Kedarnath · Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Yatra 2026: Dates, Route & Trek
The Himalayan Shiva shrine at 3,583 m. 2026 temple opens 22 April; registration is mandatory. A ~16 km trek from Gaurikund.
Guide by MRIGAN
KEDARNATH YATRA 2026 🕉️
2026 dates & registration
• Temple opens 22 April 2026 (doors ~8:00 AM); closes around Nov (Bhai Dooj).
• Registration is MANDATORY — the Uttarakhand portal opened 6 March 2026:
registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Carry your QR e-pass.
• Darshan is free — there is no paid temple ticket.
Best time
• May–Jun and Sep–Oct are ideal. Avoid Jul–Aug (monsoon landslides).
How to reach & the trek
📍 Rishikesh/Haridwar → Sonprayag (by road, ~210 km) → Gaurikund.
📍 Trek ~16–18 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (3,583 m).
📍 Options: walk, pony/palki, or helicopter from Phata/Sersi/Guptkashi.
Budget (per person, excluding travel to Uttarakhand)
Stays: ₹800–2,500/night along the route (basic guesthouses & tents).
Food: ₹400–700/day (simple dhaba meals).
Pony/palki: ₹4,000–8,000 round trip; helicopter: ~₹8,000–9,000 round trip (varies).
✅ A 4–5 day trip typically runs ₹8,000–₹18,000 per person.
Travel tips
- Complete the mandatory yatra registration before you travel and keep the e-pass handy.
- Acclimatise — it’s high altitude; start the trek early morning and carry warm, waterproof layers.
- Book helicopter slots (IRCTC Heli-Yatra) well in advance; they sell out fast.
- Carry cash, a torch, basic medicines and a raincoat — network and shops are limited on the trail.