admin Published: 07 Apr, 2026

Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2026: Know When the Sacred Yatra Begins

The Kedarnath Temple is set to reopen for devotees on 22 April 2026. Preparations for the Kedarnath Char Dham Yatra are already in full swing. The Government of Uttarakhand is making all the essential arrangements for Kedarnath Yatra 2026 so that devotees can complete their sacred Himalayan pilgrimage in a smooth and hassle-free manner.

For this year’s Kedarnath Dham Yatra, several important steps have been taken by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee. All pilgrims planning to visit the temple should be aware of these developments. One of the most important updates for this year’s yatra is that mobile phones and cameras are completely banned inside the Kedarnath temple premises. Devotees will not be allowed to make reels, videos, or click photographs within the shrine area. In addition, online registration for Char Dham Yatra 2026 has already begun, making the travel process more convenient for pilgrims.

Remembering Point: Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2026: 22 April 2026

Kedarnath Temple Significance

Shri Kedarnath Mandir

Situated on the banks of the Mandakini River in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the four sacred temples that form the Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. According to legend, the temple was originally built by the Pandavas, and it is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Due to its high-altitude mountain location, the temple remains closed during the winter season and generally opens in April or May, before closing around November every year. During winter, the idol of the deity is ceremonially moved to Ukhimath, where worship continues until the temple reopens for devotees.

How to Reach Kedarnath?

Kedarnath Mandir-Kedarnath Dham

Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath can be accessed from all parts of the country. The main base camp for the trek is Gaurikund, from where the trek to the temple begins.

By Air: The nearest airport to Gaurikund is Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun, approximately 255 km away. From the airport, taxis and buses are easily available.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Haridwar Junction, which is around 205 km from Gaurikund. From there, taxis and buses can take you further.
By Road: Kedarnath is well connected by road up to Gaurikund. Pilgrims can reach Gaurikund via public buses, taxis, or private vehicles from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and nearby towns.

Permits for Kedarnath Yatra

Kedarnath Yatra

In the last few years, the government had limited the number of pilgrims visiting the Char Dham due to COVID-related restrictions. However, in 2026, there are no such limitations on the number of pilgrims.

That said, registration for Kedarnath Yatra remains mandatory. Pilgrims can complete the registration process online or through authorized offline counters set up at major locations such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Sonprayag, and other transit points.

While registering, you will need to mention your travel dates, after which a Yatra registration card or e-pass will be issued. This card must be shown at multiple checkpoints during the journey.

Additionally, pilgrims are advised to obtain a fitness certificate from medical centers at Guptkashi and Sonprayag. Medical teams generally check blood pressure, oxygen levels, and any pre-existing health concerns. Since Kedarnath is located at a high altitude, this medical fitness check is highly important and, in many cases, mandatory for the temple trek.