Festival · Kedarnath, Garhwal
Kedarnath kapat opening and closing
Twice a year the doors of Kedarnath change hands between summer and winter. In spring the Panchmukhi doli of Kedarnath travels up from its winter seat at Ukhimath to open the shrine; after Diwali it returns downhill with drums and pilgrims walking behind.
Photo: Shivam Kumar 766 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsKedarnath sits at 3,583 m and is snowbound for half the year, so the deity spends winter at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath. The date for the spring opening is announced at Ukhimath on Mahashivratri, after priests consult the almanac. The temple doors close each year on Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali. Badrinath's own date is announced separately at the Narendra Nagar palace on Basant Panchami.
The opening is a walk, not a single ceremony. The silver Panchmukhi doli leaves Ukhimath a few days before the date and halts at Guptkashi, Phata and Gaurikund, with villagers lining the road with flowers and offerings. On the last day it is carried up the 16–17 km path to Kedarnath, and the doors open at dawn in the presence of the Rawal, the chief priest, and the first pilgrims of the season.
Closing reverses the journey. After the morning puja on Bhai Dooj the doli is carried down in a single day to the lower halts and on to Ukhimath, where winter worship continues until spring. Yamunotri and Gangotri close around the same time, and Badrinath a couple of weeks later. Dates follow the Hindu calendar and shift every year; check current status before you travel.
Tips for the day
- Avoid the opening week itself unless the ceremony is your reason for going; queues, registration checks and room prices all peak.
- To see the doli without the summit crowd, wait for it at Guptkashi or Phata on its way up, or at Ukhimath when it returns in November.
- Nights at Kedarnath in late April and early November fall well below freezing; carry a down jacket, gloves and a warm cap.
Where it happens
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is the Shiva shrine at 3,583 m at the head of the Mandakini valley, the highest of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the Char Dham. There is no road: you walk about 16–17 km from Gaurikund, ride a pony, or fly by helicopter from Sersi, Phata or Guptkashi. Open roughly late April to early November.
Questions
About Kedarnath kapat opening and closing
When does Kedarnath open in 2027?
The date is announced at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath on Mahashivratri, usually in February or March. In recent years Kedarnath has opened between late April and mid-May. Register for the yatra only once the date is out, and check current status before you travel.
When does Kedarnath close for winter?
The doors close on Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali, which falls in late October or November. The doli then travels down to Ukhimath, where the deity is worshipped through winter at the Omkareshwar temple.
Can tourists watch the kapat opening at Kedarnath?
Yes, anyone registered for the yatra can be at Kedarnath on opening day, but the crowd is large and the night before is very cold. Watching the doli pass Guptkashi, Phata or Gaurikund is easier and just as close to the ritual.
Where can I worship Kedarnath in winter?
At the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, about 40 km from Gaurikund by road and open all year. Many pilgrims combine it with Chopta and Tungnath, whose own deity winters at Makkumath.