Kedarnath, located in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. The Kedarnath Temple, situated at 3,583 metres (11,755 feet) near the Mandakini River, is one of Lord Shiva's twelve Jyotirlingas and the first of the Panch Kedar. In 2026, Kedarnath opens on April 22 and closes around November 11. Reaching the temple requires a 16 km trek from Gaurikund, or a helicopter from Phata or Sirsi helipad. Our Kedarnath tour packages start at ₹8,900 per person and cover all routes, durations, and budgets.
We offer 14 Kedarnath packages — from a 3-day Kedarnath Yatra from Haridwar to a 5-day Kedarnath tour from Delhi, a Do Dham package combining Kedarnath and Badrinath, and helicopter options from Dehradun for pilgrims who cannot trek. All packages include hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, and a private vehicle. Char Dham Yatra registration — mandatory at the Sonprayag checkpoint — is handled by our team before departure.
For those choosing the helicopter route, our Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter departs from Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Kedarnath with a transit at Phata or Sirsi helipad, followed by a 7-minute shuttle to the temple. This is the most suitable option for senior citizens and pilgrims who cannot undertake the 16 km trek.
Kedarnath at a Glance
- Location: Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 3,583 metres (11,755 feet)
- Deity: Lord Shiva — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the first of the Panch Kedar temples
- Temple Opens: April 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM
- Temple Closes: November 11, 2026 (tentative; final date confirmed by BKTC on Vijayadashami)
- Trek Distance: 16 km one way from Gaurikund
- Trek Cutoff Time: Pilgrims must start from Gaurikund before 1:30 PM daily
- Registration: Mandatory — registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Packages Starting From: ₹8,900 per person
- Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October 2026
Kedarnath Temple Opening & Closing Dates 2026
- Temple: Kedarnath Dham
- Opening Date: April 22, 2026
- Opening Time: 8:00 AM
- Closing Date (Tentative): November 11, 2026 (Bhai Dooj)
The opening date is declared every year on Mahashivratri by the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) — April 22, 2026 is the confirmed opening. The Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath departs from Ukhimath a few days before opening; pilgrims can witness the Doli Yatra at Ukhimath or Guptkashi en route to Gaurikund.
The closing date falls on Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali. In 2026, the tentative closing date is November 11. The final confirmed date is announced on Vijayadashami (Dussehra) by BKTC. After closing, the deity shifts to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath for the winter months.
Char Dham Yatra Registration 2026 — Mandatory
Free registration at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in is mandatory for every pilgrim visiting Kedarnath in 2026. You receive a QR code by SMS and email. Carry both printed and digital copies. The QR code is verified at the Sonprayag checkpoint, 5 km before Gaurikund. Pilgrims without registration are turned back here without exception.
Documents needed: Aadhaar card (original + photocopy). Medical certificate required for pilgrims above 50 years. Our team completes registration for all booked pilgrims before departure.
Places To Visit On The Kedarnath Yatra
Kedarnath Temple
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the first of the five Panch Kedar shrines. The present stone temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century and is over 1,200 years old. On a clear morning, the Kedar Dome summit (6,831m) and surrounding snow peaks are visible from the temple courtyard. General darshan begins at 6:00 AM; entry is free.
Gaurikund
The base camp for the trek at 1,982m. Gaurikund has a natural hot spring and the Gaurikund Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Gauri). The kund is believed to be where Goddess Parvati meditated before her union with Lord Shiva. The trail to Kedarnath begins from here.
Bhairavnath Temple
Located 500 metres from Kedarnath temple. Bhairavnath is the protector deity of Kedarnath — believed to guard the valley during the six winter months when the main shrine is closed. Pilgrims traditionally visit after Kedarnath darshan.
Triyuginarayan Temple
Located 12 km from Sonprayag on a separate road. The Akhand Dhuni (eternal flame) here has been burning since the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which is believed to have taken place at this site. Often included as an evening excursion on the Kedarnath route.
Vasuki Tal
A glacial lake at 4,135m, 6 km from Kedarnath on a separate trail. Offers close views of the Chaukhamba summit group. This is an optional add-on for trekking enthusiasts and is not part of standard packages.
Kedarnath Trek Guide 2026
- The Kedarnath trek is 16 km one way from Gaurikund (1,982m) to Kedarnath Temple (3,583m). The trail passes Jungle Chatti (4 km), Bheembali (7 km), and Linchauli (11 km). Most pilgrims complete the ascent in 6–8 hours.
- Trek Rules — Rudraprayag District Administration: • Start from Gaurikund before 1:30 PM daily — no exceptions • Begin descent from Kedarnath before 5:00 PM daily
- Alternatives to trekking: • Pony: Available at Gaurikund — approx. ₹3,000–₹4,500 one way (rates vary by season) • Palki (doli): 4-bearer carry — approx. ₹8,000–₹12,000 one way (rates vary) • Helicopter: Phata or Sirsi helipad to Kedarnath — 7 minutes. Price: ₹4,000–₹7,000 per person one way. Book at irctc.co.in or approved operators
- What to carry: • Aadhaar card + Char Dham registration QR code • Warm layers — 5–8°C at Kedarnath even in May–June • Rain jacket — essential May through September • Water bottle and glucose tablets • Trekking pole — available to rent at Gaurikund for ₹50–₹100
Kedarnath Temple Darshan Timings 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|
| 4:00 AM | Abhishek Aarti (advance booking with BKTC required) |
| 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Morning general darshan |
| 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Temple closed for afternoon rituals |
| 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Evening darshan |
| 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Sringar Aarti (evening) |
Entry is free for all devotees. General darshan requires no ticket. For the 4:00 AM Abhishek Aarti, advance booking with BKTC is required — our team coordinates this on request for all booked pilgrims.
Best Time for Kedarnath Yatra 2026
| Season | Months | Temperature at Kedarnath | Conditions |
|---|
| Opening Season | Late April – May | 5°C – 15°C | Temple freshly opens, some snow remains around higher areas, and crowds are moderate. |
| Peak Season | May – June | 8°C – 15°C | Best weather conditions for travel. Maximum pilgrim footfall; accommodation and helicopter tickets should be booked 4–6 weeks in advance. |
| Monsoon Season | July – August | 10°C – 15°C | Frequent rainfall, slippery trekking routes, and possible landslide-related disruptions on approach roads. |
| Post-Monsoon Season | September – October | 2°C – 12°C | Clear mountain views, stable weather, fewer pilgrims, and considered one of the best periods for darshan. |
| Closing Season | 11 November 2026* | –2°C to 8°C | Final darshan opportunity before the temple closes for winter. Cold weather and limited services. |
October is the most recommended month — clear skies, stable trail, and significantly fewer crowds than May–June. Carry warm clothes regardless of travel month. For July– August travel, the helicopter is safer than the trek given monsoon trail conditions.
Note for web team: Best Season icons show July as valid. The temple is open but trek is risky in July. Recommend tooltip: "Monsoon — helicopter advised over trek."
How to Reach Kedarnath
- By Train Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest major railhead — connected to Delhi (Shatabdi: 4.5 hours), Mumbai, and Lucknow. From Haridwar, the package vehicle takes you to Gaurikund (approximately 220 km, 8–9 hours) via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi.
- By Air Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (35 km from Haridwar) is connected to Delhi (1 hour), Mumbai, and Bengaluru. For helicopter packages, departure is from Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun — approximately 45 minutes by road from the airport.
- By Road Delhi to Haridwar: 210 km via NH58, approximately 5–6 hours. Haridwar to Gaurikund: approximately 220 km via Rishikesh–Rudraprayag–Guptkashi–Sonprayag, 8–9 hours. Beyond Sonprayag, private vehicles are restricted — shared jeeps cover the final 5 km to Gaurikund. From Gaurikund: 16 km trek, pony, palki, or helicopter to Kedarnath.
FAQs
Q1. What is the price of Kedarnath tour packages in 2026?
Ans: Packages start from ₹8,900 per person for a 3-day/2-night package from Haridwar. The 5-day from Delhi starts at ₹12,800. Helicopter packages start at ₹85,000. All prices are per person on twin sharing — contact us for exact 2026 rates.
Q2. When does Kedarnath open and close in 2026?
Ans: Kedarnath opens April 22, 2026 at 8:00 AM. The tentative closing date is November 11, 2026 (Bhai Dooj) — final date confirmed by BKTC on Vijayadashami. After closing, the deity shifts to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.
Q3. Is Char Dham registration mandatory for Kedarnath?
Ans: Yes. Free registration at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in is mandatory. You receive a QR code verified at the Sonprayag checkpoint before Gaurikund. Without it, pilgrims are turned back. Our team completes this for all booked pilgrims before departure.
Q4. How long is the Kedarnath trek?
Ans: 16 km one way from Gaurikund (1,982m) to Kedarnath Temple (3,583m). Most pilgrims complete the ascent in 6–8 hours. Trekking must begin from Gaurikund before 1:30 PM.
Q5. What are the alternatives to the Kedarnath trek?
Ans: Pony (approx. ₹3,000–₹4,500) and palki/doli (approx. ₹8,000–₹12,000 one way) are available at Gaurikund. Helicopter from Phata or Sirsi takes 7 minutes to Kedarnath — ₹4,000–₹7,000 one way, bookable at irctc.co.in.
Q6. What are the Kedarnath darshan timings in 2026?
Ans: General darshan: 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Temple closes 3–5 PM for rituals. Sringar Aarti is at 7:30 PM. Entry is free for all.
Q7. Which Kedarnath package should I choose?
Ans: If you are in Haridwar or Rishikesh, the 3-day package from Haridwar (₹8,900) is the right choice. If you are travelling from Delhi and want a complete circuit with Haridwar and Rishikesh stays, choose the 5-day from Delhi (₹12,800). For senior citizens or those unable to trek, the helicopter package is the most practical option.
Q8. Is the Kedarnath yatra suitable for senior citizens?
Ans: Yes. Pony and palki are available at Gaurikund. The helicopter from Phata or Sirsi is the most comfortable option — direct to Kedarnath in 7 minutes. Our team coordinates pony and palki arrangements at Gaurikund for all booked pilgrims.
Q9. What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?
Ans: May–June for the opening season with good weather. September–October for clearer skies, stable roads, and fewer crowds. October is widely considered the best month. Avoid July–August for the trek — monsoon makes the trail slippery and approach roads risky.
Q10. What are the important places to visit near Kedarnath?
Ans: Gaurikund Temple and hot spring before the trek. Bhairavnath Temple (500m from Kedarnath). Triyuginarayan Temple (12 km from Sonprayag — eternal flame, site of Shiva-Parvati wedding). Vasuki Tal glacial lake (optional 6 km trek from Kedarnath).
Q11. What documents should I carry for the Kedarnath Yatra?
Ans: Aadhaar card (original + photocopy) and Char Dham registration QR code (printed + digital). Medical certificate for pilgrims above 50 years. Keep all documents accessible at the Sonprayag checkpoint. Also carry warm layers, a rain jacket, and water.
Q12. Can I combine Kedarnath with Badrinath?
Ans: Yes. Our Do Dham package covers both in 5 days/4 nights from Haridwar at ₹12,800. A helicopter Do Dham from Dehradun is also available at ₹1,30,000. Both are listed in the packages grid above.
