Kedarnath & Tungnath Tour 2026: Itinerary, Dates & Travel Guide
Published on February 07, 2026
By: TourMyHoliday Travel Desk | Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Embarking on a journey to Kedarnath and Tungnath is more than just a mountain trek; it is a pilgrimage to the soul of the Garhwal Himalayas. Whether you are a devotee seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings or an adventurer chasing 360-degree Himalayan views from Chandrashila, this guide covers everything you need for the 2026 Yatra season.
Important: 2026 Opening & Closing Dates
The dates for the Char Dham Yatra are traditionally announced on Maha Shivratri (February 15, 2026). Based on current calculations:
| Destination | Expected Opening Date | Expected Closing Date |
| Kedarnath Dham | April 22, 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya window) | October 23, 2026 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Tungnath Temple | May 2, 2026 | November 4, 2026 |
Pro-Tip: The opening day ceremony involves the Utsav Doli (palanquin procession) from the winter seats (Ukhimath) to the shrines. It is a spectacular sight for photographers and devotees alike.
The Divine Story: Myths & Legends
The Pandava Connection: After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva to atone for their sins. Shiva, wanting to test their devotion, took the form of a bull and hid in Guptkashi. When recognised by Bhima, the bull dived into the earth and reappeared in five parts, known as the Panch Kedar:
- Hump: Kedarnath (The most sacred)
- Arms: Tungnath (The highest)
- Face: Rudranath
- Navel: Madhyamaheshwar
- Hair: Kalpeshwar
Tungnath & Lord Rama: Tungnath is not just for Shiva. Legend says Lord Rama meditated at the Chandrashila peak (above Tungnath) to attain peace after the battle in Lanka.
Detailed 6-Day Kedarnath Tungnath Itinerary (Delhi to Delhi)
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Day 1: Delhi to Sonprayag (450 km | 12-14 hrs)
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Overnight journey via Haridwar and Rishikesh. Witness the holy confluence at Devprayag (Alaknanda & Bhagirathi).
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Day 2: Arrive in Sonprayag / Sitapur
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Acclimatise at 1,829m. Explore the local market and prepare your medical kit for the trek.
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Day 3: The Kedarnath Trek (16 km | 7-9 hrs)
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Take a local shuttle to Gaurikund. Trek to Kedarnath Temple.
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Highlights: Evening Aarti at Kedarnath, visit Bhim Shila (the rock that protected the temple in 2013).
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Day 4: Kedarnath to Sari Village / Chopta
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Early morning Darshan. Trek down to Gaurikund and drive to the scenic Sari Village or Chopta (Mini Switzerland).
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Day 5: Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek (5 km | 3-4 hrs)
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Trek to the Highest Shiva Temple in the World (Tungnath).
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Continue 1.5 km further to Chandrashila Summit for a panoramic view of Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks.
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Day 6: Return to Delhi
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Drive back via Rishikesh (Ganga Aarti) and arrive in Delhi by late night/early morning.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Peak Season (May to June): Pleasant weather (10°C to 20°C). Perfect for families. Expect high crowds.
- Post-Monsoon (Sept to Oct): Best for photography. Crisp air, crystal clear mountain views, and fewer crowds.
- Monsoon (July to Aug): Avoid if possible. High risk of landslides and road blockages.
Complete Travel Guide: How to Reach
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By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun). From here, take a taxi to Sonprayag (225 km).
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By Train: Haridwar or Rishikesh are the nearest railheads with excellent connectivity to Delhi.
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By Helicopter: Helicopter services for Kedarnath operate from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi.
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Note: 2026 bookings must be made through the official IRCTC Heli Yatra portal only.
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Travel Survival Kit (Must-Haves)
- Documents: Yatra Registration Card (mandatory for 2026) and Aadhaar Card.
- Clothing: Layering is key! Carry thermals, a heavy down jacket, and a Rain Poncho (mountain rain is unpredictable).
- Health: Camphor (helps with breathing at high altitude), Band-Aids, and personal medications.
- Cash: Carry physical cash; the network for UPI/ATMs is very poor beyond Guptkashi.
Budget Breakdown (Quick Table)
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | ₹500-1,000 | ₹1,500-3,000 | ₹4,000-8,000 |
| Food (per day) | ₹500-700 | ₹800-1,200 | ₹1,500-2,500 |
| Transport (Delhi-Kedarnath) | ₹2,000-3,000 | ₹5,000-7,000 | ₹10,000-15,000 |
| Kedarnath Trek (Pony/Helicopter) | Free/₹2,500 | ₹3,500/₹6,000 | ₹8,000-10,000 |
| Total (5-6 days) | ₹12,000-18,000 | ₹25,000-35,000 | ₹45,000-65,000 |
Emergency Contacts & Safety Information
| Service Type | Contact Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Uttarakhand Emergency | 112 | All emergencies |
| Disaster Management | 1070 | Natural disasters, landslides |
| Tourist Helpline | 1364 | Travel assistance |
| Ambulance | 108 | Medical emergencies |
| Police | 100 | Security issues |
Medical Facilities
| Location | Facility | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Gaurikund | Health Center | Available during yatra season |
| Kedarnath | Medical Camp | Available during yatra season |
| Rudraprayag | District Hospital | 01364-233xxx |
| Chopta | Basic first-aid | Limited facilities |
Network Connectivity
| Provider | Coverage | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| BSNL | Best coverage throughout route | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly Recommended |
| Jio | Limited, works in main towns | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Airtel | Limited coverage | ⭐⭐ Poor |
| Vi/Vodafone | Very poor connectivity | ⭐ Not Recommended |
Official Registration & Helicopter Services
| Service | Website/Link | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kedarnath Yatra Registration | https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in | Mandatory before visit (Free) |
| Pawan Hans Helicopter | https://www.pawanhans.co.in | Helicopter booking (₹5,000-8,000) |
| IRCTC Helicopter | https://www.irctctourism.com | Alternative helicopter service |
Accommodation Booking
| Platform | Website | Type |
|---|---|---|
| GMVN (Govt) | https://www.gmvnl.in | Government guesthouses |
| UKSTDC | https://www.gmvnl.in | State tourism properties |
| Private Hotels | MakeMyTrip, Booking.com | Private accommodations |
Transportation Booking
| Service | Website/Contact | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Uttarakhand Transport | https://utconline.uk.gov.in | Bus booking (Haridwar-Gaurikund) |
| IRCTC Trains | https://www.irctc.co.in | Delhi-Haridwar trains |
| Shared Taxis | Book at Haridwar/Rishikesh stands | Haridwar to Gaurikund |
Booking Timeline
| Service | When to Book | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter | 2-3 months in advance | Limited seats, high demand |
| Accommodation | 1-2 months ahead | Peak season fills quickly |
| Online Registration | Before departure | Mandatory for Kedarnath entry |
Mandatory 2026 Yatra Registration Process
For the 2026 season, the Uttarakhand Government has strictly mandated Biometric Registration to manage pilgrim flow and safety. You cannot cross the Sonprayag check-post without a valid Yatra Permit.
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How to Register: Visit the official Registration Portal.
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Registration Modes: * Online: Through the official website or the "Tourist Care Uttarakhand" Mobile App.
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WhatsApp: Send "Yatra" to +91-8394833833.
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Required Documents: Keep your Aadhaar Card and a valid mobile number ready. You will receive a QR Code (Yatra Registration Letter), which must be shown at various checkpoints.
Pro-Tips for the 16km Kedarnath Trek
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is physically demanding. Follow these expert tips for a smoother climb:
- Start Early: Aim to leave Gaurikund by 5:00 AM. This ensures you reach the temple by afternoon and get a good spot for the Evening Aarti.
- The "Shortcuts" Warning: You will see small, steep stairs between the main trek path. Avoid them. They drain your energy twice as fast and increase the risk of knee injuries.
- Pony/Palki Services: If you cannot trek, ponies are available. In 2026, ensure you book only at the Pre-paid Counters in Sonprayag to avoid being overcharged.
- Hydration Rule: Do not drink ice-cold water from mountain streams. Carry a thermos with lukewarm water to prevent "Mountain Cough" and altitude sickness.
The "Mini Switzerland" Experience: Chopta & Tungnath
While Kedarnath is about deep devotion, Tungnath Chandrashila is a photographer’s paradise.
- The Trek: Unlike the rocky Kedarnath path, the 5km Tungnath trek passes through lush green meadows (Bugyals) and rhododendron forests.
- The 360-Degree View: From the Chandrashila Summit, you don't just see mountains; you see the entire Garhwal range, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedar Dome.
- Bird Watching: Keep an eye out for the Monal Bird (the state bird of Uttarakhand), often spotted near the temple complex.
Health Advisory & Safety (AMS)
Kedarnath is situated at 3,583 meters, where oxygen levels are lower.
- Acclimatisation: Spend at least 12 hours in Sonprayag/Guptkashi before starting the trek.
- Signs of AMS: If you feel a persistent headache, nausea, or dizziness, do not climb further. Descend immediately.
- Medical Screening: In 2026, pilgrims over 50 years old or those with pre-existing conditions must undergo a health screening at Sonprayag before being allowed to trek.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best time to visit Kedarnath and Tungnath in 2026?
May to June and September to October are ideal. Avoid monsoons (July-August) due to landslides and winter (November-April) when temples are closed.
2. How many days are needed for the Kedarnath-Tungnath tour?
Minimum 5-6 days to cover both destinations comfortably, including travel, treks, and acclimatisation time.
3. Is the Kedarnath trek difficult for beginners?
Moderately difficult. The 16 km trek from Gaurikund involves steep sections. Helicopter services and pony/doli options are available for those unable to trek.
4. How do I reach the Tungnath temple from Chopta?
It's a 3.5 km uphill trek from Chopta to Tungnath temple, taking approximately 2-3 hours depending on fitness level.
5. Can I visit Chandrashila peak during this tour?
Yes, Chandrashila is 1.5 km beyond Tungnath temple. The additional trek takes 45-60 minutes and offers stunning Himalayan views.
6. Are there accommodation options in Chopta?
Yes, Chopta has budget guesthouses, camps, and homestays. Book in advance during peak season (May-June, September-October).
7. Do I need permits for Kedarnath-Tungnath tour?
No special permits required for Indian nationals. Register online for Kedarnath yatra. Carry a valid photo ID throughout the journey.
8. What should I pack for this tour?
Warm clothes (layers), trekking shoes, raincoat, medicines for altitude sickness, sunscreen, torch, power bank, and water bottle.
9. Are senior citizens and children suitable for this tour?
Yes, with helicopter services for Kedarnath and pony options. However, assess fitness levels. Tungnath trek has steep sections challenging for seniors/young children.
10. What is the estimated budget for Kedarnath-Tungnath tour?
Budget: ₹10,000-20,000 | Mid-range: ₹25,000-35,000 | Luxury: ₹40,000+ per person for 5-6 days from Delhi/Haridwar.
Experience the Divine with TourMyHoliday
Don't let logistics stress you out. Our Kedarnath Tungnath Tour Package includes:
- AC Transportation from Delhi
- Verified Stays in Sonprayag & Kedarnath (Top)
- Guided Treks & Medical Support
Click Here to Download the Full 2026 PDF Itinerary & Pricing
