Kedarnath Helicopter Yatra Timings 2026 — Complete Schedule

Daily Darshan Schedule

The Kedarnath Temple operates on a carefully structured daily timetable. Timings are set by the temple trust (Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, BKTC) and may vary slightly by a few minutes depending on sunrise times throughout the season. Below is the standard schedule:

* Timings are approximate and subject to change. Always verify with the official BKTC portal before your visit.

Morning Aarti (Bal Bhog)

The morning aarti — called Bal Bhog Aarti or Mahabhishek — begins at 4:00 AM when the temple doors are opened. This is the most auspicious time of day in Hindu temple tradition (Brahma Muhurta), and the aarti during this period is considered highly sacred.

During this period, the Jyotirlinga is bathed (abhishek) with milk, curd, ghee, honey, and Gangajal (water from the Mandakini river). The Rawal (chief priest) then adorns the linga with sandalwood paste, flowers, and bel leaves. A full recitation of the Shiva Sahasranama (1,008 names of Shiva) accompanies the ritual.

If you want to witness the morning aarti, you must start your trek from Gaurikund by midnight or 1 AM to reach the temple by 3:30 AM. Many pilgrims who spend the night at Kedarnath have a significant advantage here. The morning aarti is rarely crowded and offers an incredibly spiritual atmosphere in the pre-dawn chill.

Afternoon Closure (3 PM – 5 PM)

Like most traditional Hindu temples, Kedarnath closes for a mid-afternoon break from approximately 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This is when the deities "rest" and the priests take their afternoon break. No darshan is possible during this period — even VIP passes are not valid.

Use this time wisely: eat lunch at one of the dhabas near the temple, rest in your accommodation, or explore the area around the Mandakini river and the nearby Bhairavnath Temple. The Bhairav Temple is located about 500 metres from the main temple and is considered the guardian deity of Kedarnath — many pilgrims visit it after their main darshan.

Evening Aarti (Sandhya Aarti)

The Sandhya Aarti (evening prayer) is conducted between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM and is widely considered the most visually spectacular ritual at Kedarnath. The temple exterior is illuminated, and the priests perform a grand aarti with large ghee lamps, conch shells, and bells against the backdrop of the Himalayan peaks.

The sound of the conch (shankha) echoes across the valley, and the atmosphere is deeply moving. This aarti draws large crowds, so position yourself near the main entrance or on the steps of the temple complex by 7:00 PM. The Sabha Mandapa fills up quickly, but the aarti is also visible from outside.

Following the Sandhya Aarti, a shorter Shayan Aarti (night offering) is conducted between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM, after which the deity is "put to sleep" and the temple closes for the night.

Special Puja Timings

Several special pujas are available for pilgrims who wish a more personalised ritual. These must generally be booked in advance through the BKTC portal or at the temple office:

VIP Darshan

The Kedarnath Temple offers a VIP/Special darshan facility that allows pilgrims to bypass the general queue. This is especially useful during peak season (May–June) when wait times in the general queue can exceed 3–4 hours. VIP darshan slots are limited per day and must be booked well in advance.

VIP darshan does not grant significantly more time inside the sanctum — you still receive a brief darshan of the Jyotirlinga. However, you skip the long queue and have a slightly better position inside the mandapa. The additional cost for VIP darshan varies by season; check the official BKTC portal for current rates.

Pilgrims with disabilities, elderly pilgrims above 70 years, and pregnant women are given priority access at Kedarnath. Contact the temple office at the site for assistance.

Queue Management Tips

• Arrive by 6 AM: The general darshan queue opens at 7 AM but pilgrims begin lining up from 6 AM — arriving early dramatically reduces wait time.
• Avoid Mondays and full moon days: These are the busiest days at Kedarnath due to special religious significance for Shiva worship.
• Weekdays over weekends: Tuesday through Thursday see significantly smaller crowds than Friday through Monday.
• Mid-season is best: Late May and early June, and again in late September to October, see lower crowds than peak July–August.
• Keep your QR code accessible: Security personnel scan registration codes at the temple entrance — have it ready on your phone or printout.
• Deposit valuables: The temple provides lockers/cloakrooms near the entrance — leave your bags, cameras, and leather items before entering.

Temple Opening & Closing Dates 2026

The Kedarnath Temple is open only during the summer pilgrimage season. The opening date is traditionally announced on Mahashivratri (usually in February or March) and is determined astrologically by the temple trust. In 2026, the temple is expected to open in early May, consistent with the previous few years.

The temple closes for winter on the auspicious day of Bhai Dooj (two days after Diwali), typically in October or November. After the closing ceremony, the sacred flame and the deity's image are carried in a ceremonial procession to Ukhimath, where winter puja continues until the temple reopens the following May.

Always verify exact opening and closing dates on the official BKTC portal before planning your trip.