🗓️ Last updated: May 4, 2026 · Verified for current season
Complete Kedarnath Temple Schedule 2026
Kedarnath temple follows a strict daily schedule maintained by the Shri Kedarnath temple committee. The timings remain consistent throughout the season (April 22 – November 11, 2026) with minor adjustments for special festivals. Understanding this schedule is essential for planning your darshan — arriving during closed hours or peak queue times means a 2–3 hour wait or missing the aarti.
4:00 AM
Mahabhishek
₹3,100 per personAdvance booking
Private puja — Shivalinga bathed with milk, honey, ghee, water. Vedic mantras by temple priests. Most spiritually significant puja. Advance booking required.
4:30 AM
Abhishek Puja
₹1,500 per personAdvance booking
Group Abhishek puja. Open to pilgrims who pre-register. Temple atmosphere is mystical before sunrise.
6:00 AM
General Darshan Opens
Free
General darshan begins. Early morning is the best time — queue is short, atmosphere serene, temple freshly adorned.
7:00 AM
Balabhog (Morning Offering)
Free
Morning food offering to Lord Kedarnath. Brief aarti with conch shells and bells. Pilgrims present receive prasad.
10:00 AM
Queue longest between 10 AM and 2 PM during peak season (May–June). Wait time can be 1–3 hours. Consider arriving at 6 AM to avoid this.
12:00 PM
Brief midday offering. Regular general darshan continues. For special puja requests, approach the seva counter near the temple entrance.
3:00 PM
Temple Closes (Afternoon)
Temple closes for afternoon rest. All pilgrims exit the sanctum. This closure lasts from 3 PM to 5 PM.
5:00 PM
Evening Darshan Opens
Free
Temple reopens. Evening light on the mountains is spectacular. The pace is calmer than morning peak hours.
7:30 PM
The most visually magnificent aarti. Lord Kedarnath is adorned with flowers, dhatura, bhasma. Multi-diya aarti with temple musicians. Highly recommended for all pilgrims.
8:30 PM
Shayan Aarti (Closing)
Free
Closing aarti. Lord Kedarnath is prepared for the night with special rituals. The last aarti of the day.
9:00 PM
Temple closes for the night. All pilgrims must exit. The temple complex remains lit with oil lamps overnight.
Kedarnath Puja Booking — Prices & Types
| Puja Name | Time | Cost | Duration | How to Book |
|---|
| Mahabhishek | 4:00 AM | ₹3,100 | 45–60 min | Temple counter / Shiv Ganga Travels |
| Abhishek | 4:30 AM | ₹1,500 | 30 min | Temple counter / operator |
| Rudra Abhishek | 6:00–8:00 AM | ₹2,500 | 30 min | Temple counter on arrival |
| Laghu Rudra | 6:00 AM–2:00 PM | ₹5,000 | 1 hour | Advance booking required |
| Maha Rudra | By appointment | ₹15,000+ | 3 hours | Advance booking, limited slots |
| General Darshan | 6 AM–3 PM, 5–9 PM | Free | 5–45 min (queue dependent) | No booking needed |
What to Expect During the Shringaar Aarti (7:30 PM)
The Shringaar Aarti is the most visually striking ritual at Kedarnath. The Shivalinga is adorned with flowers — particularly dhatura blossoms sacred to Lord Shiva — along with fresh bhasma (sacred ash), sandalwood paste, and precious stones. The aarti is performed by temple priests with large multi-wick diyas while conch shells, bells, and devotional instruments create an atmosphere unlike anything in modern India.
Arriving at the temple by 7:00 PM secures a good viewing position. The aarti lasts approximately 20–25 minutes. The smoke from the diyas and incense in the enclosed stone temple creates a sacred haze. Many pilgrims describe the Shringaar Aarti as the most moving 25 minutes of their entire yatra.
📅 2026 Season Dates
Opening Date:April 22, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Closing Date:November 11, 2026 (Bhai Dooj)
Best Season:May 10 – June 20 & Sep 15 – Oct 25
Daily Pilgrim Limit:15,000–17,000 per day
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book Kedarnath Mahabhishek online?＋
Yes. Mahabhishek can be booked through the Shri Kedarnath temple website or through your tour operator. Shiv Ganga Travels books Mahabhishek puja for all our Kedarnath packages as standard. The puja is at 4:00 AM, so your vehicle must reach Gaurikund by 2 AM at the latest — which means leaving Guptkashi at 1 AM.
Is there a separate darshan line for senior citizens?＋
Yes. A dedicated Divyangjan (disabled) and Senior Citizens queue is maintained at Kedarnath temple. Our guides facilitate access to this queue for pilgrims aged 70+ or those with mobility limitations. Ask your guide to approach the queue management staff at the temple entrance.
Can I see the temple open during the Kedarnath trek?＋
No. The Kedarnath trek from Gaurikund (16km) takes 5–7 hours ascending. If you leave Gaurikund at 5 AM, you reach Kedarnath by 11 AM–12 PM — right at the end of the morning session. Timing your trek start is critical. Many pilgrims who leave at 7–8 AM arrive during the 3 PM afternoon closure and miss morning darshan entirely.
What is the phone ban rule at Kedarnath temple?＋
Mobile phones are banned inside the inner sanctum (garbhagriha) of Kedarnath temple in 2026. Phone deposit counters are set up at the temple entrance. Photography outside the temple complex remains permitted. This rule is enforced by temple security and Uttarakhand Police.
Book Kedarnath Yatra 2026 — Including Mahabhishek Booking
Shiv Ganga Travels books Mahabhishek puja, manages temple queue, and arranges VIP darshan. Haridwar-based direct operator. +91-7017082807