Pilgrims planning the 2026 Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand can now begin their preparations as official online registration opened on Friday, March 6 at 7 am through the state’s tourism portal and mobile app. The annual pilgrimage, which covers the four sacred Hindu shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, is scheduled to open its doors in phases beginning April 19, aligning with the auspicious festival of Akshaya Tritiya.

The registration process, mandated by the Uttarakhand government to ensure better crowd management and safety, requires devotees to provide personal details and travel plans via the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app or the official Char Dham Yatra portal. Offline registration counters will also be available starting April 17 at key transit points including Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun, offering flexibility for those who prefer in‑person assistance.

The temples will open sequentially during April: Gangotri and Yamunotri on April 19, Kedarnath on April 22, and Badrinath on April 23. Pilgrims are advised to carry their e‑passes and valid ID proof throughout the journey, as entry verification and crowd control measures will be in place at major checkpoints en route to each dham.

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Registration is free this year, although charges may apply for auxiliary services such as accommodation, transport, or helicopter transfers — a popular option for elderly or time‑constrained devotees heading to high‑altitude sites like Kedarnath. Helicopter service fares vary by operator and route and can be booked once slots open closer to the pilgrimage season.

Authorities emphasize that completing registration early is crucial, as millions of devotees undertake the Char Dham Yatra each year and slots — particularly for helicopter and special darshan — fill up quickly. The state government has also enhanced support systems, including GPS tracking of registered yatris and coordinated relief teams along the route, to improve safety and accessibility.

With the spiritual season set to launch in mid‑April, officials and travel experts urge prospective pilgrims to plan logistics, accommodation, and travel routes well in advance to ensure a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience through the majestic Himalayan terrain.

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