Kedarnath Trip Month Wise Plan
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📅Kedarnath Itinerary by Month 2026

Kedarnath Itinerary by Month 2026 – Best Plan for May, June, September & October

Month-specific Kedarnath itinerary 2026. What to expect and how to plan your trip in May, June, September, October and November. Kedarnath package from ₹5000.

KEDARNATH TRIP BOOKING 2026 – BOOK THE RIGHT MONTH WITH OUR ₹5000 PACKAGE

Every month at Kedarnath has a different character. May is electric with the opening energy. October is visually stunning with snow peaks. September is peaceful and green. Our ₹5000 package is available across all months of the 2026 season. Tell us your preferred month and we will design the exact itinerary that works best for that time of year.

KEDARNATH ITINERARY BY MONTH 2026 – HOW YOUR TRIP CHANGES DEPENDING ON WHEN YOU GO

The Kedarnath pilgrimage season runs from late April to early November in 2026. But no two months are the same. The crowd levels, weather conditions, trail conditions, accommodation availability, and the spiritual atmosphere at the temple all change significantly from one month to the next.

This page gives you a specific, month-tailored Kedarnath itinerary and planning guide so you know exactly what to expect and how to adjust your plan depending on when you visit.

The Kedarnath temple is confirmed to open on April 22, 2026. This is earlier than the average opening date in recent years, giving pilgrims an extended season to plan their visit.

KEDARNATH ITINERARY IN MAY 2026

What May at Kedarnath is like:

• - May is the opening month and the most spiritually charged time to visit. The temple has just been re-consecrated after the winter closure. The opening ceremony (Kapat Utsav) on April 22 draws tens of thousands of devotees. The energy in May is one of collective devotion, celebration, and renewal.

• - However, May is also the most crowded month of the entire season. Daily pilgrim count can reach 15,000 to 25,000 in peak weeks. The queue for general darshan can extend 2 to 4 hours.

• - Weather in May: Clear mornings with mild temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day. Cold nights from 2 to 6 degrees Celsius. Snow patches may still be visible on the trek route in early May, especially above Lincholi.

May-specific itinerary adjustments:

• - Book everything — accommodation, transport, and pony if needed — at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Everything fills up for May.

• - Arrive at Kedarnath on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Weekends see maximum crowd. The difference in queue time between a weekend and a midweek visit in May is 1 to 3 hours.

• - Start the trek from Gaurikund no later than 5:00 AM. In May, trekkers begin as early as 3:30 AM to 4:00 AM to avoid the crowd wave that peaks between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

• - Plan your temple darshan for either the 5:00 AM opening slot or the late afternoon reopening at 5:00 PM. These are the two windows with the shortest queues in May.

• - Carry full warm gear even in May. Nights at Kedarnath are near freezing regardless of the sunny days.

• - Expect higher prices for everything in May — dhabas, pony services, and guesthouses are all 10 to 25% pricier than September rates.

May sample itinerary (4 days from Haridwar):

• - Day 1: Haridwar 5 AM departure → Guptkashi evening arrival. Acclimatisation night.

• - Day 2: Guptkashi 4 AM departure → Sonprayag registration (pre-registered) → Gaurikund 5 AM → Trek begins 5:30 AM → Reach Kedarnath by 1 PM to 2 PM → Rest → Evening aarti 7 PM.

• - Day 3: 4:30 AM wake up → 5 AM early darshan (shortest queue of the day) → Gandhi Sarovar hike if energy permits → Afternoon puja or Rudrabhishek → Evening aarti. Overnight stay.

• - Day 4: 5 AM final darshan → Descent 7 AM → Gaurikund by 12:30 PM → Return vehicle from Sonprayag pre-booked → Haridwar by 9 PM.

May-specific tips your itinerary must include:

• - Do not arrive at the temple at 9 AM in May. This is the peak crowd window. The queue can take 3 to 5 hours.

• - Carry extra water. The crowd and physical exertion in May can cause faster dehydration.

• - Be prepared for the possibility of your pre-booked accommodation being overrun. Always have the property's WhatsApp contact and confirm your booking 48 hours before arrival.

• - Keep an eye on weather forecasts from IMD. Late May can bring sudden pre-monsoon showers that make the trek slippery within minutes.

KEDARNATH ITINERARY IN JUNE 2026

What June at Kedarnath is like:

• - June is pleasant in the first two weeks — clear weather, warm days at Haridwar, and a moderately crowded but manageable pilgrimage experience. After June 15, pre-monsoon rain begins, and by late June the monsoon is arriving in Uttarakhand.

• - Daily temperatures at Kedarnath in June: 12 to 18 degrees Celsius during the day. 4 to 8 degrees at night.

• - Crowd levels: High but slightly lower than May's peak. Daily footfall averages 8,000 to 15,000 pilgrims.

• - Trek conditions: Good in early June. After mid-June, the trail can become slippery with rain. Short rain showers start appearing in the afternoon.

June-specific itinerary adjustments:

• - Plan your visit for the first two weeks of June if possible. June 1 to June 15 is arguably the most comfortable balance of good weather and manageable crowds in the entire Kedarnath season.

• - Avoid the last week of June. The monsoon onset brings rain, landslide risk on the Haridwar–Sonprayag road, and uncertain trekking conditions.

• - Carry a rain jacket or poncho even in early June. Afternoon showers in the mountains are common and sudden.

• - Start the trek even earlier in June — by 5:00 AM. The afternoons bring cloud and rain, which make the last 5 km of the trek to Kedarnath slippery and cold.

June sample itinerary (4 days from Haridwar):

• - Day 1: Haridwar 5 AM → Guptkashi by 1 PM to 2 PM. Visit Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi.

• - Day 2: Guptkashi 4:30 AM → Sonprayag registration → Gaurikund jeep → Trek 5:30 AM → Kedarnath by 1:30 PM. Rest. Evening aarti 7 PM.

• - Day 3: Early darshan 5 AM → Breakfast → Gandhi Sarovar hike (if skies are clear — check morning weather) → Rest afternoon → Evening aarti.

• - Day 4: Early darshan 5 AM → Descent begins 7:30 AM → Be off the trail by 1 PM before afternoon rain → Haridwar return.

June-specific tips your itinerary must include:

• - Check the IMD Uttarakhand weather forecast every morning of your trip, not just before departure from home.

• - If heavy rain is forecast for your trek day, shift the trek by one day or start 30 minutes earlier than planned.

• - SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) helpline: 1800-180-4236. Save this before leaving home.

• - The road from Haridwar to Sonprayag passes through landslide-prone zones after mid-June. Keep a buffer day at Guptkashi in case the road is closed.

KEDARNATH ITINERARY IN JULY AND AUGUST 2026

What July and August at Kedarnath is like:

• - July and August are the monsoon months. Heavy, continuous rainfall is the norm. The Kedarnath temple remains open during this period, but travel and trekking conditions are significantly more challenging and risky.

• - July is the most important month for Shiva devotees in the Hindu calendar — it is Shravan month, the holiest month for Shiva worship. Despite the rain, many devout pilgrims specifically choose Shravan for their Kedarnath visit.

• - Trail conditions: Wet, slippery, and occasionally difficult. The trail has been significantly improved post-2013, but heavy rain still makes sections treacherous.

• - Road conditions: The Haridwar–Sonprayag highway passes through multiple landslide zones that are routinely blocked during heavy rainfall. Delays of 4 to 48 hours due to road blockage are common in July and August.

• - Crowd levels: Significantly lower than May and June. This is actually an advantage for those who manage the weather risk.

July and August itinerary adjustments:

• - Build in 2 to 3 buffer days at Guptkashi in case of road blockage. Do not book fixed-date return transport.

• - Plan the trek for early morning only. Begin from Gaurikund by 5:00 AM and aim to reach Kedarnath before noon — before the afternoon rain intensifies.

• - Carry: Full waterproof jacket (not just a poncho), waterproof trekking shoes, gaiters, trekking poles, and a spare dry set of clothing in a waterproof bag inside your backpack.

• - Do not attempt the trek if heavy rain has been falling continuously for more than 12 hours. The trail can develop flash-wash sections that are genuinely dangerous.

• - Shravan-specific scheduling: Mondays are the most auspicious darshan day in Shravan. If you are visiting for Shravan, plan your Kedarnath darshan day to fall on a Monday.

July and August sample itinerary (5 days with buffer, from Haridwar):

• - Day 1: Haridwar → Guptkashi. Check road conditions before departing.

• - Day 2: Buffer day at Guptkashi. Road check. If road is open and weather clear, proceed to Sonprayag. If not, rest and monitor.

• - Day 3: Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Trek begins at 5:00 AM → Kedarnath by 12:00 PM. Rest. Evening aarti.

• - Day 4: Early darshan 5 AM. Abhishek if planned. Return trek begins at 8:00 AM — aim to clear the trail before 2 PM rainfall.

• - Day 5: Return from Sonprayag/Guptkashi to Haridwar. Check road conditions before departure.

KEDARNATH ITINERARY IN SEPTEMBER 2026

What September at Kedarnath is like:

• - September is the hidden gem month for Kedarnath. The monsoon begins retreating in early September. By mid-September the skies are clearing, the trails are dry, and the entire landscape is at its most lush and vivid — the valleys are intensely green from months of rain, waterfalls are at full flow, and the air has the clean, crisp quality unique to post-monsoon Himalayan mornings.

• - Crowd levels: Moderate. Significantly lower than May and June but picking up toward the end of September. This makes September the ideal month for a peaceful, crowd-free Kedarnath experience.

• - Daily temperatures: 12 to 16 degrees Celsius in daytime. 3 to 6 degrees at night. Very manageable for trekking.

• - Accommodation: Easier to book than May and June. Rates are lower. Walk-in availability is possible, though advance booking is still recommended.

September-specific itinerary advantages:

• - You can take a more relaxed pace. The Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek in September is crisp, clear, and green — arguably the most beautiful it looks all season.

• - Queue for darshan is significantly shorter. A 30 to 60 minute wait for general darshan is normal in September versus 2 to 4 hours in May.

• - You can realistically add Gandhi Sarovar to your itinerary without rushing because the days are not consumed managing crowds.

• - Accommodation and transport are easier to arrange, though advance booking remains recommended.

September sample itinerary (4 days from Haridwar):

• - Day 1: Haridwar → Rudraprayag lunch stop (scenic Sangam) → Guptkashi. Evening at Vishwanath Temple.

• - Day 2: Guptkashi 5 AM → Sonprayag → Gaurikund jeep → Trek begins 6:30 AM. The September trail is beautiful and less busy. Reach Kedarnath by 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Rest. Evening aarti.

• - Day 3: 5 AM early darshan. Post-breakfast Gandhi Sarovar hike (skies are clearest in September). Afternoon rest and reflection time at the temple. Evening aarti.

• - Day 4: Final darshan 5 AM. Descent at 7:30 AM. Enjoy the descent — the Kedarnath valley in September morning light is stunning. Haridwar return by 9 PM.

September-specific tips:

• - Book for the first two weeks of September if possible. The second half of September sees crowds building as October approaches and people begin their Navratri-period Kedarnath visits.

• - Carry a light rain jacket even in September. Early September still has occasional rain showers from the retreating monsoon.

• - Leeches can be present on the lower sections of the trek in early September due to the wet monsoon ground. Wear full-coverage trekking shoes and tuck your pants into your socks at Jungle Chatti.

KEDARNATH ITINERARY IN OCTOBER 2026

What October at Kedarnath is like:

• - October is widely considered the most visually spectacular month for Kedarnath. The monsoon is fully over. The skies are deep blue and crystal clear. The Himalayan peaks — Kedarnath peak, Kedar Dome, Trishul, Chaukhamba — are snow-covered and vivid against the clear sky. The valley turns golden as the alpine vegetation changes colour. The air is sharp, clean, and invigorating.

• - Crowd levels: Moderate to high. Navratri period (late September to early October) and the approaching temple closing ceremony (Bhai Dooj) in October-November bring pilgrims in large numbers. But crowds are more manageable than May.

• - Night temperatures: 0 to 4 degrees Celsius at Kedarnath. Near freezing. Warm layers are absolutely essential.

• - Trail conditions: Excellent. Dry, firm, and well-maintained.

October-specific itinerary adjustments:

• - Pack for cold. Thermal base layer, woollen mid-layer, and a down or synthetic jacket are mandatory for nights at Kedarnath in October. Gloves and woollen cap are non-negotiable.

• - October is the photographer's and nature lover's month at Kedarnath. Build time into your itinerary for photography — sunrise at Kedarnath in October is one of the finest sights in the Indian Himalayas.

• - Plan a Navratri darshan if your dates coincide (late September to mid-October). The temple has special decorations and rituals during this period.

• - The temple closing ceremony (Kapat Bandh) falls in late October or early November. If your dates coincide with the closing, plan one extra day to witness this rare ceremonial event.

October sample itinerary (5 days from Haridwar — recommended for October):

• - Day 1: Haridwar → Devprayag Sangam stop → Rudraprayag lunch → Guptkashi. Acclimatisation night.

• - Day 2: Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Trek. October mornings are cold but beautiful. Wrapped in layers, the 18 km walk through golden and green Himalayan scenery is unforgettable. Reach Kedarnath by 2 PM. Evening aarti.

• - Day 3: 4:30 AM wake up → 5 AM early darshan → Sunrise from the temple courtyard over the snowcapped peaks. Gandhi Sarovar hike (best photography light is 8 AM to 10 AM). Afternoon puja or rest. Evening aarti.

• - Day 4: Morning darshan → Photography at temple and valley → Descent. Descent in October light is visually spectacular — the valley below looks like a painting. Return to Guptkashi.

• - Day 5: Guptkashi → Optional Ukhimath visit → Rudraprayag lunch → Haridwar.

October-specific tips:

• - Sunrise at Kedarnath in October happens at approximately 6:10 AM. Position yourself in the temple courtyard by 5:45 AM for the full sunrise experience.

• - Watch the evening aarti with your jacket and gloves on. October evenings drop to 0 degrees by 7 PM.

• - Book the October closing ceremony dates specifically if you want to witness Kapat Bandh. Our team can arrange this.

KEDARNATH ITINERARY IN NOVEMBER 2026

What early November at Kedarnath is like:

• - Early November is the closing chapter of the Kedarnath season. The temple closes on Bhai Dooj (the day after Bhai Dooj in the Hindu calendar — typically in late October or early November). The exact 2026 closing date will be announced with the opening date.

• - A very small but deeply devoted group of pilgrims specifically plans to visit for the closing ceremony — Kapat Bandh. Witnessing the Shiva lingam being prepared for winter, dressed in ghee and sedge grass, and then the ceremonial sealing of the temple doors before the idol begins its journey down to Ukhimath, is described by those who have seen it as one of the most moving spiritual experiences of their lives.

• - Night temperatures in November: Minus 5 to 0 degrees Celsius. Daytime: 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. Snow can fall at any time after late October.

• - Trail conditions: Generally passable in early November but potentially snowy beyond Lincholi. After the first heavy snowfall, the trail becomes very difficult.

November-specific itinerary adjustments:

• - Only visit in the first week of November at the absolute latest, and only if the temple has not yet closed.

• - Check the 2026 Kapat Bandh (closing) date before booking. Once the temple closes, it will not reopen until April 2027.

• - Pack for sub-zero temperatures. November at Kedarnath requires a sleeping bag, multiple thermal layers, a heavyweight down jacket, and insulated trekking boots. This is not negotiable.

• - Be prepared to turn back at Sonprayag if road conditions or weather make it unsafe to proceed.

November sample itinerary (closing ceremony visit, 4 days):

• - Day 1: Haridwar → Guptkashi.

• - Day 2: Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Trek. Bundle up in every layer you have. Arrive Kedarnath. Rest.

• - Day 3: Kedarnath Kapat Bandh ceremony day. Be at the temple by 4 AM. The ceremony can last several hours. The idol is dressed ceremonially and devotees offer final prayers before the temple is sealed. Deeply emotional. Descend immediately after the ceremony to avoid the first post-closing snowfall.

• - Day 4: Guptkashi → Haridwar.

MONTH-WISE COMPARISON AT A GLANCE

May: Opening energy and high crowd. Book 3 months ahead. Start trek at 5 AM. Darshan at 5 AM or 5 PM slots only. Expect 2 to 4 hour queues mid-morning.

June (first 2 weeks): Best balance of weather and crowd. Book 2 months ahead. Watch afternoon rain. Carry rain gear always.

June (last 2 weeks) and July–August: Monsoon risk. Only for flexible-schedule pilgrims committed to Shravan worship. Keep 2 to 3 buffer days. Full rain gear mandatory.

September: Most underrated month. Green, scenic, less crowd, cooler prices. Best for first-timers wanting a peaceful experience. Book 1 month ahead.

October: Most visually spectacular. Coldest nights. Shortest queues for October's second half. Best for photographers and nature lovers. Book 2 months ahead.

November (early): Closing ceremony only. Very cold. Limited available days before temple closure. For experienced high-altitude trekkers and devoted pilgrims only.

PEOPLE ALSO ASK – KEDARNATH BY MONTH FAQ

Q: Which is the best month to visit Kedarnath in 2026?

A: October is the most visually beautiful month with clear skies and snow-covered peaks. September is the most peaceful with post-monsoon greenery and low crowds. May is the most spiritually charged but very crowded.

Q: Is Kedarnath good to visit in May?

A: Yes but it is the most crowded month. Start the trek before 5:30 AM and plan darshan for the 5 AM opening slot or after 5 PM to avoid 2 to 4 hour queues. Book everything at least 3 months in advance.

Q: What is Kedarnath like in October?

A: October at Kedarnath offers crystal-clear skies, snowcapped peaks, golden valley scenery, cold nights (near 0 degrees), and moderate crowds. It is widely considered the most beautiful month to visit.

Q: Is September a good time for Kedarnath?

A: Yes. September is excellent for Kedarnath. Post-monsoon scenery is at its lushest, crowds are manageable, accommodation is easier to book, and prices are lower than peak season.

Q: What is the Kedarnath closing date 2026?

A: The Kedarnath temple closing date 2026 will be announced on Mahashivratri along with the opening date. Historically it falls on Bhai Dooj in October or November. The temple opened on April 22 in 2026.

Q: Can I visit Kedarnath in November?

A: Only in the very first days of November before the temple closes. After Kapat Bandh, the temple is sealed for winter until April 2027. Check the official closing date at badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in before planning a November visit.

Q: What special puja happens in Shravan at Kedarnath?

A: During Shravan month (July–August), special daily Abhishek rituals are performed. Mondays in Shravan are considered the most auspicious for Shiva worship. Special Rudrabhishek ceremonies are performed at the temple. Despite the monsoon weather, thousands of devoted Shiva worshippers visit specifically during Shravan.