Kedarnath
Kedarnath temple is the holy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Gharwal Himalayas in Rudraprayag district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Kedarnath temple is one of the Chota Char Dham sites and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is believed that the temple was built by Pandavas.
In this article we will know more about the Kedarnath Dham.
Opening and Closing dates for Kedarnath.
The opening date of the Kedarnath temple 2026 was officially announced on 15th February 2026 on the occasion of Mahashivratri by Badrinath- Kedarnath temple committee. The Lord Shiva Kedarnath temple 2026 will be opening on 22nd April 2026 and will be closing on the occasion of Bhaidooj on 11th November 2026. Due to heavy snowfall the temple remains closed for the winter season in which the idol of Lord Kedarnath is moved and worshiped at Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath.
How to reach Kedarnath?
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath is located in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 3582 meters in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. To reach Kedarnath proper planning is required. Let’s explore some travel options.
There are several options to reach Kedarnath. But before reaching Kedarnath we have to reach Rishikesh or Haridwar.
- First of all reach Rishikesh or Haridwar via, train, bus, cars or any private vehicle. Trains are the most comfortable and affordable option. From Delhi or from various parts of the country direct trains are available for Rishikesh or Haridwar.
- You can also reach via Aeroplane to Dehradun and then reach Rishikesh.
- From Rishikesh reach Sonprayag via Car or any shared private vehicle or any bus. After reaching there, continue by road to Gaurikund.
- From Gaurikund the trek for Kedarnath starts which is approximately 16-17 km.
Those who want they can take Palkhis, Ponies or helicopter as well to reach the temple.
The compulsory registration.
To reach the holy Kedarnath temple one needs to get registered before starting their journey. Registration is mandatory and free of cost and can be done by different methods. Due to 2013 incidents the registration is made compulsory to tackle any emergency situations and for the safety of pilgrims.
- Online registration: For online registration go to uk.gov.in website or Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile app and fill the registration form. Once you fill this you will receive your registration certificate.
- Whatsapp: Message “Yatra” on 8394833833 number and it will automatically start the registration process. Proceed as per the instructions and you will get registered.
- Offline registration: Offline registration can be done in Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Sonprayag through their offline offices and then you can continue your journey.
Documents required at checkpoints.
At Sonprayag or Rishikesh checkpoints one needs to get verified. For verification certain documents are needed they are as follows:
- Registration certificate ( Online/offline)
- Valid I’d proof (aadhar card,voter ID or passport)
- A medical certificate( required for senior citizens or those who have any pre existing health problems)
- A valid mobile number of someone who is not travelling with you.
Stay Guidelines
It is always recommended to book your stay in advance as due to high demand it becomes difficult to find it later. There are many stay options ranging from Rs. 500 – 1500 and even more as per your convenience. You can stay near the temple also to attend the morning aarti.
- The GMVN guest houses are located near the helipad and temple. They are most affordable and booking shall be done in advance from the GMVN portal.
- Private hotels/ lodges : Private hotels and lodges are also available. They are mostly more luxurious and provide ultimate comfort.
- Ashrams/ Bhavans: Another stay option includes Ashrams/ Bhavans which are also the most affordable options for low budget trips.
Kedarnath temple Yatra Checklist for 2026.
- Always carry a first aid kit for any emergency situations.
- Carry all the medicines required and have a full body checkup before starting your journey. Consult with your doctor if you have any disease.
- Always carry cash. Network problems can affect online payments.
- Carry clothes and footwear which are suitable to the climate and are comfortable.
- Carry all the required documents, Powerbank and all essential things.
- Check for climatic conditions and act accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can we use mobile/ Camera inside the temple?
No, mobile and cameras are banned inside the temple and within the 30meter radius of the temple.
- Are ATM services available near the base or temple?
No, ATMs are not available near base or temple due to network issues.
- Can we get VIP darshan in Kedarnath?
Yes, For VIP darshan one has to pay Rs.1100 for a VIP ticket.
- Is ropeway available in Kedarnath?
No, as of now ropeway is not available. It is under construction and will be available in the next 5-6 years.
- When will Kedarnath temple open for 2026 season?
The Kedarnath will be opened on 22nd April 2026 for the devotees.
- Is registration compulsory for Kedarnath?
Yes, the registration is mandatory and free of cost.
- Are helicopter services available for Kedarnath?
Yes, helicopter services are available through which you can reach Kedarnath in minutes.
- Can Asthma or BP patients visit Kedarnath?
Of course, there are no restrictions for such patients but it is advised to consult your doctor first before starting Yatra.
- How many km trek is there to reach Kedarnath?
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is approximately 16-17 kms.
- How much time does it take from Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek?
Time can vary by one’s climbing capacity. But it approximately takes 6-10 hours to reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund.
