Kedarnath Tour Package 2027: Opening Date, Cost, Trek & Helicopter Guide
About the Destination
Kedarnath Yatra 2027: The Complete Guide from an Uttarakhand DMC
High in the Garhwal Himalayas, at 3,583 metres, where the Mandakini river begins its journey down the valley, stands one of the holiest temples in India. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and the first of the Panch Kedar. Its massive grey stone walls are set against the snow-covered Kedarnath range, and every evening, as the aarti begins and bells ring across the valley, pilgrims who have walked all day stand in silence before the temple.
Reaching Kedarnath has never been easy. Even today, the last stretch is a trek of about 16–18 km from Gaurikund. You can walk it, ride a pony, be carried in a palki, or fly in by helicopter. The temple is open for only about six months a year. In 2027, the season starts later than usual, which means more pilgrims will travel in a shorter pre-monsoon window.
SnazzyTrips is a Destination Management Company (DMC) based in Haldwani, and we've worked only in Uttarakhand since 2003. We plan Kedarnath yatras around how the route really works:
mandatory registration
a sensible overnight halt before trek day
confirmed stays near the temple
pony and palki arrangements through authorised counters
helicopter guidance through the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal
This guide covers everything you need for 2027: the expected opening date, package prices, the trek in detail, helicopter booking, registration, the best months, senior citizen advice, where you stay, what to pack, and the mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer:
Packages: Kedarnath tour packages for 2027 start from about ₹10,500 per person for a 4-day yatra from Haridwar. The 8-day Kedarnath–Badrinath Do Dham costs ₹22,900, and packages from Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai cost ₹22,999–₹31,998.
Opening date: Kedarnath is expected to open in May 2027. The exact date is announced on Maha Shivratri, 6 March 2027.
The trek: About 16–18 km from Gaurikund.
Registration: Mandatory for every pilgrim.
Kedarnath at a Glance
Kedarnath 2027 Opening Date
How the Kedarnath Opening Date Is Decided
The Kedarnath temple doors (kapat) don't open on a fixed calendar date. Every year, the date is decided by priests according to the Hindu calendar and announced on Maha Shivratri at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath.
In 2027:
Maha Shivratri falls on 6 March 2027, when the opening date is expected to be announced.
Akshaya Tritiya, when Yamunotri and Gangotri traditionally open, falls on 8–9 May 2027.
Kedarnath usually opens around the same time or a few days later, so expect an opening in May 2027.
The Doli Yatra: Kedarnath's Opening Ritual
A few days before the doors open, the Panchmukhi Doli (palanquin) of Lord Kedarnath sets out from Ukhimath. It travels via Guptkashi, Phata and Gaurikund to Kedarnath, accompanied by priests, devotees and the army band. Witnessing the doli yatra is a special experience for pilgrims who plan around it.
Expected Closing Date
Kedarnath usually closes on Bhai Dooj, a couple of days after Diwali. After the closing ceremony, the doli returns to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship continues through the winter.
We'll update this page as soon as the official 2027 date is announced on 6 March.
Why Kedarnath Is So Sacred
One of the Twelve Jyotirlingas
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, where Shiva is believed to have appeared as a column of light. Here, the lingam is a natural, triangular rock formation, worshipped as the hump of Shiva in the form of a bull.
The Pandava Legend
After the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva's forgiveness. Shiva avoided them, taking the form of a bull and hiding in the Garhwal Himalayas. When Bhima recognised him, the bull sank into the ground. Its hump remained at Kedarnath, and other parts appeared at the four other Panch Kedar temples. The Pandavas are believed to have built the first temple at Kedarnath.
Adi Shankaracharya
Adi Shankaracharya is traditionally credited with reviving the Kedarnath temple in the 8th century, and his samadhi lies behind the temple. After the 2013 floods, the samadhi was rebuilt, with a large statue of Adi Shankaracharya unveiled in 2021.
The 2013 Floods and the Bhim Shila
In June 2013, devastating floods swept through the Kedarnath valley. The temple survived largely intact. A huge boulder, now worshipped as the Bhim Shila or Divya Shila, came to rest behind it and diverted the flood waters around the temple. Today, pilgrims offer prayers at this boulder as part of their darshan.
The Panch Kedar
Many pilgrims add Tungnath, the easiest of the other four, through a short trek from Chopta.
Kedarnath Tour Packages 2027
Prices are per person on a sharing basis. Pony, palki and helicopter charges are usually extra.
Which Kedarnath Package Is Right for You?
The Kedarnath Trek: A Complete Guide
Route and Distances
The trek starts at Gaurikund. Private vehicles stop at Sonprayag, and shuttle vehicles run the last stretch (about 5 km) to Gaurikund.
Get your local team to confirm these distances. The trail was rebuilt after 2013, so older guides quote different numbers.
How Long Does It Take?
Difficulty
The trek is moderate to hard. The path is paved and well marked, but it climbs steadily for most of the way, and the altitude makes it tiring. Most reasonably fit adults complete it at a steady pace. The final kilometres above Linchauli are the hardest because of the thinner air.
Facilities on the Trail
Tea, water and snack stalls along the route
Medical and first-aid points at intervals
Rest shelters
Toilets at major points
Police and disaster-response teams on the route during the season
Pony, Palki and Pithoo
How the rates work: Pony, palki and pithoo rates are fixed each season by the local administration, and are displayed at official counters in Sonprayag and Gaurikund.
Our advice:
Book only through authorised counters.
Don't negotiate with touts on the road.
Keep your receipt.
Weight limits apply for palki and pithoo.
SnazzyTrips arranges ponies and palkis through authorised channels and shares the current season's official rates with you before departure.
Trek Tips
Start early. Begin from Gaurikund by 5–6 AM, to reach before afternoon clouds and rain.
Walk slowly. A steady pace is easier at altitude than stopping often.
Drink water often. Dehydration makes altitude sickness worse.
Carry rain gear. Showers can come suddenly, even on a clear morning.
Stay overnight at Kedarnath if you can. Same-day return treks are exhausting and leave little time for darshan.
Kedarnath Helicopter 2027: How It Works
Helipads and Flight Time
Helicopter shuttles to Kedarnath fly from three helipads in the Kedar valley:
Guptkashi
Phata
Sersi
Flights take about 7–10 minutes one way and land at the Kedarnath helipad, a short walk from the temple.
How to Book
Important Helicopter Warnings
Beware of fake websites. Every season, fake websites, social media pages and WhatsApp numbers sell "Kedarnath helicopter tickets". Many pilgrims lose money. Book only on the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal.
Seats sell out in minutes. May–June slots are especially hard to get. Be ready when bookings open.
Weather can cancel flights. Fog and rain can ground helicopters. We plan a pony or palki backup for every helicopter pilgrim.
Baggage limits apply. Carry only a small bag.
Fares are fixed by the government each season. Don't pay "agent premiums" for helicopter tickets.
SnazzyTrips guides you through the official booking process, plans your itinerary around your flight slot, and arranges a ground backup.
Full Char Dham by Helicopter
For pilgrims who want to cover all four Dhams by helicopter from Dehradun in 5–6 days, see our Char Dham Yatra by helicopter packages
The Kedarnath Ropeway: What's Coming
A ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath was approved by the Government of India in 2025. Once built, it's expected to cut the journey from a full day's trek to well under an hour. It's a large, multi-year project, and it won't be operating for the 2027 season. For 2027, plan your yatra around the trek, a pony or palki, or the helicopter.
Kedarnath Registration 2027
Is registration mandatory? Yes. Every pilgrim to Kedarnath must register with Uttarakhand Tourism. Registration details are checked at points along the route, including Sonprayag.
How to Register
Registration Tips
Register as soon as 2027 registrations open.
Make sure your registered dates match your travel plan.
Carry your registration (printed and on your phone) and photo ID.
For helicopter travel, complete registration before booking your helicopter ticket.
Kedarnath Itineraries 2027
4-Day Kedarnath Yatra from Haridwar (most popular)
Day 1: Haridwar → Guptkashi or Sitapur (about 210–230 km, 8–9 hours)
Drive via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar (Garhwal), Rudraprayag and Agastyamuni. Visit Guptkashi's Vishwanath and Ardhanareshwar temples. Overnight in Guptkashi or Sitapur.
Day 2: Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
Early drive to Sonprayag, then a shuttle to Gaurikund. Trek about 16–18 km to Kedarnath, or ride a pony or palki, or fly from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi. Attend the evening aarti. Overnight at Kedarnath.
Day 3: Kedarnath darshan → Gaurikund → Guptkashi
Early-morning darshan, then visit the Bhim Shila, Bhairavnath Temple and the Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi. Trek down to Gaurikund and drive to Guptkashi. Overnight in Guptkashi.
Day 4: Guptkashi → Haridwar
Drive back via Rudraprayag and Devprayag. Drop at Haridwar or Rishikesh.
5–6 Day Kedarnath Yatra from Delhi
The same itinerary, plus a Delhi → Haridwar day at the start and a Haridwar → Delhi day at the end. Since April 2026, the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway has made the Delhi–Haridwar stretch faster.
6-Day Kedarnath with Tungnath (two Panch Kedar)
Haridwar → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Guptkashi → Chopta → Tungnath and Chandrashila trek → Haridwar.
8-Day Kedarnath–Badrinath Do Dham
Haridwar → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Guptkashi → Badrinath (Mana Village) → Rudraprayag → Haridwar.
With Helicopter (seniors)
Fly from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi on Day 2. Have darshan on arrival, and stay overnight at Kedarnath if possible, or return the same day as per your flight slot.
Places to Visit on the Kedarnath Route
Kedarnath Temple
The main shrine, built of massive stone slabs, and one of the holiest Shiva temples in India.
Bhairavnath Temple
On a ridge just above Kedarnath. Bhairav is worshipped as the guardian of the Kedarnath valley, and the temple gives fine views of the town and the peaks.
Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
Behind the temple, rebuilt after the 2013 floods, with a large statue of Adi Shankaracharya.
Bhim Shila (Divya Shila)
The boulder behind the temple that protected it during the 2013 floods. It's now worshipped by pilgrims.
Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar)
A glacial lake about 3 km above Kedarnath. It's a steep walk for fit pilgrims with extra time and a guide.
Vasuki Tal
A high-altitude lake (about 4,100 m) reached by a demanding trek of about 8 km from Kedarnath. Only for fit and experienced trekkers.
Gaurikund
The trek's starting point, with a hot spring and the Gauri Mata temple, where Goddess Parvati is believed to have meditated.
Triyuginarayan Temple
A short drive from Sonprayag. The temple is believed to be where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati married, with an eternal flame said to have burned since their wedding. It's a popular stop, and a famous wedding destination.
Guptkashi
A temple town in the Kedar valley, with the Vishwanath and Ardhanareshwar temples. It's also a main base for helicopters and hotels.
Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
The winter seat of Lord Kedarnath, where the deity is worshipped from November to the opening in spring.
Tungnath and Chandrashila (via Chopta)
Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the Panch Kedar. It's reached by a 3.5 km trek from Chopta.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath in 2027
Our 2027 recommendation:
Most comfortable: mid-September to mid-October 2027.
May–June 2027: book by January–February 2027 and expect heavy crowds.
Kedarnath Yatra Cost 2027
Short answer:
4-day yatra from Haridwar: from about ₹10,500 per person.
Do Dham: ₹22,900.
City packages: ₹22,999–₹31,998.
Pony, palki and helicopter charges are extra, at government-fixed rates.
What Affects the Cost
What's Usually Included
Hotel stays on a sharing basis
Breakfast and dinner at hotels
A vehicle from Haridwar to Sonprayag and back, with fuel, tolls, parking and driver allowance
Registration assistance
Kedarnath stay arrangement (as per package)
A trip coordinator and support on the ground
What's Usually Not Included
Trains or flights to Haridwar, Dehradun or Delhi
Helicopter tickets
Pony, palki and pithoo charges
The Sonprayag–Gaurikund shuttle fare (if not included)
Special puja and donations
Lunch, snacks and personal expenses
Travel insurance and GST (unless stated)
Senior Citizens and Health at Kedarnath
Can Senior Citizens Do the Kedarnath Yatra?
Yes. Thousands of seniors visit Kedarnath every year. Most use a helicopter, palki or pony, rather than walking the full trek.
Our advice for seniors:
Get a full medical check-up before booking, especially for heart, blood pressure, diabetes or breathing conditions.
Choose a helicopter, or a palki or pony, for the climb.
Stay overnight at Guptkashi or Sitapur before trek day. Don't drive from the plains and trek on the same day.
Carry all medicines and prescriptions.
Follow the advice of the medical teams on the route.
Altitude Sickness at Kedarnath
At 3,583 m, some pilgrims feel the altitude.
Watch for:
headache
breathlessness
nausea
dizziness
unusual tiredness
Reduce the risk:
Drink 3–4 litres of water a day
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Walk slowly
Rest if you feel unwell
If symptoms get worse, descend and seek medical help immediately.
Fitness Preparation (4–6 Weeks Before)
Walk briskly for 45–60 minutes daily
Climb stairs to build leg strength
Practise breathing exercises (pranayama)
Break in your trekking shoes before the yatra
Where You Stay on the Kedarnath Yatra
What to Pack for Kedarnath
How to Reach Kedarnath
By road: Haridwar or Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar (Garhwal) → Rudraprayag → Agastyamuni → Guptkashi → Phata → Sitapur → Sonprayag. A shuttle then runs to Gaurikund, and the trek starts from there.
By train: The nearest railheads are Haridwar and Yog Nagari Rishikesh. From Delhi, the Dehradun Shatabdi and the Vande Bharat reach Haridwar.
By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is the nearest airport. From there, drive to Guptkashi or Sitapur.
From other cities: See our city guides for routes and packages:
Darshan, Temple Rules and Etiquette
Darshan: Queues can be long in May–June. Time-slot or token systems have been used in recent seasons to manage crowds, so follow the current system on arrival.
Morning and evening: The early-morning abhishek and the evening aarti are the most moving times at the temple.
Photography: Restricted within the temple premises. Follow the rules and signboards.
Dress: Wear modest, warm clothing.
Puja: Use only authorised priests and counters for special pujas.
Respect: Keep the temple area clean and follow the instructions of temple staff and the police.
Practical Information
Common Mistakes on the Kedarnath Yatra
Responsible Pilgrimage at Kedarnath
The Kedarnath valley is a fragile high-mountain environment. Please:
carry a refillable water bottle and avoid plastic
bring all your waste back to Gaurikund
don't throw anything into the Mandakini
treat ponies, mules and their handlers with respect
follow the instructions of the disaster-response teams and the police
Why Choose SnazzyTrips for Your Kedarnath Yatra 2027
SnazzyTrips is a Haldwani-based Uttarakhand DMC since 2003, trusted by 20,000+ families, covering 50+ destinations with 150+ verified local partners and a 4.6/5 average rating across verified traveller reviews.
An Uttarakhand-only DMC: We plan and run your yatra ourselves with our own local network.
Registration handled: We register every pilgrim and share the latest 2027 process.
Official helicopter guidance: We help you book only through the IRCTC HeliYatra portal and plan a backup.
Confirmed Kedarnath stays: Your accommodation near the temple is confirmed before departure.
Authorised ponies and palkis: Arranged through official counters at current-season rates.
A sensible pace: An overnight halt before trek day and a buffer day in peak season.
One coordinator: A single point of contact by phone and WhatsApp throughout the yatra.
Read more about us on our About Us page and see traveller feedback on our Reviews page.
For travel agents and groups: We provide B2B ground handling for Kedarnath, Do Dham and Char Dham departures. See our Uttarakhand B2B tour packages or contact us.
Extend Your Kedarnath Yatra
Char Dham Yatra 2027: All four Dhams
Badrinath tour packages: Lord Vishnu's abode
Char Dham by helicopter: For seniors and short schedules
Chopta and Tungnath: The highest Shiva temple
Haridwar and Rishikesh: Start or end with the Ganga Aarti (the Haridwar Ardh Kumbh runs 14 January–20 April 2027)
Auli: On the Badrinath route
Valley of Flowers: July–September
Garhwal tour packages and Uttarakhand pilgrimage tours
Frequently Asked Questions: Kedarnath Yatra 2027
1. When will Kedarnath open in 2027?
Kedarnath is expected to open in May 2027. The exact date is announced on Maha Shivratri, 6 March 2027, at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
2. When will Kedarnath close in 2027?
Kedarnath usually closes on Bhai Dooj, a couple of days after Diwali. The deity then moves to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath for the winter.
3. Why does Kedarnath open later in 2027?
The opening follows the Hindu calendar. In 2027, Akshaya Tritiya falls on 8–9 May, compared with 19 April in 2026, so the season starts later.
4. What is the cost of a Kedarnath tour package in 2027?
Kedarnath packages start from about ₹10,500 per person for a 4-day yatra from Haridwar. The 8-day Kedarnath–Badrinath Do Dham costs ₹22,900, and packages from Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai cost ₹22,999–₹31,998.
5. How many days are needed for the Kedarnath Yatra?
Plan 4 days from Haridwar, 5–6 days from Delhi, and about 8 days if you add Badrinath.
6. How long is the Kedarnath trek?
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 16–18 km one way. It usually takes 6–8 hours up on foot and 4–6 hours down.
7. Is the Kedarnath trek difficult?
It's moderate to hard. The path is paved, but it climbs steadily and the altitude makes it tiring. Most fit adults complete it at a steady pace.
8. How do I book a Kedarnath helicopter in 2027?
Book only through the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal, after completing your registration. Tickets open in phases and sell out quickly in May–June.
9. Where do Kedarnath helicopters fly from?
Helicopter shuttles to Kedarnath fly from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi, taking about 7–10 minutes one way.
10. How much does the Kedarnath helicopter cost?
Kedarnath helicopter fares are fixed by the government each season and shown on the IRCTC HeliYatra portal. Don't pay extra to agents for helicopter tickets.
11. Is registration mandatory for Kedarnath in 2027?
Yes. Registration with Uttarakhand Tourism is mandatory for every pilgrim and is checked on the route. SnazzyTrips registers all its pilgrims.
12. What are the pony and palki charges for Kedarnath?
Pony, palki and pithoo rates are fixed each season by the local administration and displayed at official counters in Sonprayag and Gaurikund. Book only through authorised counters.
13. Can senior citizens visit Kedarnath?
Yes. Many seniors visit Kedarnath every year using a helicopter, palki or pony. A medical check-up before travel and an overnight halt before trek day are strongly recommended.
14. Is there a ropeway to Kedarnath?
A Sonprayag–Kedarnath ropeway was approved in 2025, but it's a multi-year project and won't be operating in 2027. Plan around the trek, a pony or palki, or a helicopter.
15. What is the best time to visit Kedarnath in 2027?
Mid-September to mid-October 2027 is the most comfortable time. May–June is very crowded, and July–August brings monsoon risks.
16. Can I visit Kedarnath in the monsoon?
It's possible, but July–August brings heavy rain, landslides and road closures. Travel only with flexible plans and buffer days.
17. Where do pilgrims stay at Kedarnath?
Pilgrims stay in GMVN accommodation, camps, cottages and guesthouses at Kedarnath. Rooms are basic and limited, so book early.
18. Can I do Kedarnath and Badrinath together?
Yes. The Kedar–Badri Do Dham takes about 8 days from Haridwar and covers both Dhams.
19. What is the Bhim Shila at Kedarnath?
The Bhim Shila is the large boulder behind Kedarnath Temple that diverted the 2013 flood waters and protected the temple. Pilgrims worship it today.
20. Where is Adi Shankaracharya's samadhi?
Adi Shankaracharya's samadhi is behind the Kedarnath Temple. It was rebuilt after the 2013 floods, with a large statue unveiled in 2021.
21. Where is Lord Kedarnath worshipped in winter?
In winter, Lord Kedarnath is worshipped at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
22. What is Triyuginarayan?
Triyuginarayan is a temple near Sonprayag, believed to be where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati married. It's a popular stop on the Kedarnath route.
23. Is mobile network available at Kedarnath?
Network is available in Guptkashi and Sonprayag, patchy on the trek, and limited at Kedarnath. BSNL is often the most reliable.
24. What should I pack for Kedarnath?
Pack heavy woollens, thermals, a raincoat, trekking shoes, a walking stick, medicines, your ID and registration, cash and a power bank.
25. How early should I book Kedarnath for 2027?
For May–June 2027, book by January–February 2027. For September–October, book 6–8 weeks ahead.
26. How do I book a Kedarnath package with SnazzyTrips?
Call or WhatsApp +91 7983429120, email care@snazzytrips.in, or use the booking form. Share your dates, group size, starting city and whether you need a helicopter, pony or palki.
Plan Your Kedarnath Yatra 2027 with an Uttarakhand Team
Kedarnath is a journey of faith, and in 2027, with a shorter pre-monsoon window, it's also a journey that rewards early planning. Our Haldwani-based team handles registration, helicopter guidance through official channels, authorised ponies and palkis, and confirmed stays near the temple, and supports you from Haridwar to Kedarnath and back.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +91 7983429120 | ✉️ care@snazzytrips.in | 📍 Haldwani, Uttarakhand