If you’re Googling 'Kedarnath Temple opening date 2026' and jumping between random sites, relax. Let’s put everything in one clean, mobile-friendly page so you can plan your Kedarnath Yatra properly.
This guide covers:
● Kedarnath Temple opening & closing dates for 2026 (tentative)
● How and when the final dates are decided
● The real story of the Panchmukhi Doli Yatra from Ukhimath to Kedarnath
● How the 2025 closure connects to the 2026 season
● Kedarnath trek, Helicopter, Do Dham, Char Dham & VIP Darshan packages with SkyHike
Let’s start with the main thing you came for.
● Tentative Kedarnath Temple opening date 2026: 22 April 2026
● Tentative Kedarnath Temple closing date 2026: 23 October 2026 or 11 November 2026
These are tentative working dates you can use to start planning your leave, bookings and Kedarnath packages.
If you already know you’ll visit, you can start shortlisting your package type now - Road Trip & Trek, By Helicopter or VIP darshan. For example, if you’re looking for a proper trekking experience, check this out as you read:
👉 Kedarnath Trek Package 2026
Here’s how it actually works behind the scenes:
The exact Kedarnath Temple opening date for 2026 will be officially announced on Maha Shivratri (15 or 16 February 2025). The announcement is made by Shri Badrinath–Kedarnath Mandir Samiti at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.
The exact closing date for the 2026 season will be declared on or before Vijayadashmi (Dussehra), which falls around 20 October 2026.
So practically: Use 22 April 2026 as your planning date. Stay ready for the Mandir Samiti’s Maha Shivratri announcement to confirm the exact day.
By the time that announcement happens, good Kedarnath trek packages and Kedarnath helicopter packages will already be in demand. If you prefer comfort and speed over a long trek, keep this tab handy too:
👉 Kedarnath Trip by Helicopter – 2026
For the 2025 season: Kedarnath Temple closed for winter on 23 October 2025, on the auspicious day of Bhai Dooj. After the final ceremony, the idol (Doli) was moved from Kedarnath to its winter home at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
It shows the usual pattern of closing around late October. It also sets the tone for how the Doli Yatra and reopening will happen again in 2026.
If you’re dreaming of doing Kedarnath with Badrinath in one go instead of just a single Dham, save this for later in your planning:
👉 Badrinath & Kedarnath Road Trip (Do Dham)
What most people don’t know is that the Kedarnath Yatra actually starts before the temple opens. The Panchmukhi Doli (the ceremonial palanquin of Lord Kedarnath) begins its journey from Ukhimath a few days before the official temple opening.
Let’s break down the route clearly.
Day 1 - Ukhimath to Guptkashi
The idol is placed in a beautifully decorated Panchmukhi Doli at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath. Amidst mantras, bells and devotion, the Doli leaves Ukhimath and reaches the Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi. Locals line the route, and many pilgrims join the procession.
Day 2 - Guptkashi to Phata
On the second day, the Doli moves from Guptkashi towards Phata. It halts at the Mahisasur Mardini Temple in Phata for rituals and rest. The mood is festive, but deeply spiritual.
Day 3 - Phata to Gaurikund
The next leg takes the Doli from Phata to Gaurikund. Here, the idol is welcomed at the Gauri Mata Temple in Gaurikund. Gaurikund is also the traditional starting point for the Kedarnath trek.
Day 4 - Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple
On the final leg, the Panchmukhi Doli travels from Gaurikund up to Kedarnath Temple. Once it reaches the main shrine, elaborate rituals are performed, and the temple doors (Kapat) are opened for devotees for the new Yatra season.
If you’re someone who doesn’t just want a regular “go, darshan, come back” trip, you can actually try syncing your travel dates to witness part of this Doli journey.
And if you want all this managed with a structured itinerary instead of figuring it out alone, look at a complete Kedarnath package with darshan planning:
👉 Kedarnath Trip with VIP Darshan
Using the tentative opening date of 22 April 2026 and tentative closing around 23 October / 11 November 2026, here’s how the season roughly plays out:
Late April to May 2026: Fresh opening vibes, and Snow still seen on peaks, cold mornings and nights. Great for photography and those who want a slightly raw Himalayan feel.
June to Early July 2026: Peak rush period, but easier weather for seniors and families. High demand for Kedarnath trek packages and Kedarnath trip by helicopter
Monsoon (Mid July – August 2026): Rains, roadblocks, and landslides are more likely. Only plan in this window if you’re flexible and okay with uncertainty
September – October 2026: Post-monsoon clarity, sharp views, quieter trails, Days pleasant, nights cold, and perfect to combine Kedarnath with Do Dham or Char Dham Yatra.
If you’re thinking beyond a single dham and want everything in one go, keep this package in mind:
👉 Char Dham Yatra By Road Trip
Now let’s talk in practical terms. When people search for “Kedarnath tour package”, they usually fall into one of these buckets: Trek lovers, Comfort seekers, Helicopter fans, or full Char Dham pilgrims.
If you want the traditional Kedarnath trek experience from Gaurikund, with the Mandakini alongside and mountains towering above, this is your style.
Typical flow:
● Start from Delhi/Haridwar/Rishikesh
● Drive to Sitapur/Sonprayag
● Shared Taxi from Sonprayag to Gaurikund
● Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
● Darshan, Aarti, Overnight stay
● Trek Down & Drive to Ukhimath
● Ukhimath to Haridwar/Delhi Drive
👉 Explore: Kedarnath Trek Package 2026
If you want to avoid the long trek and still do darshan comfortably, a Kedarnath helicopter package is ideal, time-saving, and Helpful for seniors, parents, kids, and tight schedules. Can be a same-day return or with an overnight stay at Kedarnath.
👉 Check: Kedarnath Trip by Helicopter
Some travellers care less about trekking and more about smooth, well-planned darshan. That’s where a Kedarnath VIP Darshan package comes in.
What this usually means:
● Smart darshan timing planning
● On-ground coordination
● Well-managed stay and transfers
● Within the rules laid out by temple authorities
👉 See details: Kedarnath Trip with VIP Darshan
If your family wants Do Dham Yatra in less time and with more comfort, a Badrinath & Kedarnath helicopter package is a solid choice. Quick transfers between Kedarnath and Badrinath, and Ideal for elderly parents and those who can’t spare many days. Works best when you plan early for 2026 dates.
👉 Explore: Badrinath & Kedarnath Trip by Helicopter
If you prefer road journeys and want to enjoy the landscapes, markets and small stops on the way, this version fits better.
● Ex- Delhi/Haridwar/Rishikesh
● Kedarnath Trip (Trek or Heli segment) + Badrinath by road
● Mana Village and Panch Prayag
👉 Have a look: Badrinath & Kedarnath Road Trip
For those who want to complete Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath quickly and comfortably, Char Dham by helicopter is the premium option.
👉 View package: Char Dham Trip by Helicopter
If you have time and want the classic, fully immersive experience, go for the Char Dham Yatra by road.
👉 Plan now: Char Dham Yatra By Road Trip
Here’s a simple planning flow you can follow on your phone right now:
● Pick your month
● Love snow and chill? Aim for late April–May 2026.
● Want smoother weather? Think June or September–October.
Decide your style
● Love walking? Go for a Kedarnath trek package.
● Want comfort? Choose Kedarnath by helicopter.
● Want more? Upgrade to Do Dham or Char Dham.
Watch for the Maha Shivratri announcement for follow SkyHike for further updates.
Note: The Final opening date is officially announced on 15 or 16 February 2025.
You don’t have to wait till then to start planning, but lock bookings with a little buffer if possible.
● Use 22 April 2026 as your base opening date.
● Decide early whether you want a trek, a helicopter yatra, a VIP darshan, Do Dham or a Char Dham.
● Then pick the SkyHike package that fits your style and budget.
You can always tweak dates after the official Maha Shivratri announcement, but if you start planning now, you won’t be the one scrambling for last-minute rooms or helicopter slots.
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