Kedarnath Dham is a famous temple for people who worship Lord Shiva, and it is particularly important to Sanatan Dharma followers. Kedarnath Dham is located in the hills of the Garwal region of Uttarakhand. The temperature here is very low and people experience a lack of oxygen because the mountains of Kedarnath Dham remain covered in snow almost all year round.
Practitioners of Hindu religion have been worshipping Kedarnath Dham for thousands of years. This temple is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, hence its importance is very high in Sanatan Dharma. As the Kedarnath Dham Yatra 2026 nears, many devotees are preparing for the long and peaceful journey to this shrine. The route to Kedarnath Dham is known for its natural beauty, and it can be quite cold here, with the wind blowing due to the snow adding to the chill. Pilgrims often describe the yatra as more than a mountain trek. It becomes a personal search for peace and a chance to feel close to Mahadev.
The Kedarnath Dham Temple is expected to open around May 9, 2026 (tentative), with the official announcement made on Maha Shivratri by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee. The temple remains open until October or early November, depending on weather conditions.
During the winter, the deity of Lord Kedarnath is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship continues until reopening the next year.
Registration for Kedarnath Dham Yatra 2026
To ensure safety and crowd management, registration is mandatory for all pilgrims.
You can register online through the official Uttarakhand Tourism portal.
👉 registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
During registration, devotees receive a Yatra e-pass, which is required for temple entry, trekking, and helicopter boarding. It’s advisable to complete the process early to avoid last-minute rush. For offline registration, facilities will also be available at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Sonprayag, and Guptkashi counters.
How to Reach Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Dham is not directly accessible by road. The final stretch is a 16–17 km trek from Gaurikund. Here’s the route overview:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, around 238 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (215 km).
- By Road: Buses and taxis operate from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund.
From Gaurikund, pilgrims either trek to Kedarnath or opt for pony, palki, or helicopter services.
Helicopter Booking for Kedarnath Dham Yatra 2026
For Kedarnath Dham yatra, Helicopter services are available from Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi. Bookings can be made only through the official IRCTC Heli Yatra portal:
👉 heliyatra.irctc.co.in
Avoid using unofficial websites or agents to prevent fraud. Each helicopter trip takes around 10 minutes one way, and passengers are allowed limited luggage (2–5 kg). Early morning slots are recommended to avoid weather delays.
The Sacred Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple is a divine experience, testing both faith and endurance. The 16 km trail passes through Rambara, Jungle Chatti, and Bhim Bali, offering mesmerizing views of the Mandakini River and Himalayan peaks.
Pony, palki, and pitthu services are available for elderly or physically challenged devotees. Rest points, refreshment stalls, and medical aid centres are set up along the route by the Uttarakhand Government.
Accommodation and Food Options
Kedarnath and nearby towns like Guptkashi and Sonprayag offer a wide range of accommodation, from simple dharamshalas to budget hotels.
- GMVN guesthouses and registered private lodges provide affordable, safe stays.
- Meals are mostly satvik, including khichdi, roti, sabzi, and tea. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited in the temple region.
Booking early is recommended, especially during the May–June peak season.
Weather and Travel Tips for Kedarnath Yatra 2026
- Summer (May–June): Pleasant weather, ideal for trekking.
- Monsoon (July–August): Heavy rainfall; avoid travel due to landslides.
- Autumn (September–October): Clear skies, calm weather, best for darshan.
Travel Tips:
You should carry warm clothes, rain protection and good waterproof shoes because the weather changes quickly in the mountains. It also helps to keep your regular medicines and your identity proof with you at all times. Before starting the journey, make sure to check the official Uttarakhand Government portal for the latest weather and Yatra updates so you can travel safely.
Spiritual Significance of Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand. According to legend, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva, who took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. When He dived into the earth, His hump remained at Kedarnath , now worshipped as the Jyotirlinga.
The temple, surrounded by snow-covered peaks, represents purification of karma and the journey toward moksha.
FAQs
When will Kedarnath Temple open for 2026?
The temple is expected to open around May 9, 2026, with the official date announced on Maha Shivratri.
How to register for Kedarnath Dham Yatra 2026?
Register online at the official Uttarakhand portal — registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, for darshan, trek, and helicopter permissions.
How to book a helicopter for Kedarnath Yatra 2026?
Book only through the official IRCTC Heli Yatra portal: heliyatra.irctc.co.in , with boarding points at Phata, Sirsi, or Guptkashi.
What is the best time to visit Kedarnath Temple?
The best months are May–June and September–October, with pleasant weather and safe roads.
Is registration mandatory for Kedarnath Yatra 2026?
Yes, registration is compulsory for all devotees for safety and verification during the Char Dham Yatra 2026.