Complete Guide to Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Kedarnath temple at 3,583 metres is open from Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) to Bhai Dooj (October/November). The temple is closed for 6 months in winter when the deity moves to Ukhimath. Understanding each month's conditions is crucial for a safe and fulfilling yatra.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Conditions | Best For | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May (opening) | 5–15 | Snow on trail; temple opens; fresh | Opening ceremony darshan | Very High |
| June | 8–18 | Peak pilgrimage; warm by day | Yatra; helicopter available | Very High |
| July | 10–17 | Monsoon; landslide risk on NH-58 | Avoid if possible | Moderate |
| August | 10–16 | Heavy rain; trail muddy | Avoid – dangerous | Low |
| September | 8–16 | Clearing; trail drying; fresh air | Best month — fewer crowds, good weather | Low–Moderate |
| October | 2–12 | Clear; crisp; closing season | Pre-closing darshan; spectacular views | Moderate–High |
| Nov (closing) | -2 to 5 | Closing ceremony; heavy snowfall | Closing Puja – very special | Moderate |
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath — Month by Month Recommendation
- September (Best): Post-monsoon clarity; trek trail dry; minimal crowds; helicopter available; 8–16°C
- October (Excellent): Crisp Himalayan air; stunning snow-peak backdrops; closing season energy
- May (Opening): Auspicious opening ceremony; BUT very high crowds; snow on trail above 2,500m
- June: Good weather but India's peak Char Dham season — 20,000+ pilgrims daily; book early
- July–August (Avoid): Monsoon season — NH-58 landslides common; Gaurikund road frequently blocked; trek trail dangerous
How to Reach Kedarnath
- By Trek: Gaurikund (1,982m) → Kedarnath (3,583m) — 16 km, 6–8 hrs uphill; ponies available
- By Helicopter: Phata / Guptkashi / Sirsi → Kedarnath (7–10 min flight); ₹4,500–₹8,000 one way
- To Gaurikund by Road: Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund (230 km, ~8 hrs)
- By Train: Rishikesh (230 km from Gaurikund) is the nearest major railhead
Budget and Hotels for Kedarnath Yatra
| Stay Location | Options | Price/night |
|---|---|---|
| Kedarnath (at temple) | GMVN camps, dharamshalas | ₹500–₹2,000 |
| Guptkashi (base) | Hotels, guesthouses | ₹800–₹3,000 |
| Sonprayag / Sitapur | Budget lodges | ₹400–₹800 |
Complete Kedarnath yatra cost per person: ₹6,000–₹20,000 (trek) or ₹12,000–₹30,000 (helicopter) — including transport, stay, puja and meals for 3 nights.
Travel Tips and FAQs
- Register on the official Devasthanam Board portal before arriving — daily footfall is capped
- Helicopter slots sell out 30–45 days in advance for May–June; book online immediately
- Carry a rain poncho, warm jacket and sturdy boots — weather changes rapidly at 3,583m
- Altitude sickness risk above 3,000m — acclimatise at Guptkashi (1,319m) for 1 night before the trek
- Ponies and palanquins (doli) available at Gaurikund: ₹2,000–₹3,500 one way
FAQ: When does Kedarnath open in 2026? The opening date follows Akshaya Tritiya — typically late April or early May. Check the Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Board for the exact 2026 date.