Karan
Writer
Updated On - Feb 17, 2026
4 min
Published On - Feb 17, 2026
Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2026
On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, it is announced that the Kedarnath Temple is opening on 22nd April 2026 at 8:00 AM. The opening date is announced by the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) by doing all the Vedic astrological calculations. Whereas the closing date of Kedarnath Dham is almost fixed, as per hindu panchang, the Kedarnath Temple closing date is 11 November 2026 (on the occasion of Bhai Dooj).
On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, it is announced that the Kedarnath Temple is opening on 22nd April 2026 at 8:00 AM. The opening date is announced by the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) by doing all the vedic astrological calculations.
Whereas the closing date of Kedarnath Dham is almost fixed - as per hindu panchang the Kedarnath Temple closing date is 11 November 2026 (on the occasion of Bhai Dooj).
When Will Kedarnath Open in 2026?
Kedarnath
Every year, as the snow in the high Himalayas begins to melt, millions of pilgrims and travelers eagerly await the news of Kedarnath's opening. If you are planning to undertake this sacred journey in 2026, the most important questions are: when will the temple doors open, and what are the official Kedarnath opening and closing dates for 2026?
The Kedarnath Opening Date for 2026 has been officially announced as 22 April 2026. Following ancient tradition, the temple doors (kapat) will open on this auspicious day, marking the beginning of the sacred Kedarnath Yatra 2026. With the date now confirmed, devotees can confidently begin planning their pilgrimage and securing travel arrangements.
How Kedarnath Opening Dates decides ?
The Kedarnath temple will officially open on 22 April 2026. The date was ceremoniously decided according to ancient Hindu traditions on the holy occasion of Maha Shivratri at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath — the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath.
The reopening generally aligns with the sacred festival of Akshaya Tritiya, considered highly auspicious for new beginnings. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) formally confirms the date, after which preparations begin in full swing.
The opening ceremony is a grand spiritual celebration, marked by chants, rituals, and the arrival of the sacred doli procession.
| About | Details |
|---|---|
| Dham | Kedarnath Temple |
| Opening Date | 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM |
| Closing Date | 11 Nov 2026 |
Opening and Closing Dates of Kedarnath Dham 2026
Kedarnath Temple Closing Date 2026
The Kedarnath Temple will close on 11 November 2026, on the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj. Every year, the temple remains open only for six months due to extreme winter conditions in the region. After the closing rituals on Bhai Dooj, the idol of Lord Kedarnath is ceremoniously carried back to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where it is worshipped throughout the winter season.
With the temple open from 22 April 2026 to 11 November 2026, pilgrims have a clear and confirmed window to plan their Kedarnath Yatra 2026.
The Sacred Procession: What is the Doli Yatra?
Kedarnath Doli
The reopening of Kedarnath is centered around the Doli Yatra, a sacred procession that forms the heart of the opening ceremony. A few days before 22 April 2026, the symbolic idol of Lord Shiva will be placed in a beautifully decorated palanquin (doli) at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The procession then begins its spiritual journey toward Kedarnath.
The Doli Yatra signifies the formal return of Lord Kedarnath to his Himalayan abode. Accompanied by priests, devotees, traditional music, and rituals, the doli travels through villages where locals offer prayers and seek blessings. The arrival of the doli at Kedarnath on 22 April 2026 marks the ceremonial reopening of the temple doors. (Places to visit near Kedarnath )
Your Step-by-Step 2026 Yatra Planning Timeline
February/March 2026 – Date Announcement (Completed)
The official opening date (22 April 2026) has already been announced on Maha Shivratri.
March–April 2026 – Booking Phase
Complete your mandatory Kedarnath Yatra registration immediately. After registration:
Book hotels
Reserve helicopter tickets
Secure transport arrangements
22 April 2026 – Temple Opens
The temple doors officially open for devotees. Expect heavy rush during the first week.
May–June 2026 – Ideal Darshan Window
This is considered one of the best periods for darshan due to relatively stable weather after the initial opening rush.
11 November 2026 – Temple Closes
The sacred kapat will close on Bhai Dooj, marking the end of the 2026 pilgrimage season.
Weather During Opening Month
In April and May, Kedarnath experiences unpredictable mountain weather. Even during opening week:
Early mornings are extremely cold
Sudden rain or snowfall is possible
Temperatures often hover near freezing
Kedarnath Darshan Timings:
Opens around 4:00 AM
Afternoon break: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Evening aarti after reopening
How to Be Part of the Opening Ceremony of Kedarnath Yatra 2026?
Kedarnath Dham
Being part of the opening ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to help you participate.
1. Reach Kedarnath Before 22 April 2026
To witness the opening:
Plan to reach Gaurikund or Sonprayag on 20–21 April 2026
Start your trek early on 21 April (or use the helicopter service)
Stay overnight near the temple (if accommodation is available)
Opening day sees heavy rush, so arriving one day early is strongly recommended.
2. Complete Mandatory Yatra Registration
Registration is compulsory for the Kedarnath Yatra. Without Kedarnath registration, entry to the route is not allowed. You must:
Register online on the official Char Dham portal
Carry your QR-coded Yatra pass
Keep a valid ID proof
3. Witness the Sacred Doli Yatra
The opening ceremony begins with the sacred Doli Yatra from Omkareshwar Temple, the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath. The arrival of the doli marks the official reopening ritual.
If you want a deeper spiritual experience:
You can witness the doli departure from Ukhimath a few days before 22 April
Or receive the procession when it reaches Kedarnath
4. Booking Tips (Very Important)
To be part of the Kedarnath Opening Ceremony on 22 April 2026, make sure to pre-book your hotel, accommodation, or Kedarnath complete package well in advance or reach Sonprayag/Gaurikund early to avoid the heavy rush. Opening week stays, including tents and lodges, sell out very quickly. If opting for helicopter services, book only through the official IRCTC Heli Yatra portal, as seats are extremely limited and fill up within minutes.
Takeaway
With both the opening date (22 April 2026) and closing date (11 November 2026) officially confirmed, you now have a complete and clear window to plan your Kedarnath Yatra 2026 with confidence. A well-planned pilgrimage ensures not just a smooth journey—but a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling darshan.