Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing Dates

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Temple is one of the prime centres of pilgrimage among devout Shaivites and pilgrims. Sitting majestically on the lush green lap of the Garhwal Himalayan range the entire route to Kedarnath Dham is dotted with breathtaking views and scenic surroundings. Being situated at a whopping height of 3,583 metres above sea level the entire region remains buried in a thick layering of white snow during its peak winter seasons during which the temple darshan shuts down and yatra is halted for the season. The temple attracts a large number of devout Hindus each year who take up this pilgrimage in order to cleanse their soul and free themselves from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

[ Kedarnath Dham will opened on 15 May 2025 on the eve of Akshaya Tritiya, Kedarnath Temple will closed on 2 November 2025 ]

When the temple is closed off for darshan the yatris are taken to the winter seat of the Lord at a holy town in Rudraprayag district of Ukhimath. Legend has it that the Pandava brothers had initially constructed the temple when they visited here together to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva in order to achieve forgiveness for killing their kin (Kauravas) on the battlefield in Mahabharata. It was then later on reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya during the 7th century who aimed at reviving the Hindu faith. The presiding deity at Kedarnath is an irregular black stone lingam which sits on a 12-foot tall pedestal.

Planning on visiting this wonderful holy town? Then here are the opening and closing dates of the Kedarnath Dham:

The Kapat of this holy temple will open for yatris and devotees on 15 May 2025 at 6:20 am in the morning. On May 13 2025, as per traditions, a Bhairavnath puja will be held in Omkareshwar mandir at Ukhimath. On 13 May 2025 the Kedarnath Doli will be transferred from its winter seat at Omkareshwar mandir at Ukhimath post 10 am in the morning. On this day this Kedarnath Ji Doli stayed at Phata village for the remainder of the night. The next day, on May 14 2025, the Doli carrying Kedarnath Ji will reach Gauri Mata Temple located at Gaurikund during night time. On 15 May 2025 the Doli will make its final journey from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Kedarnath Ji’s Doli will finally reach the shrine on the morning of 15 May 2025, Tuesday at 6:20 am. The temple’s Kapat will then open for visitation for pilgrims and devout Shaivites.

The closing dates for Kedarnath Dham has not been decided but is under consideration. As per tradition, the temple Kapat will close for public visitation during the eve of Bhai Dooj which falls after Diwali mostly between the end of October and beginning of November.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Dham:

The best time to visit or take up the journey to Kedarnath dham is during the months of May – June and September – October. The winter time falls between the months of November to May when the temperature dips till subzero accompanied with heavy rainfall. Summer time at Kedarnath is extremely pleasant and welcoming but the overall temperature still remains freezing cold.

We hope that this Kedarnath opening and closing dates help you in deciding your pilgrimage journey to the lord.