If you're planning a pilgrimage to the holy Kedarnath Temple in 2026, you must know how to plan your yatra, what time the temple is open, and when to go. The Kedarnath Temple is located high in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, and timing is crucial for safety, accessibility, and religious experience.
Why Timing Matters
Kedarnath Temple is found at approximately 3,583 meters above sea level in the Himalayas of Garhwal. The region experiences heavy snow and rough weather for half the year. Due to this, the temple is only open during some months. During other months, there is snow on the road and the region is unsafe.
So in order to have a hassle-free pilgrimage, you need to plan when the temple is open, what time the daily darshan sighting of the deity takes place, and how to get there safely.
2026 Opening & Closing Schedule
For 2026, the opening and closing schedule for Kedarnath Temple is published tentatively. According to one source:
Opening date: 02 May 2026 at 07:00 AM.
Closing date: 23 October 2026 at approximately 08:30 AM.
These dates are determined by favorable lunar calendar dates and climatic conditions. They can slightly vary based on snowfall or the choice of the temple committee.
2026 Daily Temple Timings
When you go, you should also be aware of the temple's daily darshan and aarti (worship ceremony) timings. The typical timings are as follows:
Service Time
Morning Aarti 04:00 AM – 07:00 AM (Shrine Yatra)
Morning General Darshan 07:00 AM – 03:00 PM (Shrine Yatra)
Break / Closed to public 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM (FirstTrek)
Evening General Darshan 05:00 PM – ~07:00 PM (Shrine Yatra)
Evening Aarti 06:00 PM – ~07:30 PM (FirstTrek)
Note: These times are valid when the temple is in its open season. Out of season, the way may be closed or services may not be available.
Best Time to Visit in 2026
Based on weather, crowd, and safety, the best months to travel to Kedarnath in 2026 are:
Late May to June: After snow has melted more and the weather is pleasant.
September to Mid-October: After monsoon, before winter arrives.
Skip monsoon months (July-August) since landslides and rain can impact the trek. Skip late October onwards when snow and winter arrive.
How to Plan the Yatra
Here is a straightforward guide to prepare your pilgrimage to Kedarnath in 2026:
1. Book Accommodation Early
As soon as opening dates are announced, hotels, guesthouses and camps close to Gaurikund / Kedarnath get booked quickly. Book in advance to escape higher charges or non-availability.
2. Register / Get Permits
A lot of pilgrims these days must register through official websites (e.g. through the temple board or Uttarakhand tourism) due to crowd control and conservation of the environment. Look for 2026 registration information.
3. Select Your Route
To travel to Kedarnath, the standard route is:
Drive/taxi/bus to Gaurikund (motor-road head)
Then trek ~16 km up to Kedarnath Temple. (Wikipedia)
There are pony, palanquin (palki) or helicopter options available for some sections depending on your budget and condition.
4. Take note of the Daily Timings
Begin the trek early in the morning so that you arrive at the temple before the darshan time closes in the afternoon (03:00 PM). Most guides recommend beginning from Gaurikund prior to ~1:30 PM. (Chardham Yatra 2026)
On returning, do not trek late past 5:00 PM since daylight dissolves and trails become more difficult.
5. Pack Smart
Even in summer, there can be cold weather. Pack warm apparel, raincoat, good trekking shoes, and essential medicines. Refer to weather forecasts prior to your trip.
Temple Etiquette & Darshan Tip
Respect temple timings: visit the 04:00 AM aarti if you can, it is very special spiritually.
The lingam touches are likely to occur in morning darshan prior to ~03:00 PM; evening darshan could be more busy.
Keep silence and decency in the sanctum.
You can also book Kedarnath ViP darshan.
Plastic waste should be avoided. Bring your own bottle and dispose responsibly to conserve the Himalayan environment.
Weather & Route Conditions
Following its opening in early May, snow is still to be expected near the temple. Trek trails can be slippery.
Summer (May-June) has weather that is pleasant and secure.
Post-monsoon (September) has clear weather and fabulous views. Be aware of pre-monsoon snow from late
October:- Landslides and unpredictable weather are possible; heed official advisories.
Why Go in 2026?
You have darshan of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
You hike into high Himalayas and enjoy stunning mountain vistas.
The 2026 season brings new beginnings, less tread paths, fresh energy, and a memorable spiritual pilgrimage.
You miss the peak crowds of July or the end of the year when services slow.
Summary Checklist
✅ Opening date: 02 May 2026 at 07:00 AM (tentative)
✅ Closing date: ~23 Oct 2026 (early morning)
✅ Timings for daily temple darshan and aartis (refer to the above table)
✅ Ideal visiting windows: late May-June, September-mid-October
✅ Trek route: Gaurikund to Kedarnath (~16 km uphill)
✅ Register, book accommodation, pack wisely.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Kedarnath Yatra is a strong spiritual pilgrimage as well as a high-altitude trek. With the right timing, adherence to temple and trek timings, and good preparation, you can ensure your trip is smooth, safe, and deeply satisfying. Walking the trek or taking a helicopter, reaching Kedarnath Temple during its open season, will give you memories of the mountains, piety, and inner peace.
May your 2026 pilgrimage to Kedarnath be blessed with blessings, vitality and peace.
Write a comment ...