Kedarnath Opening Date 2026: Temple Doors To Open for Devotees on April 22; Announcement Made at Omkareshwar Mandir in Ukhimath

Ukhimath, February 15: The doors of the Kedarnath Dham, one of the most revered shrines in the Hindu pilgrimage circuit, are scheduled to open to devotees on April 22, 2025. The announcement was made on Friday during a traditional ceremony held at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath on the occasion of Mahashivratri. The temple gates will officially swing open at the auspicious ‘Vrish Lagna’ timing, marking the commencement of the annual Chardham Yatra season in the Himalayas.

Kedarnath Dham - Rituals and Timings

The date and precise timing for the opening were determined following ancient Vedic calculations by the priests of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and local scholars. According to the traditional calendar, the rituals will begin several days prior to the opening. Kedarnath Experiencing Extreme Winter Conditions, Turns into Winter Wonderland; with 3-4 Feet of Snow Blanketing.

On April 19, the ‘Vigraha’ (idol) of Lord Shiva will begin its journey from its winter abode in Ukhimath in a decorated palanquin (doli). The procession will make scheduled stops at Guptkashi and Gaurikund before reaching the Kedarnath shrine on the evening of April 21. The doors will then be opened to the public in the early hours of April 22.

Preparations for the Kedarnath Dham Yatra

With the dates now confirmed, the Uttarakhand state administration and the Temple Committee have intensified preparations to manage the expected influx of pilgrims. Every year, hundreds of thousands of devotees trek the 16-kilometer route from Gaurikund to the shrine, situated at an altitude of approximately 11,755 feet. Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman to Propose Barring Non-Hindus.

Efforts are currently underway to clear snow from the trekking paths and ensure that basic infrastructure, including medical facilities, water supply, and electricity, is fully functional before the opening day. Officials have noted that safety protocols will be a priority, given the unpredictable weather conditions in the Rudraprayag district.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Kedarnath is the highest of the 12 Jyotirlingas and forms a vital part of the Chardham Yatra, which also includes Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The shrine remains closed for six months during the winter due to heavy snowfall and extreme sub-zero temperatures. During this period, the deity is worshipped at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.

The opening of the doors is not merely a religious event but also a significant economic driver for the Garhwal region, supporting thousands of local businesses, mule operators, and hospitality providers.

Registration and Travel Guidelines

The state government is expected to open the online registration portal for pilgrims in the coming weeks. Travelers are advised to undergo medical screenings before embarking on the high-altitude trek and to monitor official weather updates regularly.

The announcement has already sparked significant interest among devotees across the country, with hotel bookings in the base camps of Sonprayag and Guptkashi reportedly seeing a surge following the Mahashivratri declaration.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 15, 2026 12:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).