Kedarnath Opening Date 2026 — Temple Season Dates
Kedarnath temple opens for approximately 6 months each year, from late April/early May to November. Here are the exact dates for 2026 and how to plan around them.
2026 Opening & Closing Dates
| Event | Expected Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Opening (Kapaat Khulna) | Late April / Early May 2026 | On Akshaya Tritiya muhurat |
| Temple Closing (Kapaat Bandh) | November 2026 (Bhai Dooj) | After Diwali celebrations |
| Peak Season | May - June 2026 | Highest footfall, book early |
| Monsoon (Risky) | July - September | Landslides possible, check alerts |
| Post-Monsoon (Ideal) | September - October | Clear skies, fewer crowds |
* Exact dates are announced by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) approximately 1-2 months before opening, based on the Hindu calendar. We update this page as soon as official dates are declared.
How Opening Dates Are Decided
The opening date of Kedarnath temple is decided based on the Hindu Panchang (calendar), specifically on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) announces the exact date and muhurat (auspicious time) after consulting with the Rawals (chief priests) and astrologers.
The closing date falls on Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali. On this day, the deity's murti is ceremonially moved to Ukhimath (winter seat), where worship continues through winter. The temple is then sealed with snow for approximately six months.
Historical Opening Dates
| Year | Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 25 | November 3 |
| 2024 | May 10 | November 3 |
| 2023 | April 25 | November 14 |
| 2022 | May 6 | November 25 |
| 2021 | May 17 | November 6 |
Best Months to Visit
- May-June: Best weather but most crowded. Book helicopter and accommodation 2-3 months ahead.
- September-October: Post-monsoon clarity, fewer crowds, stunning views. Our top recommendation.
- July-August: Heavy rainfall, landslide risk, helicopter cancellations. Only for experienced trekkers.
- Late October-November: Cold but clear. Last chance before temple closes. Carry heavy woolens.
Season Phases
The Kedarnath season can be broadly divided into four phases, each with distinct characteristics:
- Opening Rush (Late April - Mid May): Devotees eager for first darshan. Long queues, limited helicopter availability. Snow still visible on trek route.
- Peak Season (Mid May - June): Maximum footfall (15,000-20,000 pilgrims/day). Pleasant weather (5-15°C). Everything must be pre-booked.
- Monsoon (July - Mid September): Reduced footfall. Regular rainfall, landslide warnings. Helicopter service unreliable. Trek route can be dangerous.
- Post-Monsoon Golden Window (Mid September - November): Crystal clear skies, snow-capped peaks visible, moderate crowds. Temperature drops (0-10°C). Best for photography.