The sacred Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, will reopen its doors to devotees on April 22, 2026. The announcement was made on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri by the temple authorities.
Every year, lakhs of devotees wait eagerly for the reopening of this Himalayan shrine, which remains closed during winter due to extreme snowfall. If you are planning your pilgrimage in 2026, here is a complete guide covering dates, travel tips, registration details, and important information.
Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2026
- Opening Date: April 22, 2026
- Expected Opening Time: Early morning (around 7 AM)
- Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 3,583 meters (11,755 feet)
The temple remains closed during winter (usually from November to April) as the region experiences heavy snowfall. During this time, the idol of Lord Kedarnath is shifted to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath for worship.
Significance of Kedarnath
Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and holds immense religious importance. It is also part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra, which includes:
- Badrinath Temple
- Gangotri Temple
- Yamunotri Temple
Completing the Char Dham Yatra is believed to cleanse devotees of sins and bring spiritual liberation.
Why the Temple Closes in Winter
Kedarnath experiences extreme cold and heavy snowfall during winter months. The temperature can drop below -10°C, making it impossible for pilgrims to visit. Therefore:
- Temple closes around Bhai Dooj (October/November)
- Reopens in April or May
- Deity is worshipped in Ukhimath during winter
How to Reach Kedarnath in 2026
1. By Air
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- From there, taxis and buses are available to Sonprayag or Gaurikund.
2. By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh or Haridwar
- Well connected to major Indian cities.
3. By Road
- Road access up to Gaurikund
- From Gaurikund, a 16–18 km trek leads to Kedarnath Temple.
4. Helicopter Services
Helicopter services operate from:
- Phata
- Guptkashi
- Sersi
Advance booking is recommended due to high demand.
Kedarnath Registration Process 2026
Registration for the Char Dham Yatra is mandatory. You can:
- Register online through the official Uttarakhand tourism portal
- Register via mobile app
- Complete biometric registration at designated centers
Carry valid ID proof and travel documents.
Best Time to Visit After Opening
Although the temple opens on April 22, weather conditions can still be cold in April.
Ideal Visiting Months:
- May to June (pleasant weather)
- September to October (post-monsoon clarity)
Avoid:
- July–August (monsoon season; landslide risk)
Weather Conditions in April 2026
- Day Temperature: 5°C to 12°C
- Night Temperature: Below 0°C
- Possibility of snowfall in early season
Carry:
- Heavy woolens
- Thermal wear
- Waterproof jackets
- Trekking shoes
Important Travel Tips for 2026 Pilgrims
- Book accommodation in advance.
- Carry basic medicines and first aid.
- Stay hydrated during the trek.
- Avoid plastic usage (eco-sensitive zone).
- Follow government advisories and weather updates.
- Start the trek early in the morning.
Accommodation Options Near Kedarnath
- GMVN guest houses
- Dharamshalas
- Budget hotels in Sonprayag & Guptkashi
- Luxury camps (seasonal)
Advance booking is strongly recommended due to high demand during opening week.
Estimated Travel Cost (Approximate)
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration | Free |
| Trek/Pony | ₹2,000–₹5,000 |
| Helicopter (one way) | ₹6,000–₹8,000 |
| Stay (per night) | ₹800–₹5,000 |
Costs may vary depending on season and availability.
Why Visit Kedarnath in 2026?
- Spiritual experience in the Himalayas
- Part of sacred Char Dham pilgrimage
- Scenic mountain beauty
- Fresh Himalayan air and peaceful atmosphere
- Once-in-a-lifetime divine journey
The reopening of Kedarnath Temple on April 22, 2026, marks the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra season. Pilgrims from across India and abroad will gather to seek blessings of Lord Shiva in this sacred Himalayan shrine.
If you are planning your visit, start preparations early, complete registration in advance, and monitor weather updates for a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
Har Har Mahadev!
Rajil M P is a seasoned banking professional with over eight years of experience in the Indian banking sector. He has successfully completed the JAIIB and CAIIB examinations conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF), reflecting his strong academic foundation and practical expertise in banking, finance, and risk management. He is the founder and editor of IndianBanker.com, a trusted platform focused on banking news, exam preparation, financial updates, and practical tools for banking aspirants, professionals, and informed readers. Drawing from real-world banking experience, Rajil simplifies complex topics such as interest rates, loans, deposits, RBI policies, and government schemes, making them easy to understand and apply.
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