Guide to Kedarnath Darshan 2026:Sevas & Timings

The Shri Kedarnath Temple, managed by the Shri Badarinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), stands as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. Perched at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the temple is enveloped by the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The temple’s origins are ancient, with the present structure believed to have been established by the philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya. It holds a central place in Hindu mythology, closely associated with the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata, who are said to have built an earlier temple here to atone for their sins after the Kurukshetra war.

The temple’s imposing stone architecture, built with massive stone slabs, withstands the region’s harsh winters, where it remains submerged in snow for nearly six months each year. During this closure, the deity’s symbolic idol is ceremoniously transferred to Ukhimath for worship . The spiritual atmosphere, combined with the awe-inspiring natural beauty, makes the journey to Kedarnath a transformative experience for millions of devotees annually.

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Kedarnath Temple 2026 Overview

Before embarking on your pilgrimage, here are the most crucial details for the 2026 season.

Aspect	Details for 2026
Opening Date & Time	22 April 2026 at 7:00 AM
Closing Date	11 November 2026 (Tentative, around Bhai Dooj)
Governing Body	Shri Badarinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC)
Primary Deity	Lord Shiva (As a Jyotirlinga)
Altitude	~3,583 meters (11,755 ft)
Yatra Registration	Mandatory for all pilgrims
Best Visiting Months	May-June and September-October

Temple Timings and Daily Schedule

The temple follows a specific daily schedule, with special time slots for rituals and public darshan. Note that the temple closes for a few hours in the afternoon for cleaning and bhog (holy food offering).

Ritual / Activity	Time Slot	Important Notes
Morning Aarti	4:00 AM – 7:00 AM	A spiritually charged ceremony; slots may be booked.
General Darshan	7:00 AM – 3:00 PM	Open for all pilgrims after morning rituals.
Temple Closure	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Temple is closed for cleaning and bhog preparation.
Evening General Darshan	5:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Darshan resumes in the evening.
Evening Aarti	6:00 PM – 7:30 PM	Another key ritual; timing may extend in summer.

Available Sevas, Darshans, and Puja Prices

Devotees can participate in various sevas and pujas at the temple, ranging from simple aartis to elaborate abhishek ceremonies. These can be booked online through the official BKTC website . Here is a summary of key pujas and their estimated costs for 2026.

Puja / Seva Name	Timing	Price (Approx. INR)	Key Description
Mahabhishek Puja	Early Morning (e.g., 4:30 AM)	₹ 9,500	An elaborate abhishek ritual for a group of up to 5 people.
Rudrabhishek Puja	Early Morning	₹ 7,200	A sacred chanting and offering ritual for Lord Shiva.
Shodashopachaar Puja	Morning	₹ 5,500	A puja performed with sixteen specific offerings.
Entire Evening Aarti	6:00 PM onwards	₹ 2,800	Booking for the complete evening aarti ceremony.
Kapoor Aarti	Evening (e.g., 6:00-6:10 PM)	₹ 201	A shorter, fragrant aarti with camphor.
Atka Prasad (By Post)	N/A	₹ 585 – ₹ 1,270	Blessed temple prasad delivered to your home.

Important Note on Booking: Pujas like Mahabhishek are attending pujas, meaning the devotee’s physical presence is required. You must carry a valid government photo ID and the booking receipt to the puja counter. For morning abhishek pujas, you are advised to secure your time slot at the counter one day prior.

How to Reach Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath is not directly accessible by road. The final leg of the journey involves a trek from Gaurikund. Here are the common routes:

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (approx. 225 km away). From here, you can hire a taxi to Gaurikund via Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, and Sonprayag.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Rishikesh (approx. 205 km from Kedarnath). Well-connected trains from Delhi and other parts of India arrive here. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh to Gaurikund.
By Road: The motorable road ends at Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, pilgrims must take a shared taxi or bus for the last 5 km to Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the trek.
The Final Trek: From Gaurikund, it is a traditional 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple. The path is well-defined but steep. Alternatives for the trek include:
- On Foot: The most common and pious way.
- Pony / Mule: Available for hire at Gaurikund.
- Palanquin (Dandi): Carried by porters, suitable for the elderly or disabled.
- Helicopter: Services operate from Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi to the Kedarnath helipad, which is close to the temple .

How to Book Darshan and Puja Tickets

All official bookings for the Kedarnath Yatra are managed online through government portals.

Mandatory Yatra Registration:Before any other booking, every pilgrim must register for the Char Dham Yatra. This free registration is compulsory.
- Website: Visit https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.
- Process: Create an account, fill in details for all pilgrims, and obtain a Yatra Registration Letter with a QR code. This must be presented at checkpoints.
- App: You can also register via the ‘Tourist Care Uttarakhand’ mobile app.
Booking Pujas and Darshans:
- Official Website: Use the BKTC’s official portal: https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in. Navigate to the ‘Online Services’ section and select ‘Book Puja Online’.
- Select Puja: Browse available pujas, choose your date and time slot, and make the payment online.
- Keep Records: Save and print the receipt. Carry it with a government photo ID for verification at the temple.
Helicopter Tickets:
- Helicopter services are booked separately through the official IRCTC portal: https://heliyatra.irctc.co.in.

Nearby Attractions

Your spiritual journey can include visits to several other sacred and scenic spots near Kedarnath:

Vasuki Tal: A high-altitude glacial lake located about 8 km further uphill, known for its breathtaking beauty.
Gaurikund: The trek starting point, home to a thermal spring and the temple of Goddess Gauri, Lord Shiva’s consort.
Shri Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi: Located right behind the Kedarnath Temple, this is the sacred spot where the saint is believed to have attained liberation.
Guptkashi: A significant town on the route, famous for the ancient Vishwanath and Ardhanarishwara temples .
Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila: Part of the Panch Kedar circuit. Tungnath is the world’s highest Shiva temple, and Chandrashila Peak offers a spectacular Himalayan panorama.

Important Instructions for Visitors

Registration is a Must: No devotee is allowed to visit without the compulsory Yatra Registration.
Health is Priority: The high altitude can cause sickness. Acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and carry necessary medicines. Health check-up centers are set up along the route .
Follow Temple Etiquette: As per recent guidelines, touching idols, bells, or religious books in the temple courtyard is not allowed. Apply tika or give prasad only in designated areas.
Pack Appropriately: Weather is extremely unpredictable. Carry heavy woolens, raincoats, waterproof shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The temperature can drop below freezing, even in summer.
Carry Cash: ATMs are scarce, especially beyond Sonprayag. Carry sufficient cash for porter fees, food, and emergencies.
Respect the Environment: Help keep the Himalayas clean. Avoid plastic and dispose of waste in designated bins.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation ranges from basic lodges near the temple to more comfortable hotels at lower altitudes.

Area / Type of Stay	Proximity to Temple	Expected Amenities & Notes
GMVN Cottages & Lodges (Kedarnath Town)	Closest (within 500m)	Basic, government-run; essential bedding; book very early; extremely cold at night.
GMVN Pre-fab Huts (Linchauli/Bhimbali)	On the trek path (4-9 km before)	Very basic bunkhouses; useful for breaking the trek; no luxury amenities.
Private Lodges & Dharamshalas (Gaurikund)	Trek start point (16 km away)	Budget-friendly; often crowded; parking is tight.
Private Hotels & Resorts (Sonprayag/Guptkashi)	30-35 km from temple	More comfortable; better facilities (hot water, restaurants, parking); ideal for families.
Helipad-area Hotels (Phata/Sersi)	Helicopter boarding points	Convenient for helicopter passengers; confirm slot timing before booking.

Dos and Don’ts at the Temple

Dos	Don’ts
Register online and carry your QR code/ID .	Do not attempt the yatra without mandatory registration.
Dress modestly and respectfully.	Do not wear leather items inside the temple premises.
Follow instructions from priests and security personnel.	Do not touch the main idol or temple artifacts.
Maintain silence and decorum inside the sanctum.	Do not litter on the trek or in the temple complex.
Start your trek early in the day to avoid afternoon weather changes.	Do not overexert yourself; be mindful of altitude sickness symptoms.
Keep your belongings safe and secure.	Do not rely on digital payments; carry enough cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Kedarnath Temple close in 2026?
The temple is expected to close for winter on November 11, 2026, two days after Diwali on the day of Bhai Dooj .

Is there a limit on the number of visitors?
Yes, authorities regulate the daily number of pilgrims for safety. In recent years, the daily limit for Kedarnath darshan has been around 15,000 devotees.

What is the best time to visit Kedarnath in 2026?
The ideal months are May to June (pleasant weather) and September to October (clear skies after monsoon). The opening month (April) can still be very cold, and July-August experience heavy rainfall and landslides.

Are there medical facilities available on the route?
Yes, the Uttarakhand government has set up Medical Relief Posts (MRPs), health centers, and deployed ambulances along the yatra route for 2026. Helicopter ambulances are also on standby for emergencies.

Can senior citizens visit Kedarnath?
Yes. For those unable to trek, services like palanquins (dandis), ponies, and helicopters are available. It is strongly advised that seniors consult a doctor before the journey due to the high altitude and strenuous conditions.