Kedarnath Opening Date 2026: official date and planning notes
Kedarnath temple opened on 22 April 2026. Check the official Uttarakhand registration portal for current registration, weather and yatra notices before travel.
Kedarnath Opening Date 2026
The Kedarnath temple opened on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) announced the date on Maha Shivratri, 15 February 2026, after Panchang calculations at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, the shrine's winter seat.
The closing date is expected on or around 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali). It is not yet official. BKTC confirms the closing date on Vijayadashami. After it closes, the shrine stays locked and under snow for roughly six months.
The opening date is confirmed. The closing date is still tentative, so check the BKTC site (badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in) or Uttarakhand Tourism before booking anything non-refundable for late October or November.
Why the opening date changes every year
The opening is set by the Panchang, not by a fixed calendar date, and lands near Akshaya Tritiya, the third day of the bright fortnight of Vaishakha. In practice the temple opens somewhere between late April and mid-May. The BKTC announces the date each year on Maha Shivratri. It does not always land exactly on Akshaya Tritiya, which is why 2026 opened on 22 April.
Year-by-year opening and closing dates
| Year | Opening | Closing | Best Month | Snow at Opening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 22 | ~Nov 11 (tentative) | September | High (40-60 cm above 3,200m) |
| 2025 | May 2 | ~Oct 22 | September | Moderate-High |
| 2024 | May 10 | ~Nov 3 | Sep-Oct | Moderate |
| 2023 | April 25 | ~Nov 14 | September | High |
| 2022 | May 6 | ~Oct 27 | September | Moderate |
| 2021 | May 17 | ~Nov 6 | September | Low-Moderate |
| 2020 | COVID-19 | -- | -- | -- |
| 2019 | May 9 | ~Nov 1 | September | Moderate |
The opening ceremony: what happens on opening day
The Panchmukhi Doli left Ukhimath on 19 April, reached Gaurikund on 20 April and arrived at Kedarnath Dham on 21 April. The kapat opened at 8:00 AM on 22 April. Roughly 10,000-15,000 pilgrims are present on opening day and darshan queues run 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
| Timeslot | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00-6:00 AM | Abhishek | Advance booking required, Rs 1,100-3,500 |
| 6:00 AM-3:00 PM | Morning darshan | General entry, queue-based |
| 3:00-5:00 PM | Evening aarti | Viewing inside sabha mandap |
| 5:00-9:00 PM | Evening darshan | General entry |
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: Opening week (22 April in 2026). 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.
Frequently asked questions
When did Kedarnath open in 2026?
Kedarnath temple opened on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM. The date was announced by the BKTC on Maha Shivratri, 15 February 2026, at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.
When does Kedarnath close in 2026?
The expected closing date is around 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali). BKTC confirms it on Vijayadashami, so treat it as tentative until then.
How is the opening date decided?
Priests at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath calculate it from the Panchang. It falls near Akshaya Tritiya, somewhere between late April and mid-May, and is announced on Maha Shivratri.
Is it good to visit on opening day?
Extraordinary atmosphere but 4-8 hour darshan queues, significant snow above 3,200m, and all accommodation completely full. Book months in advance.
What are temple timings at Kedarnath?
Morning darshan 6 AM to 3 PM. Evening aarti 3-5 PM. Evening darshan 5-9 PM. Abhishek slot 4-6 AM (advance booking required).
Where does the idol go in winter?
The Utsav Murti goes to the Sri Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, Rudraprayag district. The main Shivalingam stays at Kedarnath under snow.
What is the best month to avoid crowds?
September. Post-monsoon clarity, dry trail, temperatures 3-14C, and crowds at roughly 40-50% of the May peak.
Last updated: May 2026
Where this guide applies
Destinations