Kedarnath opening date 2026 — confirmed date, trek, and registration guide

The Kedarnath temple kapat opened on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM. The date was announced by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) on Maha Shivratri at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where the Kedarnath idol (Panchmukhi Vigraha) winters every year from November to April.

Kedarnath sits at 3,583 m above sea level — the highest of the four Char Dham shrines. At this altitude, late April is still bitterly cold, and the 18 km trek from Gaurikund can be partially snowbound on opening day.

The temple is expected to close on 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali). The exact closing date is confirmed on Vijayadashami each year.

All four shrines opened within a five-day window this year:

Closing dates follow a similar pattern in November: Yamunotri (11 Nov), Gangotri (10 Nov), Kedarnath (11 Nov, Bhai Dooj), and Badrinath (13 Nov).

Registration is mandatory for Kedarnath Dham in 2026. You cannot enter beyond Sonprayag without a valid registration QR pass.

How to register:

Visit registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.

Create an account and select your travel date.

Book a timed slot — Kedarnath has a daily cap of 12,000 pilgrims.

Upload a government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID).

Download your QR-coded registration pass.

The registration is free. Your pass is checked at the Sonprayag barrier before you board the last vehicle to Gaurikund. No pass means no entry.

Peak dates that sell out fast: Opening week (22–30 April), weekends in May and June, and the post-monsoon October window. Book your slot as early as possible — peak-date slots can fill within hours of becoming available.

There is no road to Kedarnath. You walk, hire a pony, take a doli, or fly by helicopter. The standard route:

Start: Gaurikund (1,982 m)

End: Kedarnath Temple (3,583 m)

Distance: 18 km one way

Elevation gain: approximately 1,600 m

Walking time: 6–8 hours for a fit adult, 9–12 hours for those not acclimatised or elderly

The trail passes through Jungle Chatti, Bhimbali, Lincholi, and Rudra Point. Dhabas serving tea and basic meals are spaced every 2–3 km. Above Lincholi (around the 14 km mark), expect packed snow in late April and early May — the last 4 km can be icy. Trekking poles are strongly advised; crampons are not usually necessary.

What to carry on the trek:

Warm base layers, fleece, and a waterproof outer shell

Trekking shoes with ankle support (not sandals or sneakers)

Trekking poles (available for hire at Gaurikund, around 50–100 rupees per day)

Water and snacks for the ascent

Medicines: Diamox (acetazolamide) for altitude sickness prevention if coming from sea level, basic pain relief, ORS sachets

Leave heavy luggage at your Gaurikund or Sonprayag guesthouse. Most places offer paid storage.

Helicopter

Helicopter services to Kedarnath operate from three helipads:

IRCTC convenience fee of 300 rupees and 18% GST apply on top. Eight operators are authorised, including Pawan Hans, Himalayan Heli, Arrow Aviation, and Thumby Aviation.

Booking: Only through the official IRCTC portal at heliyatra.irctc.co.in. Bookings for the April–June window opened on 15 April 2026 at 6 PM IST. You need a valid Char Dham registration to book helicopter tickets. Slots for opening week and weekends book out within hours.

Pony and doli

Late April (opening week)

Kedarnath (3,583 m): Daytime 0–6 degrees Celsius, nights well below zero

Gaurikund (1,982 m): Daytime 10–16 degrees Celsius, nights 3–7 degrees Celsius

Snow covers the upper trail above Lincholi; expect icy patches on the last 4 km

May

Kedarnath: Daytime 3–14 degrees Celsius, nights 0–4 degrees Celsius

Snow clears from the main path by mid-May

More comfortable for trekking; still cold at night

Best months to visit

May (post-opening): Snow receding, moderate crowds, cool but manageable weather

October (post-monsoon): Clearest skies, comfortable temperatures, fewer pilgrims

Avoid July–August: Heavy monsoon rainfall causes frequent landslides on the Rishikesh–Rudraprayag–Gaurikund road

Gaurikund is the roadhead for the Kedarnath trek. Key distances:

Route: Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Agastmuni → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund.

From Sonprayag, shared jeeps run to Gaurikund (5 km, 40–60 rupees per person). Private vehicles are not allowed beyond Sonprayag.

Pahadi Express taxi service covers Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Gaurikund/Sonprayag with drivers who know the mountain roads and seasonal checkpoint timings. Book a taxi on WhatsApp →

What is the Kedarnath kapat opening date for 2026?

Is registration mandatory for Kedarnath 2026?

How long is the Kedarnath trek?

How much does a helicopter to Kedarnath cost in 2026?

When is the best time to visit Kedarnath?

When does Kedarnath temple close in 2026?

Kedarnath ke kapat kab khulenge 2026?

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