Panch Kedar Yatra 2026 Opening Dates and Registration

Panch Kedar is a popular pilgrimage in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand that involves visiting five sacred temples of Lord Shiva, namely Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpnath (Kalpeshwar) Temple.

The formation of these sites is rooted in a mythological story. The Pandavas went to Lord Shiva to atone their sins, but on seeing them Shiva took the form of a bull, disappeared and emerged at five different places in the Himalayas.

Each of these temples represents a specific aspect:

• Kedarnath symbolizes the hump,
• Madhmaheshwar represents the navels,
• Tungnath represents the arms,
• Rudranath depicts the face, and
• Kalpeshwar signifies hair.

Here is all the information you need to know about the Panch Kedar Yatra for 2026.

Panch Kedar Opening and Closing Dates:

Note: All dates for Panch Kedar including Kedarnath will be announced on Mahashivratri, February 15, 2026.

Bookings for group and private yatras are now open. To explore the Panch Kedar temples, join Himalayan Dream Treks and make your journey unforgettable.

Temple	Opening Dates	Closing Date
Kedarnath	22 April 2026	11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj)
Madhmaheshwar	21 May 2026	20 November 2026 (Tentative)
Tungnath	2 May 2026	04 November 2026 (Tentative)
Rudranath	18 May 2026	November 2026
Kalpeshwar	Open All Year	Open All Year

Please note that the closing dates are tentative and may vary.

Best Time to Visit Panch Kedar

Though the temples are open for a short window, this is the best time to visit Panch Kedar for you to have a pleasurable experience.

• Summer (May–June): Clear skies and pleasant temperatures (15°C–20°C).
• Early Autumn (September–October): Cool weather with lush post-monsoon greenery.
• Avoid monsoon months (July–August) due to landslides which pose a significant risk.

Trek Routes and Itinerary

The trek spans over 128 km and takes at least 12 days to complete. Here is a brief itinerary of what the trek looks like.

Day	Route Information
Day 1	Rishikesh to Sonprayag
Day 2	Drive from Sonprayag to Gauri Kund and ascend to Kedarnath
Day 3	Descend from Kedarnath to Gaurikund and Drive Back to Sonprayag/Phata
Day 4	Drive from Sonprayag to Ransi and trek to Gaundhar
Day 5	Gaundhar to Madhmaheshwar
Day 6	Madhmaheshwar to Ransi and drive to Ukhimath
Day 7	Ukhimath to Chopta, trek to Tungnath, drive to Sagar Village
Day 8	Sagar to Lyuti Bugyal
Day 9	Lyuti Bugyal to Rudranath and return to Lyuti Bugyal
Day 10	Trek from Lyuti Bugyal to Sagar Village (Overnight Stay)
Day 11	Sagar to Kalpeshwar and Drive to Badrinath
Day 12	Drive from Badrinath to Rishikesh

To reach the base of these temples, travelers need to cover a road journey followed by trekking routes. To ensure a hassle-free and comfortable road journey, hiring a commercial vehicle on rent proves to be an ideal choice.

Trek Distance and Difficulty Level

Temple	Trek Distance (round trip)	Difficulty Level
Kedarnath	36 km trek from Gaurikund and back	Easy to Moderate
Madhmaheshwar	32 km trek from Gaundhar and descend through Ransi village.	Moderate
Tungnath	8 km from Chopta and back	Easy to Moderate
Rudranath	30 km from Sagar and back	Moderate to Difficult
Kalpeshwar	Accessible by road. 1-2 hour Drive	Easy

Registration Requirements

• No mandatory registration is required.
• You can book the Yatra with us at Himalayan Dream Treks. We organise a comfortable and safe Yatra prioritizing your needs and ensuring a memorable experience. You can check more information about the trek here.
• Carry valid ID proof as it may be required at checkpoints or accommodations.

If you’re unsure whether to embark on the Panch Kedar pilgrimage or the Char Dham yatra, this detailed comparison will help you make the right choice.

Facilities along the Yatra

1. Accommodation: Government guesthouses, tents, private stays are available along the route, catering to all budget ranges. Select the one that suits your preference.
2. Food: Local dhabas serve simple vegetarian meals. But it is also better to carry snacks for longer trekking stretches.
3. Water Source: Freshwater streams are available on some routes but carry at least two liters of water during treks with no water sources.
4. Guides: Local guides can be hired for navigation and safety, and porters are available to carry luggage on steep terrains.

If you wish to book your trek with Himalayan Dream Treks, all these would be included in the trek package.

Preparation for the Trek:

Any trek requires physical and mental fitness, Panch Kedar Trek is no exception.

• All the temples are situated at high altitudes, like 12,000 feet, hence train your muscles well! Punch in those timed runs, get your cardio and strength training, and ensure you build a strong core.
• Take precautions like gradual ascent, resting well, and hydration to prevent being hit by Altitude Mountain Sickness. If you see serious symptoms, retrace your steps.
• Carry trekking essentials like a backpack, trekking equipment like poles, and appropriate shoes.

Health and Safety Advice:

• Acclimatize for at least  24 hours before ascending, as the temples are located at high altitudes.
• Stay hydrated.
• Carry necessary medicines for altitude sickness, pain relievers, ORS sachets and others as required.
• Check weather forecasts before planning your Yatra and be prepared for the weather changes.
• Pack warm layers and clothes to help you protect from the cold.
• Use only authorized guides and transportation services.
• Follow instructions from authorities, to ensure you don’t find yourself in an unfavorable situations.
• Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone.