Kedarnath VIP Darshan Booking And Ticket Price For 2026

Hi, I’m Riya, a devotee of Lord Shiva and someone who has been visiting Kedarnath almost every year since 2018. I have experienced the yatra both with family and solo, and over the years, I have used Kedarnath VIP Darshan passes multiple times.

I booked my first VIP Darshan pass from the offline counter located beside the Kedarnath Temple. In recent years, I mostly book VIP Darshan and pujas directly through the official BKTC website. Based on my 8+ years of personal yatra experience, this guide shares practical, real-world information to help devotees plan a smooth and peaceful VIP darshan at Kedarnath. Many devotees also combine Kedarnath VIP Darshan with a complete Kedarnath Package for a smoother pilgrimage experience.

Disclaimer - This information is based on official guidelines of Shri Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and on-ground yatra experience. Puja availability, timings, and charges may change as per temple administration rules.

What is Kedarnath VIP Darshan?

Kedarnath VIP Darshan is a special service which will help you to take a quick and peaceful darshan of Lord Shiva by skipping the massive queues at the Kedarnath Temple.

This service is designed to offer hassle-free and more comfortable darshan, which makes your experience of darshan more memorable. This Service is perfect for those pilgrims who want to avoid the long waiting hours and are not physically stable to stand for long periods.

If you are one of those who are short on time and travelling with the family, or if you want to avoid the crowds, then VIP Darshan will help you to take darshan easily by providing a direct path to the Mahadev.

Who Should Opt for Kedarnath VIP Darshan?

Kedarnath VIP Darshan is ideal for pilgrims who want a smoother and more comfortable temple experience, especially during crowded Char Dham yatra periods. This option is best suited for:

Senior citizens and devotees with health concerns who may find it difficult to stand in long queues at high altitude.
Families travelling with children, where long waiting hours can be tiring and uncomfortable.
Pilgrims visiting during peak season (May–June and September–October) when general darshan queues can extend for several hours.
Devotees with limited time, such as those on a tight travel schedule or helicopter yatra.
First-time Kedarnath visitors who prefer a peaceful and well-managed darshan experience without the stress of heavy crowds.
VIP Darshan allows devotees to focus more on their spiritual connection with Lord Shiva rather than physical exhaustion or long waiting times.

Kedarnath VIP Darshan Timings And Temple Schedule

Activity	Timing
VIP Darshan	12:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Morning Aarti (Mahabhishek)	4:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Morning Darshan	7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Temple Closed (Bhog/Rest)	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Evening Darshan	5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Evening Aarti	6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Pro Tip - Devotees should also check the Kedarnath Opening Date 2026 before booking VIP Darshan, as darshan facilities are available only after the temple opens for the season.

Types of Kedarnath VIP Darshan And Puja

Daily/Periodic Puja, which is performed daily in the Kedarnath temple. These are three different types of puja: Whole Day Puja, Sampoorna Aarti (1 hour for 1 Person), and Shodashopachar Puja (10-15 Minutes, 5 Persons).

Whole Day Puja- If you want to perform a whole-day puja at Kedarnath temple with your friends or family, then you can take a special VIP darshan pass of Kedarnath temple with a facility to perform a whole-day puja in the temple compound.

The cost for this pooja VIP pass is ₹ 28,600 for 5 persons, which means this cost is fixed for a group of 1 to 5 people. But you can add up to 2 more people to this group with an additional cost of 5720 per person.

Sampurna Aarti- The Importance of doing this aarti is mentioned in the Hindu scripture, which is the Skandpurana. This Arti is a very important part of the worship tradition of Hindus. Aarti is done in such a way that it can form the shape of Aum.

Aarti is performed four times at the feet of Lord Shiva, twice in the navel, once in the face and 7 times on the entire body. You can enjoy aarti, sitting near the idol by purchasing a Sampurna Aarti VIP Pass, which costs you 2800/person and allows you 1 and a half hours of Aarti from 6 PM to 7:30 PM.

Shodashopachar Puja- Shodashopachar Puja holds significant importance in the Sanatan tradition. It is a form of worship of Lord Shiva performed through 16 statues and involves the recitation of 16 mantras from the Rudrasukta. The 16 steps of this puja are as follows:

1. Meditation and Avahana - Meditate on the divine using Vedic mantras and invite the presence of God for worship.
2. Asana - Offer prayers to Lord Shiva and allow him to sit on a designated seat.
3. Padya - Offer water at the feet of Lord Shiva.
4. Ardhya - Pour water into the hands of Lord Shiva as a gesture of devotion.
5. Achman - Offer water into the mouth of Lord Shiva.
6. Snan - Bathe Lord Shiva using clean and pure water.
7. Vastra - Present clean clothing to Lord Shiva after he has been bathed.
8. Yagyopaveet - Offer the Shiva Sutras to the divine.
9. Gandhakshat - Present Akshat, turmeric, and sandalwood as offerings.
10. Pushp - Offer a variety of fragrant flowers.
Online Process of Kedarnath VIP
11. Dhoop Batti - Light incense to honour Lord Shiva.
12. Naivedya - Offer food (Bhog) to Lord Shiva.
13. Tambool Dakshina Aarti - Present paan and dakshina to Lord Shiva and perform aarti.
14. Mantra Pushpanjali - Offer flowers to the Lord while chanting mantras with flowers in hand.
15. Dakshina, Namaskar, Aarti, Parikrama - Offer dakshina, bow, perform aarti, and circumambulate.
16. Chama Yachna - Devotees express their reverence through various acts, which please Lord Shiva and help fulfil the wishes of his devotees.

To offer Shodashopchar puja to lord shiva, you can purchase a Shodashopchar VIP pass, which costs you 5500 for 5 persons, or if you want to add one more, then it can be done at an extra cost of Rs 1100/person. You can only add an extra person up to 2 people.

You can offer this puja to lord shiva only for 10 to 15 minutes between 12 AM and 4 AM. In this VIP darshan method, you can do abhishek (or abhishekam) of lord shiva at the Kedarnath temple. You can carry milk from your side, or you can also do it by water here. If you are planning to visit Badrinath as well, you can also check the Badrinath VIP Darshan process and booking details for a smooth experience.

Note- Devotees who choose this VIP Darshan can get prasad from the counter for booked pujas.

Why Choose VIP Darshan? The Benefits Explained

Choosing VIP Darshshan offers you several significant advantages that can truly enhance your pilgrimage:

Save Precious Time: This can be your biggest benefit because during the peak season (May to June and September to October), the general line can be as long as 2 km to 3 km, and wait time easily exceeds 6-8 hours. But a VIP Darshan will reduce this waiting time period, and you can have a darshan in minutes, which allows you to focus on your spiritual journey without physical fatigue or standing in the long line.

A Peaceful Spiritual Experience: Taking darshan in a massive crowd without feeling a connection with God can be desperate and struggle-filled. With VIP access, you can take darshan smoothly without any rush. This allows you a few quiet moments to truly absorb the spirituality of the temple, offer your prayer, and feel a deeper connection with the divine energy of the place.

Comfort and Accessibility: The trek to Kedarnath is challenging. For the elderly, young children, or individuals with health issues, standing in a long queue can be a major hurdle. VIP Darshan ensures a more comfortable experience, making the pilgrimage accessible to a wider range of devotees.

Pro Tip- Pilgrims with limited time or health issues may also consider Kedarnath Helicopter Booking along with VIP Darshan for a more comfortable yatra. Read this blog carefully and make sure to book your helicopter ticket from a authorised website only. Don't fall pray to anyone and you can refer our blog on Kedarnath helicopter ticket fraud, to know all the loop holes.

How Much Does a Kedarnath VIP Darshan Ticket cost?

Puja Type	Duration	Maximum Person	Price	Extra Person Price
Whole Day Puja	Morning to Evening	5	Rs 28,600	Rs 5,720 / person (Only 2 more allowed)
Sampurna Aarti	1.5 Hours (6 PM to 7:30 PM)	7	Rs 2,800 / person	—
Shodashopchar Puja	10 to 15 Minutes	5	Rs 5,500	Rs 1,100 / person (Only 2 more allowed)

Note- In the above table maximum number of people allowed and the price are mentioned. The price will remain the same even if you are in a group of fewer than the required number of people.

Tips:- Shodashophar puja, which is also known as VIP darshan at Kedarnath or Kedarnath special darshan, will cost you INR 5500 for a group of 5 people. Even if you are fewer than 5 people, it will cost you the same INR 5500. So talk to another member in your group to join you, and make a group of 5 people so that, Kedarnath VIP darshan will cost you just INR 1100 per person.

How to Book Kedarnath VIP Darshan?

There are two ways to book your VIP Darshan for Kedarnath Temple,

offline (on-site) and

online ( directly from the website)

Let's check the process of Vip Darshan at Kedarnath

kedarnath pooja booking online and offline method

1) Offline Process of Kedarnath VIP Darshan Booking

VIP darshan ticket booking can be directly done from the Kedarnath Temple complex. There are dedicated counters for VIP Darshan Booking just beside the Kedarnath Temple.

Step 1- Visit the counter

Step 2- select your preferred Darshan

Step 3- Provide the necessary documents and details

Step 4- Receive your confirmation Document

PRO Tip- It’s best to complete the booking at least one day in advance to ensure availability. If you are unsure about your arrival time, you can request your tour coordinator to book the VIP Darshan pass on your behalf in advance, especially if you are travelling as part of a Kedarnath Yatra Package.

2) Online Process of Kedarnath VIP Darshan Booking

There is a dedicated website for VIP darshan booking, which is operated by the Kedarnath temple community. BKTC is an official VIP Darshan website where you can book your VIP Darshan pass online

Step 1- Visit the BKTC (Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee) website, log in/sign up with your number

Step 2- Now click on Book Puja, then select Kedarnath Dham, and accept the “T&C”

Step 3 - Select the puja and add it to the cart.

Step 4 - Enter your details about who is going to participate in the puja.

Step 5 - Confirm the amount.

Step 6 - Complete your payment.

Step 7 - View and download the receipt of the puja booking.

Note- The amount paid is non-refundable.

Can Kedarnath VIP Darshan Tickets Get Sold Out?

Yes. VIP Darshan and puja slots are limited per day and often get sold out during peak yatra months. It is strongly recommended to book at least 1–2 days in advance. If you are planning for Do Dham yatra, then you can also book Badrinath VIP Darshan. It has also the same process, but for pricing and pooja detail you can check out our blog.

Is Vip Tickets worth the money?

For most of us, the answer is yes. If you are visiting Kedarnath during the peak Yatra season, when the crowds are maximum, a VIP darshan can be a lifesaver. It saves you from the physical strain of standing in long queues and ensures that your spiritual experience is not marred by fatigue or discomfort. It’s a good option for the elderly, those with physical limitations or those with limited time. Some may argue that the spiritual value lies in the struggle of waiting for a more personal and peaceful encounter with Lord Shiva, but the VIP Darshan is worth the investment.

Many devotees prefer covering Kedarnath as part of a Char Dham Yatra Package, which includes planned travel, accommodation, and darshan arrangements.

Conclusion

Kedarnath is a deeply spiritual and life-changing experience. While the traditional yatra has its own charm, Kedarnath VIP Darshan offers a more comfortable and stress-free option for devotees who wish to avoid long queues and focus on their spiritual connection with Lord Shiva.

Before planning your visit, always check the latest official rules. The Uttarakhand government may temporarily restrict VIP Darshan during peak crowd periods. To avoid inconvenience, refer only to official updates from the Shri Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).

FAQs Of kedarnath VIP Darshan

1) Is there VIP darshan in Kedarnath?

Yes, VIP Darshan is available at Kedarnath Temple through special puja and aarti bookings. These services allow devotees to take darshan with priority access by avoiding long general queues.

VIP darshan is officially managed by the Shri Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and is especially useful during peak yatra season (May–June).

2) What is the cost of VIP Darshan in Kedarnath?

The cost of Kedarnath VIP Darshan generally starts from ₹5,500 for a group of up to 5 devotees under the Shodashopachar Puja.

Other special puja charges include:

Sampurna Aarti – Approx. ₹2,800 per person
Whole Day Puja – Approx. ₹28,600 (up to 5 persons)

Prices are set by BKTC and may change as per official guidelines.

3) Can I go to Kedarnath without VIP darshan booking?

Yes, VIP Darshan is not mandatory to visit Kedarnath Temple. Devotees can take regular darshan free of cost by standing in the general queue.

However, during peak season, waiting time may extend to several hours. Pilgrims seeking faster and more convenient access often prefer booking VIP darshan in advance.

4) What is the time of Abhishek in the Kedarnath VIP Darshan?

The main Abhishek Puja at Kedarnath Temple is conducted early in the morning, generally between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM.

Abhishek Puja: Around 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM
Maha Abhishek & Rudrabhishek continue till approx. 7:00 AM
General darshan usually begins after 7:00 AM

VIP Abhishek bookings can be made through official BKTC channels.

5) Is Kedarnath VIP Darshan officially approved by BKTC?

Yes, Kedarnath VIP Darshan services and special puja bookings are officially sanctioned by the Shri Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). All bookings should be made through the official portal or authorized counters to ensure validity and avoid unauthorized agents.

6) Can Kedarnath VIP Darshan tickets be cancelled or refunded?

Generally, Kedarnath VIP Darshan tickets are non-refundable once booked and paid. Due to limited availability and high demand during yatra season, cancellations are usually not permitted.

In rare cases involving administrative or technical issues, refund policies may apply as per official BKTC guidelines. Devotees should verify cancellation terms before confirming the booking.

7) How can I get VIP darshan in Kedarnath?

VIP darshan at Kedarnath Temple can be obtained by booking a special puja through the official Shri Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) portal. Limited offline passes may also be available at the temple counter, subject to availability.

8) How much is the VIP Darshan ticket at Kedarnath worth?

The VIP Darshan cost at Kedarnath generally ranges from ₹1,100 to ₹5,100 per person, depending on the puja type and season. It is considered worth it during peak months as it reduces long waiting time in the general queue.