Kedarnath Opening Date 2026: When Does the Temple Open & Close?

Kedarnath Opening Date 2026

The Kedarnath temple opens on April 30, 2026. That is Akshaya Tritiya on the Hindu calendar, the auspicious date that determines the opening of the Kedarnath shrine every year. The Badri Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) confirmed the date in early 2026.

The closing date for 2026 is on or around October 20, 2026 (Bhai Dooj), after which the shrine remains locked and under snow for approximately six months.

Both dates are official but always worth double-checking on the BKTC website (badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in) or Uttarakhand Tourism a few weeks before you travel.

Why the opening date changes every year

The Kedarnath opening date follows the Hindu lunar calendar and specifically falls on Akshaya Tritiya, the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha. In practice, Akshaya Tritiya lands somewhere between late April and mid-May. The BKTC announces the official date, usually in February or March.

Year-by-year opening and closing dates

The opening ceremony: what happens on April 30

3-4 days before opening, the Utsav Murti procession begins from the Sri Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath back to Kedarnath. The opening puja happens between 5 AM and 8 AM. By opening day, approximately 10,000-15,000 pilgrims will be present. Queue times for darshan on April 30 itself are typically 4 to 8 hours.

If your priority is the ceremony and the energy of opening day, go but plan to queue. If your priority is spending a quiet moment inside the sanctum, go in September.

Temple timings at Kedarnath

Where does the deity go in winter?

The Utsav Murti (processional idol) is relocated to the Sri Omkareshwar temple at Ukhimath in Rudraprayag district at approximately 1,311m. Prayers continue through the winter. The main Jyotirlinga stays in place at Kedarnath under snow with the doors sealed after the closing puja.

Month-by-month guide for 2026

Late April/Early May: Opening week. Snow above 3,200m, 4-8 hour darshan queues, all accommodation full. May-June: Peak crowds, best weather, 15,000-25,000 daily pilgrims. Book everything weeks ahead. July-August: Monsoon. Trail is slippery, leeches above Rambara. Crowds drop 60-70%. September: Post-monsoon clarity. Best weather, 40-50% of peak crowds. My recommended window. October: Temple closing approaches. Cold nights (0 to -5C), thin crowds, dramatic light.

How to plan your visit

For the full route breakdown from Dehradun to Kedarnath, see the Dehradun to Kedarnath route guide. For packing, see what to pack for 4,000m altitude. For registration, see the Char Dham e-pass guide.