Kedarnath Registration 2026 — Dates, Limits & Complete Process

Key 2026 Dates

The 2026 temple opening date (kapaat khulna muhurta) will be officially announced by BKTC on Mahashivratri 2026. This page will be updated as soon as the announcement is made. Always verify dates at the official BKTC portal.

What's New or Changed in 2026

Based on the trajectory of changes from 2023–2025, the following updates are expected or have been indicated for the 2026 season:

• Stricter daily caps: The Uttarakhand government has been progressively tightening daily pilgrim limits at Kedarnath following concerns about overcrowding, trail safety, and environmental impact. In 2025, the limit was approximately 12,000–15,000 pilgrims per day (trek + helicopter combined). Further tightening is anticipated for 2026.
• Health certificate update: Medical fitness certificates may be required to be issued by government-registered hospitals rather than private clinics, for pilgrims above 60. Confirm the latest requirements on the official portal before visiting.
• Digital QR code system: The biometric + QR code verification system introduced in 2024–25 continues with refinements. Multiple checkpoints along the trek route now scan QR codes to track pilgrim movement.
• Helicopter slot integration: Helicopter booking and yatra registration have been progressively integrated. In 2026, helicopter passengers may need to complete yatra registration before purchasing helicopter tickets on IRCTC.
• Emergency response infrastructure: Additional medical posts and emergency shelters have been added along the trekking route following recommendations from disaster management studies.

* This section reflects expected changes based on government announcements and trends. Verify all changes at the official portal before your trip.

Daily Pilgrim Limits

The Uttarakhand government imposes a daily cap on the number of pilgrims allowed to reach Kedarnath. This cap is divided between trekkers and helicopter passengers:

During peak season (late May and early June), these daily limits are reached quickly — sometimes within hours of the registration portal opening for that date. Weekends and auspicious days (Mondays, Pradosh, full moon) fill up weeks or even months in advance.

How to Register for Kedarnath 2026

1. Visit the official portal: Go to the official Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra registration website (linked from the official BKTC site and the Uttarakhand Tourism website).
2. Create / log in to your account: First-time users register with a mobile number and email. Existing users log in directly.
3. Select Kedarnath: Choose your destination as "Kedarnath" from the Char Dham options.
4. Choose your date: Select your preferred darshan date from the available calendar. Dates showing as "Full" are sold out — select an alternative.
5. Enter pilgrim details: Add each pilgrim's full name, age, ID proof type and number, medical information, and blood group.
6. Upload documents: Upload a scanned/photographed copy of your ID proof and medical fitness certificate.
7. Pay the fee: Registration fees are paid online (UPI, net banking, or card). Fee is approximately ₹50 per Indian pilgrim.
8. Download and save your QR code: Upon successful payment, download your registration QR code. Save it to your phone and print a backup copy.
9. Biometric verification: Complete biometric verification at the Sonprayag checkpoint before beginning the trek. Carry the same ID document used during registration.

Documents Required for 2026 Registration

• Government-issued photo ID: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License
• Medical fitness certificate (issued within 3 days of travel, by a registered practitioner)
• Passport-size photograph (digital copy for upload)
• Emergency contact name and mobile number
• Vehicle registration number (if traveling by personal vehicle to Sonprayag)
• For helicopter passengers: helicopter booking confirmation will also be required at verification

When to Book — Slot Availability Timeline

Timing your registration attempt is crucial. Based on the pattern from 2023–2025:

• Opening day (March): Mondays in May and June fill within hours — sometimes within minutes
• 1–2 weeks after portal opens: All May weekend slots and peak June dates are typically sold out
• 1 month after opening: Weekday May slots may still be available; most June dates gone
• 2–3 months before travel: September slots become easier to book; October is easiest
• Last minute (1–2 weeks before): Cancellation slots occasionally become available; requires frequent portal checking

Best strategy: decide your travel window, then log into the portal the moment it opens and book immediately. Do not deliberate — any date slot can be fully booked within minutes on busy registration days.

Cancellation & Rescheduling

The official registration portal allows cancellation and rescheduling subject to the following rules:

• Cancellations made more than 7 days before the travel date are eligible for a partial refund (minus processing fees)
• Cancellations within 7 days are generally non-refundable
• Rescheduling to a different date is allowed (subject to slot availability) through the portal
• No-shows on the registered date forfeit the slot and fee
• If the temple is closed due to weather or government order, alternative slots or refunds are typically offered

* Cancellation and refund policies are set by the Uttarakhand government and BKTC. Verify current policy on the official portal as rules may change between seasons.