Kedarnath Opening and Closing Date 2026

If you’re planning your Kedarnath yatra this year, the first thing to pin down is the Kedarnath opening and closing date. Miss the window — and you’re driving 200+ km to find a shut temple gate. That happens more often than you’d think. So here’s the complete, verified picture for 2026, including the ritual behind the dates, daily timings, and what happens when the temple closes for winter.

Kedarnath Opening Date 2026

The Kedarnath Temple will open on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM. This has been officially announced by the Shri Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC).

The announcement was made during a religious ceremony led by BKTC Chairman Ajendra Ajay at the Panchkedar Gaddisthal Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. The Rawal, Acharya, and senior Vedapathis confirmed the date after calculating the auspicious Muhurat from the Hindu Panchang.

This follows the tradition every year — the opening date is determined by the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya and declared on Maha Shivratri.

Kedarnath Closing Date 2026: When Does the Temple Shut?

The tentative closing date of the temple is 11 November 2026. The final date will be declared officially on Vijayadashami.

The closing date is fixed — the temple shuts two days after Diwali, on the occasion of Bhai Dooj, following the morning Pooja Archana. There’s a beautiful ceremony that accompanies this too — the Kapat-band ritual marks the formal farewell to Lord Shiva at Kedarnath for the season.

After the final Aarti is finished, the idol is transported to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where it is worshipped during the winter months. Priests place an Akhand Jyot — a lamp that burns continuously for six months inside the locked temple. This symbolises that the divine presence remains, even when the doors are closed.

Why Does Kedarnath Close Every Year?

This isn’t a recent arrangement. It’s been going on for centuries.

Kedarnath Dham is located at an altitude of 3,581 metres, in the Mandakini valley, amidst lofty mountain peaks. During winter, the temple and surrounding area receive heavy snowfall, making the entire region inaccessible for months.

The idol of Lord Kedarnath — a five-faced Shivling — is safely moved to Ukhimath for this reason. After the temple closes, the idol of Lord Kedarnath is shifted to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, where worship continues throughout winter. Devotees visiting Ukhimath during winter months can still take darshan there.

What most people don’t realise — the Kedarnath temple doesn’t just hibernate. The sacred flame keeps burning inside, and the priests perform pooja at Ukhimath as if the lord never left. From a spiritual standpoint, the pilgrimage simply continues at a different address.

Kedarnath Temple Daily Darshan and Aarti Timings

Knowing the seasonal opening date is only half the picture. Once you’re there, the daily schedule matters just as much.

Before 3:00 PM, visitors can touch the idol and perform Abhishek with ghee. After 5:00 PM, touching the idol is not permitted, but darshan from a distance is allowed — at which point the idol is dressed in royal attire.

One practical tip from on-ground experience: arrive before 7:30 AM if you want to witness the Maha Abhishek without enormous queues. Peak season (May–June) sees thousands of pilgrims arriving at dawn. Mid-morning queues can stretch to 3–4 hours.

Year-by-Year Reference: Recent Opening & Closing Dates

In 2025, over 55,000 pilgrims visited the Kedarnath Temple within the first two days of its opening on 2 May 2025. The rush is real — and that’s exactly why knowing the dates in advance, and planning travel accordingly, makes the difference between a smooth yatra and a chaotic one.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath: Month-by-Month View

May–June — Temple freshly open, pleasant weather (8–15°C), high energy. Expect large crowds, especially in May. Accommodation in Kedarnath and Gaurikund books out fast.

September–October — The insider’s favourite. Post-monsoon clarity, quieter queues, and crisp Himalayan air. Many experienced pilgrims swear by this window for a more personal darshan.

July–August — Temple is open, but monsoon brings frequent landslides on the approach roads. The route from Gaurikund is especially vulnerable. Not the best time unless your schedule leaves no option.

November (before closing) — Serene, minimal footfall, and the atmosphere before the Kapat-band ceremony is deeply moving. Travel with extra warm layers — temperatures drop fast.

Important Things to Know Before You Go

• Yatra registration is mandatory. Register on the official Uttarakhand Tourism portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) before departure. You’ll need your Aadhaar details and a passport photo.
• BKTC has banned mobile phones inside the temple. This rule was introduced ahead of the 2025 season. Keep your phone in your bag or at the shoe counter before entering.
• No entry fee. There is no entry fee for general darshan at Kedarnath temple. Special pujas like Maha Abhishek cost ₹9,500 for up to five family members.
• The Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek is 18 km. Ponies, dolis (palanquins), and helicopter services are available for those unable to trek.
• Always verify closing dates close to Diwali. The final closing date is announced on Vijayadashami, so check the BKTC official website (badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in) before travelling in late October or November.

FAQs

Q. What is the Kedarnath opening date in 2026?

The Kedarnath Temple will open on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM, as officially confirmed by BKTC.

Q. When does Kedarnath close in 2026?

The tentative closing date is 11 November 2026. The final date will be declared on Vijayadashami.

Q. Who decides the Kedarnath opening and closing dates?

The priests at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, under the guidance of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, decide the dates using the Hindu Panchang.

Q. Where is Lord Kedarnath’s idol kept in winter?

The idol is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship continues throughout the six winter months.

Q. Is there any entry fee for Kedarnath darshan?

No. General darshan is completely free.

Q. Can senior citizens visit Kedarnath?

Yes. Pony rides, doli (palanquin) service, and helicopter services from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi are available as alternatives to the 18 km trek.

The Kedarnath yatra isn’t just a trip — for most people who’ve made it, it’s one of those journeys that resets something inside. Plan around the opening and closing dates, check road conditions, carry warm layers, and go with enough patience for the mountains to work on their own schedule.