The sacred portals of the Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas will reopen for devotees on April 22, 2026, marking the beginning of this year’s Char Dham Yatra season. The announcement was made by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday, bringing clarity and excitement to millions of pilgrims planning their spiritual journey.
Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, remains closed for nearly six months every year due to extreme winter conditions in the Himalayas. With the declaration of its reopening date, the full schedule for the Char Dham Yatra 2026 has now been finalized.
Kedarnath Reopening: Date and Muhurat Finalised on Mahashivratri
According to Harish Gaur, Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, the date and time for reopening were decided on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.
The decision was taken at the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath - the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. Religious scholars and temple priests calculated the muhurat (auspicious timing) after performing rituals and studying the Hindu panchang (calendar).
The temple gates will open at 8:00 AM on April 22, 2026.
The ceremony announcing the date was attended by Kedarnath’s chief priest Rawal Bhimashankar Ling, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi, senior officials, religious leaders, and hundreds of devotees.
Char Dham Yatra 2026: Complete Opening Schedule
With Kedarnath’s reopening date confirmed, the schedule for the four sacred shrines of Uttarakhand - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — has been finalized as follows:
Yamunotri: April 19, 2026
Gangotri: April 19, 2026
Kedarnath: April 22, 2026 (8:00 AM)
Badrinath: April 23, 2026
The Char Dham Yatra traditionally begins with the opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Significance of Kedarnath Temple
Situated at an altitude of approximately 11,755 feet, Kedarnath is among the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and holds immense spiritual significance.
Due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather during winter, the temple closes around November each year. During this period, the idol of Lord Kedarnath is worshipped at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath until the shrine reopens in spring.
The reopening marks not just a religious event but also the revival of economic activity in the region, as lakhs of devotees visit every year.
Government Assures Safety and Preparations
After performing Jalabhishek at Vankhandi Mahadev Temple in Chakarpur, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed the media and confirmed that preparations for the Yatra have already begun.
He stated that the Uttarakhand government is committed to ensuring the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims.
“On 22nd April, the portals of Kedarnath Temple will be opened. Preparations have already started. We will ensure that all the devotees who come to Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand, are safe,” Dhami said.
He further noted that the number of devotees has been steadily increasing each year, prompting the administration to strengthen infrastructure, crowd management systems, health facilities, and emergency response mechanisms.
What Pilgrims Should Know Before Planning the Yatra
Mandatory Registration
Registration for the Char Dham Yatra is compulsory. Pilgrims must complete the process through official online portals or designated offline centers. Biometric registration is often required to ensure tracking and safety.
Weather Conditions in April
Though the Yatra begins in April, temperatures in Kedarnath can remain quite low, especially during early mornings and nights. Snow may still be visible in surrounding areas.
Pilgrims are advised to carry:
Heavy woollen clothing
Thermal wear
Gloves, caps, and scarves
Waterproof jackets and rain protection
Comfortable trekking shoes
High Altitude Precautions
Kedarnath is located at a high altitude, and oxygen levels are lower compared to plains. Pilgrims with heart conditions, respiratory issues, or high blood pressure should consult a doctor before undertaking the journey.
Proper acclimatization and hydration are essential. Elderly pilgrims are encouraged to move slowly and avoid overexertion.
Travel and Accommodation Planning
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is approximately 16 kilometers. Pilgrims can choose between trekking, pony services, palkis, or helicopter services.
Helicopter bookings typically open in advance and fill up quickly during peak season. Accommodation in Kedarnath, Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and surrounding areas should also be reserved early.
Growing Popularity of the Yatra
In recent years, the Char Dham Yatra has witnessed record footfall, reflecting increasing interest in spiritual tourism. Enhanced connectivity, improved road infrastructure, and better disaster management systems have encouraged more devotees to undertake the pilgrimage.
The state government has been investing in infrastructure upgrades, digital registration systems, medical facilities, and crowd control measures to ensure a safer experience.
The reopening of Kedarnath Temple on April 22, 2026, marks the beginning of another spiritually significant Char Dham Yatra season. With Yamunotri and Gangotri opening on April 19 and Badrinath on April 23, pilgrims can now begin planning their journey.
As preparations gather pace, authorities have assured that safety and smooth arrangements will remain a top priority. For devotees across the country and abroad, the announcement brings renewed anticipation for a sacred journey to the Himalayas.
The Char Dham Yatra is not just a pilgrimage - it is a deeply spiritual experience set against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas, drawing seekers of faith year after year.