At a Glance — Kedarnath Dham
| Detail |
Information |
| Dedicated To |
Lord Shiva (as Sadashiva / Jyotirlinga) |
| Location |
Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand |
| Altitude |
3,583 metres (11,755 ft) above sea level |
| River Flowing By |
Mandakini River |
| Kapat Opening 2026 |
22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM |
| Kapat Closing 2026 |
11 November 2026 (Tentative — Bhai Dooj) |
| Morning Darshan |
4:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break |
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Temple closed) |
| Evening Darshan |
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Shayan Aarti at 8:30 PM |
| Trek Distance |
16 km from Gaurikund (last motorable point) |
| Nearest Railway |
Rishikesh (~243 km from Gaurikund) |
| Nearest Airport |
Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~239 km from Gaurikund) |
| Managed By |
Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) |
| Part Of |
Char Dham Yatra (Uttarakhand) | Panch Kedar | 12 Jyotirlingas |
Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Dham is not just a pilgrimage. It is a reckoning. Sitting at 3,583 metres in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, flanked by the Kedar dome and its ring of snow-covered peaks, with the Mandakini River rushing past below — the setting alone tells you this is no ordinary place. The colourless grey stone of the temple stands in quiet contrast to everything around it, as if it has been here long before the mountains and will remain long after.
It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva — the most sacred Shiva shrines in Hinduism. Within Uttarakhand's Chota Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath is the third stop after Yamunotri and Gangotri, before Badrinath. It also forms part of the Panch Kedar circuit, a set of five Shiva temples spread across the Garhwal Himalayas.
Every year, after the six-month winter closure, the Kapat (temple doors) open to a roar of 'Har Har Mahadev' that echoes across the valley. In 2025, over 16 lakh pilgrims visited Kedarnath during the Yatra season. For 2026, the BKTC has confirmed the opening on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM.
History of Kedarnath Temple
The exact date of the original temple's construction is unknown — and that mystery is part of its power. The earliest legend credits the Pandava brothers, who, after the devastating Kurukshetra war, sought Lord Shiva's forgiveness for the sin of killing their own kin. Shiva, unwilling to grant them audience easily, took the form of a bull (Nandi) and disappeared into the earth at this spot. The Pandavas are said to have built the first shrine here.
Even before that, according to tradition, the sages Nar and Narayan performed deep penance at this location and prayed for Lord Shiva to make Kedar Valley his permanent abode. Shiva agreed — and Kedarnath became his celestial home on earth.
The historical revival of the temple is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher-saint, who re-established the shrine and reinvigorated Hindu pilgrimage across the subcontinent. What is remarkable is that the temple is built entirely from enormous grey stone slabs — without mortar — and it survived a catastrophic mini ice-age that buried the region under snow for nearly 400 years. The 2013 floods, which devastated most of the surrounding area, left the main temple structure itself largely intact. Geologists and historians have studied this but no fully satisfying explanation exists. Pilgrims take it as divine protection.
Behind the temple stands a large rock — now called the Bhim Shila — which locals say diverted a massive boulder during the 2013 disaster, saving the sanctum. The rock is still there, wedged against the temple's rear wall.
Temple Architecture & Inside the Sanctum
The temple is built in the North Indian Nagara style — rectangular in plan, with a low shikhara (spire) and a covered Mandapa (pillared hall) at the entrance. The outer walls carry inscriptions in Pali script, and Nandi's stone sculpture guards the entrance gate — a perpetual sentinel for the lord within.
Inside the Garbhagriha (inner sanctum), Lord Shiva is not worshipped as a traditional lingam. Here, the form is a triangular, hump-shaped natural stone — representing the back of the bull into which Shiva transformed. This makes Kedarnath unique among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Devotees who arrive before 3:00 PM can touch and anoint the stone with ghee — a deeply intimate act of devotion that few other pilgrimage sites allow.
The temple faces west, which is unusual. Most Hindu temples face east. Various explanations exist — some astronomical, some mythological — but none are fully settled.
Kedarnath Kapat Opening and Closing Dates 2026
How Is the Date Announced?
The opening date is decided by the priests of the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath (Kedarnath's winter home) using the Hindu Panchang. The announcement is made every year on Maha Shivratri. For 2026, Maha Shivratri fell on 15 February 2026, and the BKTC officially announced the Kapat opening on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM. The closing date is announced on Vijayadashami (Dussehra) and the temple formally closes on Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali.
| Year |
Opening Date & Time |
Closing Date |
| 2026 |
22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM |
11 November 2026 (Tentative — Bhai Dooj) |
| 2025 |
2 May 2025 |
23 October 2025 |
| 2024 |
10 May 2024 |
3 November 2024 |
| 2023 |
25 April 2023 |
14 November 2023 |
What Happens During the Opening Ceremony?
Five days before the Kapat opens, the Panchmukhi Doli (processional idol) of Lord Kedarnath begins its journey from Ukhimath's Omkareshwar Temple. It travels through Guptkashi, Phata, and other villages — with devotees lining the roads — before arriving at Kedarnath. On the opening day, the temple is adorned with flowers, a Mahabhishek Puja is performed at dawn, and the doors open to thousands of waiting pilgrims at the declared Muhurat. The energy of that moment, with the Kedar dome above and Mandakini below, is something most pilgrims describe as impossible to put into words.
What Happens When the Temple Closes?
After the last morning puja on Bhai Dooj, a lamp (Akhand Jyot) is lit inside the sealed sanctum. The Utsav Doli then begins its return procession to Ukhimath, accompanied by Garhwali folk bands and thousands of devotees. For the next six months, Lord Kedarnath is worshipped at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath — pilgrims can visit there during winter. Remarkably, when the Kapat reopens six months later, that lamp is still burning.
Daily Darshan Timings at Kedarnath — 2026
| Session |
Timings |
Key Rituals |
| Maha Abhishek (Priest only) |
4:00 AM – 6:00 AM |
First puja of the day; not open to public |
| Morning Darshan |
6:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Public darshan; ghee abhishek allowed till 3:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break |
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Temple closed; internal rituals |
| Evening Darshan |
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Evening aarti; Geet Govind Path |
| Shayan Aarti |
8:30 PM (approx.) |
Last ritual; temple closes after this |
In real life, the best slot for a peaceful Darshan is the early morning window — arriving at the temple queue by 5:30–6:00 AM. During peak season (May–June), the queues can stretch for 2–3 hours by mid-morning. Ghee Abhishek is only allowed before 3:00 PM, so time your visit accordingly if this is important to you.
Kedarnath Trek Route — Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km)
This is the heart of the Yatra. There is no road to Kedarnath — the last motorable point is Gaurikund (1,982 m / 6,502 ft), after which every pilgrim must proceed on foot, pony, Palki, or helicopter. The route was revised to 16 km after the 2013 flood destroyed the earlier 14-km path. The new trail is well-paved with cemented sections, medical camps, food stalls, water points, and GMVN rest shelters throughout.
| Stop |
Distance from Previous Stop |
Cumulative from Gaurikund |
What You'll Find |
| Gaurikund (Start) |
--- |
0 km |
Hot sulphur spring, pony/palki booking, shops |
| Jungle Chatti |
4 km |
4 km |
First major rest point, food stalls, water |
| Bhimbali |
3 km |
7 km |
GMVN tents, free wifi, free restrooms, medical camp |
| Linchauli |
4 km |
11 km |
Mandakini valley views, glacier sights, accommodation |
| Kedarnath Base Camp |
4 km |
15 km |
Medical camp, tents, final preparations |
| Kedarnath Temple |
1 km |
16 km |
The destination |
Trek Options: Walk, Pony, Palki or Helicopter?
| Mode |
Cost (Approx.) |
Suitability |
Booking |
| On foot |
Free |
Fit adults, 6–8 hrs |
No booking required |
| Pony / Mule |
₹3,500–₹5,500 (one way) |
Seniors, children, moderate fitness |
Gaurikund or Sonprayag counter |
| Palki (Palanquin / Dandi) |
₹6,000–₹12,000 (one way) |
Elderly, differently-abled |
Gaurikund or Sonprayag counter |
| Helicopter (from Phata/Sersi/Guptkashi) |
₹5,000–₹9,000 (one way) |
All; 5–7 min flight |
Online (IRCTC / GMVN) — book early |
Important: Personal vehicles are not allowed beyond Sonprayag. Shared jeeps or GMVN buses run from Sonprayag to Gaurikund. Plan for this when calculating your timings.
How to Reach Kedarnath — Road, Train & Flight
| Mode |
From |
Distance to Gaurikund |
Notes |
| By Air |
Delhi |
~239 km (from Dehradun) |
Jolly Grant Airport; taxi/bus to Gaurikund from Dehradun |
| By Train |
Delhi / other cities |
~243 km (from Rishikesh) |
Rishikesh is nearest railhead; buses and shared cabs onward |
| By Train |
Haridwar |
~265 km |
More train connections; GMVN buses available from ISBT |
| By Road (Bus) |
Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate/Anand Vihar) |
~455 km |
UTC/UPSRTC buses to Gaurikund via Rishikesh/Haridwar |
| By Road (Private Car) |
Rishikesh |
~233 km to Sonprayag |
Drive to Sonprayag; shared jeep to Gaurikund (8 km) |
| Helicopter |
Phata / Sersi / Guptkashi helipads |
15–20 km from helipads |
Direct to Kedarnath in 5–7 minutes; book online well in advance |
Road Route from Rishikesh to Gaurikund
Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Agastyamuni → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund. This is a spectacular drive through the Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts, tracking the Alaknanda and then Mandakini rivers through narrow gorges and lush hillsides. Distance: approximately 233 km. Time: 8–9 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Yatra Registration — Mandatory for All Pilgrims
Since 2021, biometric registration is compulsory for every pilgrim visiting Kedarnath as part of the Char Dham Yatra. This is a safety measure to track pilgrims in case of emergencies at high altitude. Without registration, you will be turned back at check posts.
- Register online at: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in (free of charge)
- Offline registration counters are available at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and other route points
- Carry Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport as identity proof
- Keep a printed or digital copy of your registration slip — it is checked at multiple points en route
- Registration also covers medical screening; pilgrims with serious cardiac or respiratory conditions may be advised to reconsider the trek
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath — Season-wise Guide
| Season |
Period |
Conditions |
Recommended? |
| Opening Season |
Late April – May |
Cool days (2°C–12°C), some snow near temple, peak arrival rush |
Yes — for first-Darshan experience; book everything early |
| Summer |
June – early July |
Pleasant days, crowded, busy trail |
Yes — good weather, but expect high footfall |
| Monsoon |
Mid-July – September |
Heavy rain, landslide risk, difficult roads |
Avoid if possible; unpredictable travel |
| Post-Monsoon |
October – early November |
Clear skies, Himalayan views at their best, thinner crowds, sharp cold at night |
Best overall for peaceful, scenic Darshan |
| Winter |
November – April |
Temple closed, heavy snow, roads blocked |
Temple inaccessible |
On the ground, October is the month most experienced Kedarnath pilgrims choose. The rains are gone, the air is crystal clear, the Kedar dome gleams, and you can actually hear yourself think in the temple courtyard. The trade-off: cold. Pack thermals and a serious jacket.
Places to Visit Near Kedarnath Temple
1. Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
Right behind the Kedarnath Temple stands the Samadhi (resting place) of Adi Shankaracharya — the 8th-century philosopher who revived the temple and established the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. He is believed to have attained Mahasamadhi (conscious death) at Kedarnath at the age of 32. The recently renovated Samadhi is a calm, solemn space. After Darshan, most pilgrims walk the 50 metres to sit here for a few minutes. Few skip it.
2. Bhairavnath Temple — Protector of Kedarnath
About 500 metres uphill from the main temple, the Bhairavnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav — considered the guardian deity of Kedarnath who watches over the valley when the Kapat are shut in winter. The climb is short but steep. What you get at the top is a bird's-eye view of the entire Kedarnath valley, the temple below, and the Kedar range all around. For photography, this is the spot. Try to visit at sunrise.
3. Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal)
A small glacial lake 3 km from the temple, Gandhi Sarovar gets its name from Mahatma Gandhi, whose ashes were immersed here after his assassination in 1948. It is also called Chorabari Tal. The walk up is moderately steep but the lake — still, reflecting the peaks — is strikingly serene. It sits at around 3,900 metres. Don't rush this one.
4. Vasuki Tal — For the Adventurous
For trekkers who want to push further, Vasuki Tal is a high-altitude glacial lake at 4,978 metres, about 8 km from Kedarnath Temple. The trek is demanding — steep, high-altitude, with no facilities en route — and rewards you with views of the Chaukhamba peaks reflected in crystal-clear water. Lord Vishnu is said to have bathed in this lake. Best for fit, experienced trekkers; ideally done as a day trip from Kedarnath with a guide and packed lunch. Allow 7–8 hours for the round trip.
5. Gaurikund — Where the Trek Begins
More than just a base camp, Gaurikund is a sacred site in its own right. Goddess Parvati performed tapasya (deep penance) here to win Lord Shiva's hand in marriage. There is a natural hot sulphur spring at Gaurikund — the same tradition of ritual bathing before Darshan that you find at Tapt Kund in Badrinath. The water stays around 45°C year-round. Most pilgrims bathe here before starting the 16-km trek.
6. Triyuginarayan Temple
About 25 km from Kedarnath, Triyuginarayan is the legendary site of the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Vishnu performed the Kanyadaan (giving away of the bride) and Lord Brahma served as the officiating priest. The eternal Akhand Dhuni (sacred fire) that has been burning here since that cosmic wedding — through three Yugas, according to legend — is still alive. The ash from this fire is taken home by pilgrims as Prasad.
7. Rudra Cave (Rudra Gufa)
Made famous after Prime Minister Narendra Modi meditated here overnight during the 2019 election campaign, Rudra Cave is a natural meditation cave close to the Kedarnath Temple. The BKTC has developed it into a proper meditation facility with minimal but adequate amenities. If you are seeking a few hours of total silence in the Himalayas, this is the place. Booking available through GMVN.
| Place |
Distance from Kedarnath |
Type |
Best For |
| Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi |
50 metres (behind temple) |
Sacred historical site |
Pilgrimage, reflection |
| Bhairavnath Temple |
~500 m uphill |
Temple + viewpoint |
Views, photography, spirituality |
| Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal) |
3 km trek |
Glacial lake |
Scenic walk, quiet nature |
| Vasuki Tal |
8 km trek from temple |
High-altitude glacial lake |
Adventure trekkers, Himalayan views |
| Gaurikund |
16 km (base of trek) |
Sacred site + hot spring |
Ritual bath, base camp stay |
| Triyuginarayan Temple |
~25 km by road + 5 km trek |
Mythological temple |
Devotion, eternal flame |
| Rudra Cave |
Near Kedarnath temple |
Meditation cave |
Solitude, spiritual retreat |
| Ukhimath (Winter home) |
~41 km from Gaurikund by road |
Temple (winter Kedarnath) |
Off-season worship |
Approximate Cost Breakdown — Kedarnath Yatra
| Expense Head |
Estimated Cost (INR) |
Notes |
| Delhi to Rishikesh (train) |
₹300–₹900 |
Depends on class; book IRCTC in advance |
| Rishikesh to Gaurikund (bus / shared jeep) |
₹350–₹600 one way |
UTC/GMVN bus or shared Sumo |
| Rishikesh to Gaurikund (private cab) |
₹3,500–₹5,000 one way |
Best for families |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath (on foot) |
Free |
Trek — 16 km, 6–8 hours |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath (pony) |
₹3,500–₹5,500 one way |
Book at Gaurikund/Sonprayag counter |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath (palki/dandi) |
₹6,000–₹12,000 one way |
For elderly / physically challenged |
| Helicopter (one way, Phata to Kedarnath) |
₹5,000–₹9,000 |
Book online — IRCTC or GMVN; sells out fast |
| Accommodation at Kedarnath (GMVN tent/guesthouse) |
₹700–₹2,500 per night |
Book in advance during peak season |
| Accommodation at Gaurikund (hotel/Dharamshala) |
₹500–₹2,000 per night |
Wide range available |
| Meals per person per day (Kedarnath) |
₹250–₹600 |
Dhabas near temple; limited but adequate |
| Puja / Abhishek at temple |
₹100–₹5,000+ |
Depends on type of puja; online booking at BKTC website |
| Total (5-day Yatra, budget travel) |
₹5,000–₹12,000 per person |
Excluding intercity train to Rishikesh |
Practical Travel Tips — Kedarnath Yatra
What to Carry
- Warm clothing in layers — thermals, fleece mid-layer, and a windproof outer jacket. Even in May, nights can drop to 2°C or below.
- Good trekking shoes with ankle support and non-slip soles. The trail has wet and rocky sections.
- Raincoat or poncho — essential from June onwards. The Himalayan weather changes in minutes.
- Basic medicines: Paracetamol, Diamox (for altitude sickness — only if prescribed), ORS sachets, personal first-aid kit.
- Sufficient cash — ATMs at Gaurikund and Kedarnath are unreliable, especially in peak season.
- BSNL SIM or a number with BSNL roaming — it is the only network with reasonable coverage along the trek route.
- Power bank — electricity supply at Kedarnath can be inconsistent.
- Your Yatra registration slip (digital or printed) and a government-issued photo ID.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not registering online before starting — you will be turned away at check posts. Do this at home.
- Underestimating the altitude gain. The trek climbs from ~1,980 m to 3,583 m — that is nearly 1,600 metres of ascent. Even fit people slow down.
- Starting the trek late. Aim to leave Gaurikund by 5:30–6:00 AM. Afternoon rains are common and the trail gets crowded as the day progresses.
- Skipping the night in Gaurikund and rushing straight up. One night at Gaurikund or Sonprayag helps with acclimatisation.
- Carrying non-vegetarian food or alcohol — both are strictly prohibited in the Kedarnath zone.
- Ignoring physical fitness. The trek is moderate-to-strenuous. Some basic preparation — jogging 4–5 km comfortably — makes a real difference.
Safety Tips
- Check road and weather updates from the BRO (Border Roads Organisation) and Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority before departure — especially during monsoon.
- Persons with serious heart conditions, high blood pressure, or severe asthma should consult a doctor before the Yatra and carry a small personal oxygen cylinder if advised.
- Do not attempt the trek alone after afternoon — start no later than 2:00 PM from Gaurikund for same-day return. If delayed, stay at Bhimbali or Linchauli.
- Do not attempt Vasuki Tal trek solo. Go with a guide and in clear weather only.
- Emergency helpline (BKTC): +91-7534003700
- Kedarnath has a well-equipped base hospital at Guptkashi; medical camps are stationed at Bhimbali, Linchauli, and Kedarnath throughout the season.
Suggested 4-Day Kedarnath Yatra Itinerary
| Day |
Time / Activity |
Details |
| Day 1 |
Delhi/home city → Rishikesh or Haridwar |
Overnight train/bus; arrive by morning |
| Day 1 |
Rishikesh → Gaurikund (233 km, ~8–9 hrs) |
Depart early; reach Gaurikund by evening; bath at hot spring |
| Day 1 |
Night stay at Gaurikund or Sonprayag |
Acclimatise; prep gear; early dinner, early sleep |
| Day 2 |
4:00–5:30 AM — Start trek from Gaurikund |
Aim to reach Kedarnath by 12–1 PM |
| Day 2 |
Check-in; freshen up; rest |
Let the altitude settle |
| Day 2 |
Evening Darshan + Shayan Aarti (8:30 PM) |
The evening aarti with the Kedar dome overhead is unforgettable |
| Day 3 |
5:30–6:00 AM — Morning Darshan (least crowded) |
Ghee Abhishek if desired; do this early |
| Day 3 |
Post-Darshan — Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi + Bhairavnath Temple |
Half-day exploration |
| Day 3 |
Afternoon — Gandhi Sarovar (3 km trek) or Rudra Cave |
Optional by fitness |
| Day 4 |
Start descent to Gaurikund by 7:00 AM |
Trek back: 4–5 hrs down |
| Day 4 |
Gaurikund → Rishikesh → onward journey |
Depart by afternoon; overnight bus/train home |
FAQs
When does Kedarnath open in 2026?
The Kapat opens on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM. This was officially announced on Maha Shivratri (15 February 2026) at Ukhimath's Omkareshwar Temple by the BKTC.
When does Kedarnath close in 2026?
The expected closing date is 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj). The exact date will be announced on Vijayadashami (Dussehra) by the BKTC.
Is registration mandatory for Kedarnath?
Yes. Biometric registration is compulsory. Register free at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Offline counters are available at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Sonprayag, and Guptkashi.
Is the Kedarnath trek difficult?
It is moderate-to-strenuous. The 16-km trail from Gaurikund gains about 1,600 metres in altitude. Most fit adults can complete it in 6–8 hours. Pony, Palki, and helicopter options are available for those who cannot trek.
Can elderly people visit Kedarnath?
Yes — via helicopter (5–7 minutes from Phata) or Palki. Consult a doctor beforehand. Acclimatise at Gaurikund or Guptkashi for a night. Book helicopter tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly.
Where is Lord Kedarnath worshipped in winter?
At the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, Rudraprayag district. Devotees can visit Ukhimath during the winter months for Darshan.
What is unique about the idol at Kedarnath?
Unlike most Shiva temples where a smooth cylindrical lingam is worshipped, Kedarnath's idol is a natural, irregular triangular hump-shaped stone — representing the back of the bull into which Shiva transformed to evade the Pandavas. Devotees can anoint it directly with ghee before 3:00 PM.
Can I visit Kedarnath during monsoon (July–August)?
Technically yes, but it is not advisable. Landslides frequently close the roads, sometimes for multiple days. If you must go, check the BRO road bulletin every day, carry rain gear, keep buffer days in your schedule, and have an emergency fund for unplanned stays.
