Kedarnath Darshan Timings: Aarti, Puja and Winter Darshan

Facts checked November 2026.

Kedarnath is a long walk or a helicopter ride away, so knowing the darshan timings helps you plan when to start from Gaurikund or when to book your puja. This guide puts together what the temple committee and the district administration have said, and gives ranges where only travel websites list times. Timings can change on the day with crowd and weather, so always check at the temple.

This page is part of our Kedarnath Yatra Guide. Planning the yatra? See our Kedarnath yatra packages.

What are the Kedarnath darshan timings in the yatra season?

The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) runs the temple. Its website did not publish a full daily timetable when we checked in November 2026. So the times below come from travel websites, which do not fully agree. We give the range they report.

One point to note: in May 2026 the BKTC gave elderly and differently-abled devotees priority slots at 3:00 pm and 4:45 pm. This shows the afternoon break is not a fixed rule for everyone, and the committee can change timings in a season. Ask at the temple or call the BKTC helpline before you count on a time.

What happens in the morning and evening aarti?

The day starts in the dark with abhishek of the Shiva lingam. These early pujas are booked in advance. Travel sites say devotees may touch the lingam (sparsh darshan) until the afternoon break, but this depends on crowd rules on the day.

In the evening, after the break, the deity is dressed and decorated (shringar). From then on, darshan is from a distance. The evening aarti is followed by the Shayan aarti, the last ritual before the doors shut for the night. If you want to see the evening aarti, plan to reach the temple area before 6 pm and keep warm clothes with you. Nights at about 3,583 metres are cold even in summer.

Is there VIP or special darshan at Kedarnath?

No paid VIP darshan was in place in the 2026 season. On 15 May 2026, Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra told pilgrims “do not expect any kind of VIP darshan” and said darshan was being conducted equally for everyone.

There is one real exception. The BKTC set four 15-minute priority slots for elderly and differently-abled devotees at both Kedarnath and Badrinath, about 50 devotees at a time:

• 8:00 am to 8:15 am
• 10:00 am to 10:15 am
• 3:00 pm to 3:15 pm
• 4:45 pm to 5:00 pm

If anyone offers you a “VIP darshan pass” for money, be careful. Booked pujas through the BKTC are the official way to take part in a special ritual.

How do I book a puja through BKTC?

Pujas, paths, aarti and bhog at Kedarnath are booked on the BKTC website, badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in. The site says prior registration is mandatory for puja, path, aarti or bhog booking, and you need an Indian mobile number. It also shows the earliest date with seats free. Reported: one travel site says some abhishek pujas are not done in the May–June rush, so check what is offered for your date.

1. First complete the free Char Dham yatra registration on the Uttarakhand government portal. See our Kedarnath registration guide.
2. Open badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in and choose Kedarnath puja booking.
3. Pick the puja and date, enter the names, and pay online.
4. Carry the booking slip and your photo ID. Reach the temple well before your slot.

We have not listed puja rates here, because the BKTC changes them and we could not confirm the 2026 list on the official site. Check the current rate on the BKTC website. For help, the BKTC helpline listed on its website is 0135-2741600.

Is there a token system for darshan?

Yes. The Rudraprayag district administration used a token system again in 2025 to cut queue time. The token counter was set up near the MI helipad in Kedarnath. You take a token, and you join the line at the time or number printed on it. In May 2026 the district magistrate said darshan was again being given on the basis of tokens.

A simple tip: collect your token as soon as you reach Kedarnath, then rest, eat and get warm while you wait. On busy days in May and June, the wait can still be long.

When does Kedarnath close for winter in 2026?

The kapat of Kedarnath closed at 8:30 am on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, on Bhai Dooj (Kartik Shukla Dwitiya). The Rudraprayag administration announced the date and the BKTC gave the time, as reported by PTI on 27 October 2026. After the closing puja, the Panchmukhi doli of Baba Kedar leaves for its winter seat and was due to reach Omkareshwar temple, Ukhimath on 13 November 2026.

The 2026 season began on 22 April 2026. The 2027 opening date is announced on Mahashivratri at Ukhimath. Read our Kedarnath opening and closing date page for updates.

Can I do darshan of Baba Kedar in winter?

Yes. From the time the doli arrives, the daily puja of Baba Kedar is done at Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, Rudraprayag district, all winter. You can reach Ukhimath by road; there is no trek. Roads can be icy in December to February, so keep extra time.

We could not find official winter darshan timings from the BKTC. Reported: one temple listing gives Omkareshwar temple hours as 5 am to 9 pm. Please treat this as a rough guide and confirm locally. Our Ukhimath Omkareshwar temple guide explains how to get there.

What time should I reach the temple?

• For a booked morning puja: stay the night at Kedarnath. You cannot walk up from Gaurikund in time for a 4 am slot.
• For general darshan: early morning usually has a shorter wait than midday. Take your token first.
• For the evening aarti: be near the temple by about 5:30 pm, and carry a jacket and torch.
• Avoid the afternoon break: do not plan to arrive at 3 pm and walk straight in.
• Phones: mobile phones and cameras are banned inside temple premises.

For the full walk, stay and weather plan, see our Kedarnath yatra guide, and for quick answers, the Kedarnath yatra FAQ.

How Yatra To Temples can help

Our Kedarnath yatra package from Haridwar includes one night at Kedarnath, so you can be at the temple early for darshan. Help with BKTC puja booking or a winter Ukhimath darshan plan: ask us.

Frequently asked questions

What time does Kedarnath temple open?

Travel sites say the temple opens at about 4 am for booked abhishek pujas. General darshan starts around 6 am to 7 am. The BKTC did not publish an official timetable on its website when we checked.

Is Kedarnath temple closed in the afternoon?

Travel sites report a break from about 3 pm to 5 pm for general darshan. The BKTC did run priority slots for elderly and differently-abled devotees at 3:00 pm and 4:45 pm in 2026, so check on the day.

What is the Kedarnath evening aarti time?

The evening aarti is reported at about 6 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by the Shayan aarti. Reach the temple area by about 5:30 pm.

Can I buy VIP darshan at Kedarnath?

No. In May 2026 the Rudraprayag district magistrate said there is no VIP darshan and darshan is equal for all. Only elderly and differently-abled devotees get priority slots.

Do I need a token for Kedarnath darshan?

Yes, tokens are used to manage the queue. They were given from a counter near the MI helipad in Kedarnath, and you join the line at your token time.

Where do I book Kedarnath puja online?

Only on the BKTC website, badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in. You must register first and use an Indian mobile number.

When does Kedarnath close in 2026?

The kapat closed at 8:30 am on 11 November 2026, Bhai Dooj. The doli was due at Omkareshwar temple, Ukhimath, on 13 November.

Where can I do Kedarnath darshan in winter?

At Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, where Baba Kedar’s daily puja is done through winter. It is reachable by road.