Kedarnath VIP Darshan Booking & Ticket Price (2026 Guide)

• 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. 

• 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:

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

• 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, touch the shivlinga, 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.

How Much Does a Kedarnath VIP Darshan Ticket cost?

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 ₹5,500 for a group of 5 people. Even if you are fewer than 5 people, it will cost you the same ₹5,500. So talk to another member in your group to join you, and make a group of 5 people so that, Kedarnath VIP darshan ticket price is just ₹1,100 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

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.

Kedarnath VIP Darshan – Important Information (Must Read)

If you are planning for VIP Darshan or Special Pooja at Kedarnath Temple, it is important to understand the real situation, because many things are not fixed or clearly mentioned online. The process can change, and availability is not always predictable.

1) There is no fixed time or date when online booking opens, so it is recommended to keep checking the official website regularly.

2) Offline booking is done one day before your darshan date. There is no fixed limit on the number of VIP tickets issued per day, so availability can vary depending on the crowd.

3) The VIP Darshan and pooja booking counter generally opens at 3:00 PM and closes by 5:00 PM. However, during low crowd months like July and August, the counter may remain open till 7:00–8:00 PM. In such off-season periods, VIP Darshan is usually not required, as devotees can easily get Garbh Griha darshan (sparsha darshan) through the normal line.

4) For VIP pooja, line for pooja usually starts forming around 10:00–11:00 PM, and the actual darshan and pooja begin around 1:00 AM. During this time, the temple remains closed for general visitors, and only those who have VIP pooja bookings are allowed inside.

5) On Pooja Parchi duration of pooja is mentioned as 30 minutes, in reality,you will  usually get around 15–20 minutes for the pooja and sparsha darsha of lord shiva.

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 in peak season, then you should 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. Kedarnath darshan ticket not only provide you easy access to the temple but also an opportunity of sparsha darshan.

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 Kedarnath VIP Darshan ticket 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 ticket 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, not directly by this name but 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 and sparsh darshan may get impossible. 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.

    9) Is registration required for booking Kedarnath VIP online ticket?

     No, Kedarnath yatra registration is not required for Kedarnath VIP darshan. You can book online, without registration but for completing your yatra, registration is required.

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