In this article, we will cover all there is to know about, from Kedarnath temple opening and closing times 2026 to when to visit, seasonal weather information, and practical travel tips to ensure your pilgrimage runs smoothly and is a memorable experience
Kedarnath Temple 2026 Opening and Closing Dates
The Kedarnath Temple remains shut for six months a year due to snowfall. It opens during the summer, usually in April or May, and closes in October or early November before winter starts.
For the year 2026, the tentative Opening Date of Kedarnath Temple is May 2, 2026, and the Closing Date approximately November 3, 2026.
These dates are officially proclaimed on the sacred day of Maha Shivratri, according to Hindu astrology and religious temple ceremonies.
Why Weather Matters When Planning Kedarnath Trip 2026
Weather in Kedarnath plays a major role in defining your travel experience. As the temple is located at a high elevation, the weather suddenly changes, and this might affect your comfort and safety. Let's check how weather is varied throughout the Yatra season:
- Summer Season (May to June)
- Temperature: 5°C to 18°C
- Weather: Clear and pleasant; ideal for darshan and trekking.
- Why Visit: It is the ideal time to visit Kedarnath because the climate is stable, the snow thaws, and the valley gets a coat of green.
- Monsoon Season (July to September)
- Temperature: 4°C to 16°C
- Weather: Landslides accompanied by heavy rain and slippery pathways.
- Why Avoid: The area is susceptible to roadblocks and floods. It is best to avoid traveling during these months if not required.
- Autumn Season (September to November)
- Temperature: 0°C to 14°C
- Weather: Golden valleys, clear skies, and crisp air.
- Why Visit: There are clear views and serene environs during the post-monsoon season, ideal for pilgrims who wish to have a peaceful pilgrimage prior to temple closure.
- Winter Season (November to April)
- Temperature: -5°C to -15°C
- Weather: Heavy snowfall and severe cold
- Why Closed: The temple closes down for six months; the deity is transported to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath for worship.
Best Time to Plan Kedarnath Trip in 2026
Depending on weather and accessibility, the best period to visit Kedarnath in 2026 will be:
May to June: Best for first-timers and family pilgrims.
September to mid-October: Best for those who want lesser crowds and quiet darshan.
Avoid July and August because of monsoon interruptions, and be aware that the temple will shut down after early November.
Tips for Planning Your Kedarnath Trip 2026
- Verify Temple Dates Prior to Booking
Pre-book always after confirming the opening date of Kedarnath Temple 2026 on record. The official date is declared by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) post Maha Shivratri.
- Book Yatra Online Registration
Pre-registration is compulsory for all pilgrims. Registration can be done online through the official Uttarakhand Tourism portal or offline counters sanctioned in Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Sonprayag.
- Reserve Accommodation in Advance
Kedarnath witnesses a vast number of tourists after its opening. Book hotel or camp sites in advance at Guptkashi, Sonprayag, or Gaurikund to stay comfortably.
- Get Ready for the Trek
The trek to Kedarnath from Gaurikund is approximately 16 km. Start early in the morning, put on suitable trekking shoes, and keep raincoats, water, and glucose handy.
- Pack for Any Weather Conditions
Because weather is changeable, carry layers of clothing, gloves, woollen caps, waterproof jackets, and good shoes.
- Honour Temple Timings
Kedarnath Temple generally opens for darshan from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with morning and evening aarti rituals that you should not miss.
- Be Hydrated and Fit
High altitudes create fatigue and breathlessness. Drink lots of water, have light meals, and take short rests during the trek.
Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Kedarnath in 2026
| Month | Temperature | Experience |
| May | 5°C–18°C | Freshly opened temple, snow-capped views, pleasant weather |
| June | 8°C–16°C | Ideal for trekking and crowd-free darshan |
| July–August | 5°C–15°C | Monsoon rains; avoid due to landslides |
| September | 6°C–14°C | Clear skies, vibrant landscapes, fewer tourists |
| October | 2°C–10°C | Chilly mornings, great photography weather |
| November | -2°C–8°C | Temple closing time, early winter chill |
Why Planning Around Temple Dates Is Important
- Why Planning Around Temple Dates Matters
- Having the Kedarnath temple opening and closing time schedule makes you:
- Prevent weather or route closure at the last minute.
- Provide travel without risk of landslides.
- Coordinate your schedule with Char Dham Yatra schedules.
- Enjoy spiritual practices such as the opening ceremony (Kapat Ughadan) and closing ceremony (Kapat Bandhan) — both intense with devotion and cultural beauty.
Travel and Accessibility Tips for Kedarnath 2026
- Travel and Accessibility Guidelines for Kedarnath 2026
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 238 km away).
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (215 km away).
- Road Route: Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund.
- From Gaurikund, trek or take ponies/palanquins to the temple.
Conclusion
Planning your Yatra 2026 at Kedarnath is more than marking a date on the calendar, it's tuning your journey into the cycles of nature and spirituality. Knowing the weather pattern and temple dates guarantees you live through the Yatra in the best possible way, both safely and practically.
To have the best experience, try May–June or September–October, book our kedarnath tour package, and physically and mentally prepare for the high-altitude trek.
Standing before the hallowed Kedarnath Temple, with snow-capped mountains and pilgrims' chanting all around, you will understand, the pilgrimage is not merely a hike, it's an inner rebirth.