Kedarnath Temple Set to Reopen in April 2026

The Kedarnath Temple, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites, is scheduled to reopen on April 22, 2026. The temple closes every winter due to extreme cold and weather conditions, and it is expected to reopen in the spring. The date for opening was finalized on Mahashivratri at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. This annual event marks the beginning of the pilgrimage season for the temple and the region. Other temples in the area will open around the same time. The Badrinath Temple is set to reopen on April 23, 2026. The Gangotri and Yamunotri Temples are scheduled to open earlier, on April 19, 2026, which coincides with the Hindu festival Akshaya Tritiya. These dates have been announced as part of the schedule for the Char Dham Yatra 2026, a popular spiritual journey involving visits to four sacred temples in the Himalayas. The Char Dham Yatra typically begins with the opening of these temples. Devotees prepare to embark on this pilgrimage each year, and the scheduled dates are important for planning travel and religious activities. The opening dates are based on religious and cultural traditions, and they are officially announced by authorities responsible for managing the temples. During the winter months, the Kedarnath Temple remains closed because of extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. Instead, during this period, the deity of the temple is worshipped at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. This practice allows religious activities to continue even when the temple itself is closed for visitors. The temple is expected to close again in November 2026, around the time of Bhai Dooj, a festival celebrated after Diwali. However, the exact date for the closing is not yet confirmed. The final closing date will be announced by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, which oversees the management of these sacred sites. As of the current date, no official confirmation about the closing date has been made for 2026. Authorities are still waiting to finalize these details, and updates are expected as the season approaches. The temple's reopening is a significant event for devotees and religious travelers who consider this journey a vital part of their spiritual life. Understanding the schedule helps devotees plan their pilgrimage and participate in religious festivals safely. The reopening of the Kedarnath Temple marks the beginning of a new season of worship and spiritual activity in the Himalayas, drawing pilgrims from across the country and around the world. The specific dates for closure will be provided closer to the time, ensuring that pilgrims can plan accordingly. This annual cycle of closing in winter and reopening in spring is a long-standing tradition that preserves the temple’s spiritual significance and ensures the safety of visitors during harsh weather conditions.