Kedarnath Opening Date 2026
The sacred Kedarnath Temple — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva — opens its doors each year after a winter break of nearly six months. Here is everything you need to know about the Kedarnath Temple opening date 2026, registration, helicopter booking, and how to plan your yatra.
Official Opening Date
22 April 2026
The temple Kapats (doors) open at Brahma Muhurta on the auspicious date announced by the Kedarnath Devasthanam Board. The opening ceremony is presided over by the head priest with full Vedic rituals. Thousands of pilgrims gather at the temple premises to witness the first darshan of the season.
📅 Opening Date Details
❄️ Kedarnath Closing Date 2026
Late October / Early November 2026
Occasion: Bhaiya Dooj (Day after Diwali)
The temple Kapats close every year on Bhaiya Dooj, typically falling in late October or early November. For 2026, the exact closing date will be announced by the Kedarnath Devasthanam Board. After closing, the Utsav Murti (processional idol) of Lord Kedarnath is taken to Ukhimath in Rudraprayag district, where it resides during the winter months (November to April).
📋 Registration Update 2026
Registration is Mandatory
All pilgrims must register online before starting their Kedarnath Yatra. Walk-in access is strictly limited during peak season.
Portal is Free of Cost
Registration on the official Devasthanam / BKTC portal is free. Beware of third-party sites charging fees for registration.
Biometric Verification at Checkpoints
Biometric data (photo + fingerprint) is collected at Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Gaurikund for pilgrim safety and crowd management.
Registration Tip: Online slots for popular dates (opening week, weekends in May–June) fill up within hours of release. Set a reminder and register on the first day bookings open — typically 1–2 months before the temple opening.
🚁 Helicopter Booking Update 2026
Booking Opens
March–April 2026 (approx.)
Helipads
Phata, Guptkashi, Sitapur
Flight Duration
~15–20 minutes one-way
Operator Types
Government & Private certified
Helicopter services for Kedarnath 2026 will be bookable via heliservices.uk.gov.in (official) and authorized private operators. Slots are limited and highly sought-after — especially for the opening week and long weekends. It is strongly advised to book immediately when booking opens. Pilgrims with mobility issues or elderly devotees should prioritize helicopter booking early.
🚁 View Kedarnath Helicopter Details →🗓️ Expected Crowd & Best Time to Visit
May – June
High CrowdPleasant, sunny days, cold nights
Best for darshan but book everything well in advance. Opening week is extremely crowded.
July – August
Moderate CrowdMonsoon – heavy rain, fog, landslide risk
Trek route may be slippery. Helicopter operations can be suspended. Not ideal for first-time visitors.
September – October
Low–Moderate CrowdCool, clear skies, snow on peaks
Best overall experience — less crowded, beautiful scenery, stable weather. Ideal for trekking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Kedarnath Temple opening date 2026, registration, and yatra planning.
🗺️ Plan Your Kedarnath Yatra
Everything you need for a smooth and memorable Kedarnath pilgrimage.
Complete Kedarnath Yatra Guide
Trek routes, darshan timings, puja details, weather, what to pack, and everything else for your Kedarnath pilgrimage.
Explore Kedarnath Guide →Hotels for Kedarnath Stay
Explore all hotel options across Gaurikund, Sonprayag, and Guptkashi for your Kedarnath stay.
View Hotels →Kedarnath Helicopter Booking
Skip the 16 km trek. Book helicopter services from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sitapur and reach Kedarnath in under 20 minutes.
Book Helicopter →Ready for Kedarnath 2026?
Register early, book your helicopter, and plan your stay to make the most of your sacred pilgrimage to Lord Shiva's abode.