Kedarnath Temple opened on April 22, 2026 at 7:10 AM with Vedic rituals attended by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Priests decorated the shrine with 51 quintals of flowers. Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple at 3,680 metres, also opened the same morning. Both are within a day’s drive from Dehradun, making this week the most important pilgrimage window of the year for city residents.
Chardham 2026: Opening Schedule
| Temple | Opened | Distance from Dehradun |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | April 19 | 175 km, 6 hrs |
| Gangotri | April 19 | 245 km, 8 hrs |
| Kedarnath | April 22 | 255 km + 16 km trek |
| Tungnath | April 22 | 220 km via Chopta |
| Badrinath | April 23 | 295 km, 9 hrs |
Getting to Kedarnath from Dehradun
The route runs to Gaurikund (255 km, 8 hours), then a 16 km uphill trek to the temple taking 5 to 7 hours. Helicopter services from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi are available at heliyatra.irctc.co.in. The road goes via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Sonprayag. Leave Dehradun by 3 AM if trekking the same day you drive.
Tungnath: Same Altitude, Far Fewer Crowds
Tungnath at 3,680 metres above Chopta has a 3.5 km trek from the road, taking under two hours. In late April, rhododendrons bloom on the trail and crowd sizes are a fraction of Kedarnath. Chopta has basic guesthouses and dhabas open from the start of season.
Registration Is Mandatory
Register at devasthanam.uk.gov.in before departure. You need Aadhaar, a passport photo, and travel dates. Registration is free and takes under 10 minutes. Unregistered pilgrims are turned back at route checkpoints.
Mobile Phone Ban at Kedarnath Temple
Phones are banned inside Kedarnath’s sanctum and courtyard from 2026. Use lockers at the entrance. Download offline maps before leaving Gaurikund as signals are weak beyond Sonprayag. The ban does not apply on the trek route.
What to Pack for Late April at Altitude
| Item | Kedarnath (3,583m) | Tungnath (3,680m) |
|---|---|---|
| Warm layers | Essential, nights 2 to 5 degrees C | Essential, 5 to 8 degrees C at Chopta |
| Rain gear | Carry, afternoon showers likely | Carry, clouds build after noon |
| Trekking shoes | Mandatory, 16 km stone path | Recommended, 3.5 km trail |
| Water, 2 litres minimum | Yes, few shops on trail | Yes, Chopta has shops, trail does not |
| Altitude tablets | Advisable at 3,583m | Advisable at 3,680m |
Road and temple status updates are at uttarakhandtourism.gov.in. Check the evening before travel. For Dehradun transport options to pilgrimage base points, see the Dehradun city guide.
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