pilgrimage season, temple rituals follow a strict daily schedule (subject to weather and crowd conditions):
- 4:00 AM: Maha Abhishek Puja and temple doors open for general darshan.
- 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM: Continuous morning and afternoon darshan queue.
- 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Temple doors close temporarily for midday Bhog rituals and sanctum cleaning.
- 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Temple reopens for evening Shringar Darshan and Aarti before closing for the night.
Tip from our drivers: If you are travelling from Maharashtra, book an early morning flight from Mumbai or Pune to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport). Scheduling a reliable Mumbai airport taxi service or a Pune airport cab ensures you catch the first flight north and reach Haridwar or Rishikesh the same afternoon.
How to Complete Kedarnath Yatra Registration (Step-by-Step)
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board makes biometric/QR registration compulsory for every pilgrim visiting Kedarnath. Without a valid registration slip, entry past Sonprayag and Gaurikund is not permitted.
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official Uttarakhand Tourist Care Registration Portal or use the official Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile app.
- Create Your Account: Register using your active mobile number and verify via OTP.
- Select Dates & Shrine: Choose your travel dates, select Kedarnath (or full Char Dham), and enter the exact number of travellers.
- Upload ID Proof: Enter each pilgrim’s name, age, emergency contact, and upload a valid government ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport).
- Download Your Yatra Letter: Save the generated QR-coded Yatra Registration Letter on your phone and keep a printed copy in your backpack.
Visiting During Winter? (Ukhimath Winter Seat)
Once Kedarnath closes on Bhai Dooj in November for heavy winter snowfall, the sacred Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath is carried down to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath (Rudraprayag district). Devotees travelling between November and April can still offer prayers at Ukhimath, which remains accessible by road throughout winter.
Essential Travel Tips for Pilgrims from Mumbai & Pune
- Acclimatize Properly: Never rush straight from sea-level cities like Mumbai to the 16 km Gaurikund–Kedarnath trek. Spend at least one night in Guptkashi, Phata, or Sonprayag to let your body adjust to the altitude.
- Pack Heavy Woollens Even in May–June: Nighttime temperatures at Kedarnath drop close to freezing even during summer. Carry thermals, a windproof jacket, rain poncho, and sturdy trekking shoes.
- Group Transfers to Airport/Station: Travelling with family or a spiritual group? Book a spacious Tempo Traveller hire in Mumbai or Tempo Traveller hire in Pune so your entire group and heavy winter luggage reach the airport or railway station comfortably together.
- Begin With Blessings in Maharashtra: Many devotees seek blessings at Shirdi before heading to the Himalayas. You can easily plan a Mumbai to Shirdi cab trip a week before your Kedarnath departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Kedarnath Temple open in 2026?
Kedarnath Temple opened for pilgrims on April 22, 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) and closed for the winter season on November 11, 2026 (Bhai Dooj).
Is registration mandatory for Kedarnath Yatra?
Yes, online or offline Yatra registration is 100% mandatory and completely free through the Uttarakhand Government’s official portal.
Where is Lord Kedarnath worshipped when the temple is closed in winter?
During the winter months (November to April), the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath is at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, Uttarakhand.
How far is the trek to Kedarnath Temple?
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 16 km one way. Pilgrims can walk, hire ponies/palkis, or book helicopter tickets from Phata, Sirsi, or Guptkashi via the official IRCTC HeliYatra website.
We are a cab and tour transport service, not a temple or government authority. We share this guide from our travel experience and public updates—please confirm live weather alerts and portal notifications before starting your trek.
Need a Reliable Cab to Start Your Pilgrimage?
From early-morning airport pickups in Mumbai and Pune to group Tempo Travellers for station transfers, OM Sai Ram Cab offers 24×7 punctual service with courteous drivers. Call or WhatsApp us today to schedule your ride!
