Everything for the Kedarnath Yatra: how to reach Gaurikund, the trek and its stops, helicopter booking, registration, when the temple opens and closes, and what to see at Kedarnath.
By Teerthayan • October 2026
Kedarnath is the highest of the twelve Jyotirlingas, at about 3,583 m at the head of the Mandakini valley. It is also the first of the Panch Kedar and one of the four dhams of Uttarakhand. The Kedarnath Yatra ends with a trek of about 16–18 km, so it needs more planning than most pilgrimages. This guide covers the route, the trek, the helicopter, registration, the 2027 opening dates and what to see at the top.
Kedarnath Yatra at a glance
| Altitude | About 3,583 m |
|---|---|
| Road ends at | Sonprayag, then a shuttle to Gaurikund |
| Trek | About 16–18 km each way from Gaurikund |
| Helicopter | From Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi; booked only on IRCTC HeliYatra |
| Season | Late April / May to Bhai Dooj (October–November) |
| Best months | May–June and September–October |
| Registration | Compulsory and free, with Uttarakhand Tourism |
Kedarnath opening and closing dates
The opening date is announced each year on Maha Shivaratri at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where Lord Kedarnath is worshipped through the winter. The deity's doli then travels up over a few days via Guptkashi and Gaurikund. The temple usually opens in late April or early May, and closes on Bhai Dooj, the day after Govardhan Puja, in October or November. Watch for the 2027 date in February 2027.
How to reach Kedarnath
| Leg | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Haridwar → Guptkashi or Sitapur | about 230 km | 8–9 hours |
| Guptkashi → Sonprayag | about 30 km | 1 hour |
| Sonprayag → Gaurikund (shuttle) | about 5 km | 15–20 minutes |
| Gaurikund → Kedarnath (trek) | about 16–18 km | 6–8 hours up |
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, and the nearest major railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. Leave Guptkashi or Sitapur before dawn: queues at Sonprayag build quickly, and an early start gets you to the top before the afternoon clouds.
The Kedarnath trek
The path climbs along the Mandakini from Gaurikund through Jungle Chatti, Bhimbali and Linchauli to the temple. It is paved and well marked, with shelters, food stalls and medical posts along the way, but it is steep and long, and the last few kilometres are at high altitude.
- On foot: 6–8 hours up, 4–6 down. Walk at your own pace and rest often.
- Pony, palki or pithoo: hired at fixed government rates from registered counters at Gaurikund and Sonprayag.
- Stay overnight at Kedarnath if you can. You attend the evening aarti and take darshan at dawn, when queues are shortest.
Kedarnath helicopter booking
Helicopters fly to Kedarnath from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi, a flight of about 10–15 minutes. Tickets are sold only on IRCTC's official HeliYatra website, and you need your Char Dham registration number to book. Seats for May and June sell out within minutes of release. Fake sites selling Kedarnath helicopter tickets appear every year, so pay no one else. Flights depend on the weather, so keep a buffer day.
What to see at Kedarnath
- Kedarnath Temple: the stone temple, with Nandi facing the sanctum and the Kedar Dome rising behind.
- Bhim Shila: the boulder that came to rest behind the temple in the 2013 flood and turned the water aside.
- Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi: rebuilt behind the temple, with a statue of the Acharya.
- Bhairavnath Temple: a short climb above the town, dedicated to the guardian of Kedarnath.
- Triyuginarayan: near Sonprayag, where Shiva and Parvati are said to have married before an eternal fire.
Registration, health and packing
- Register every pilgrim with Uttarakhand Tourism; registration is checked at Sonprayag.
- Health: pilgrims over 50, and anyone with heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions, should see a doctor before travelling. Walk daily for a few weeks beforehand.
- Weather: nights are cold even in June, and it rains often. Carry warm layers, a rain jacket and good trekking shoes.
- Cash: ATMs on the route run dry in peak season.
Kedarnath Yatra packages
Most pilgrims combine Kedarnath with Badrinath. Our Do Dham Yatra from Haridwar covers both in 6 days from ₹21,900, and the Do Dham Yatra from Delhi in 8 days. For all four dhams, see the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar. Read next: our Badrinath Yatra guide and the Do Dham Yatra guide.
FAQs
When does Kedarnath open in 2027?+
The opening date is announced on Maha Shivaratri at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. Kedarnath usually opens in late April or early May and closes on Bhai Dooj in October or November.
How long is the Kedarnath trek?+
About 16 to 18 km each way from Gaurikund to the temple. Most pilgrims take 6 to 8 hours to walk up and 4 to 6 hours down.
How do I book the Kedarnath helicopter?+
Only on IRCTC's official HeliYatra website, using your Char Dham registration number. Helicopters fly from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi.
Is registration required for the Kedarnath Yatra?+
Yes. Every pilgrim must register with Uttarakhand Tourism; the registration is checked at Sonprayag before the trek.
How many days does the Kedarnath Yatra take?+
About 4 to 5 days from Haridwar or Rishikesh with a night at Kedarnath, or 6 days if combined with Badrinath as the Do Dham Yatra.
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