Kedarnath is the Char Dham Yatra’s centre of gravity — the Jyotirlinga at ~3,583 m, reached by a ~16 km uphill trek from Gaurikund (route improvements have put newer figures near 20 km; sources conflict and we show the range).
It is also where the yatra’s health data concentrates: in 2026, 80 of the season’s 201 reported health-related deaths were on the Kedarnath route. Planning this dham is planning a high-altitude day seriously. Checked 01 October 2026.
The facts
| Item | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | ~3,583 m | Reported |
| Trek | ~16 km from Gaurikund (newer-alignment claims ~20 km) | Reported — conflict shown |
| Timings | Reported: darshan 7 AM–3 PM, recess 3–5 PM, evening aarti ~6 PM (summer) | Reported — full official schedule not found |
| 2026 season | Opened 22 Apr 8:00 AM; scheduled close 11 Nov (Bhai Dooj) | Reported |
| 2027 | Date announced ~Feb 2027 (committee pattern) | Awaited |
| Helicopter | Official booking only at heliyatra.irctc.co.in | Verified — official source |
| Winter seat | Omkareshwar temple, Ukhimath | Verified — official source |
The trek day
Start from Gaurikund early; the route climbs steadily through Sonprayag-side camps, Rambara, and the final moraine rise to the temple plateau. Six to nine hours up for most walkers; the last kilometre is both the steepest and the most emotional of the yatra. Palki, pony and porter services run the full route — the trek guide prices them and the health guide explains how to decide whether you should walk at all.
Darshan
The reported rhythm: long morning darshan, an afternoon recess, evening aarti as the light drops behind Kedarnath peak. A full official schedule was not found — confirm at Gaurikund the evening before. Overnight stays exist near the temple for those who book ahead (GMVN properties listed in the stays guide); watching the temple at dawn, before the day-trekkers arrive, is the yatra’s signature morning.
Safety, plainly
The 2026 season’s numbers (40 lakh pilgrims by late June; 201 health-related deaths; a rockfall incident with a child killed and ~1,000 rescued) say this plainly: acclimatize, screen honestly, turn back in bad weather — weather suspensions are the system working, not failing. The altitude-health guide is required reading before this dham.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Kedarnath trek?
~16 km from Gaurikund (some sources ~20 km on the newer alignment); 6–9 hours up typically.
Can I fly to Kedarnath?
Yes — official helicopter shuttles book only at heliyatra.irctc.co.in, after yatra registration.
What are the timings?
Reported 7 AM–3 PM darshan with a 3–5 PM recess and ~6 PM aarti — unconfirmed officially; verify locally.
