Dehradun: The annual Char Dham Yatra is all set to commence in Uttarakhand on Sunday amid a ban on the entry of non-Hindus into three of the four shrines this year.
The doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines will open on Sunday on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, whereas Kedarnath in Rudraprayag and Badrinath in Chamoli will open on April 22 and 23, respectively.
This is the first time that the yatra will be conducted with restrictions on “non-Sanatanis.” However, they can be allowed if certain conditions laid down by temple committees are met.
Devotees will once again be able to pay homage to Lord Shiv and witness the blessings of Goddess Yamuna and Goddess Ganga at the holy shrines of Gangotri and Yamunotri as both the temples are scheduled to open their doors on April 19, 2026.
“On April 22 at 8:00 AM, the doors of Baba Kedar will open, and on April 23, 2026, the doors of Lord Badrinath will open for devotees from across the country,” he added.
All-level preparations complete for pilgrimage, final touches underway
Dwivedi stated that preparations have been completed at all administrative levels. “At the government level, administration level, district level, and all departments associated with the pilgrimage, all preparations have been completed. Final touches are being given,” he said.
He further added that advance teams have been deployed at key locations to ensure smooth operations ahead of the shrine openings. “For the opening of Baba Kedar’s doors on the 22nd and Lord Badrinath’s doors on the 23rd, advanced teams have been sent. All maintenance work, facilities for pilgrims, and puja arrangements have been streamlined,” he said.
Devotees invited to Kedar and Badrinath, says Dwivedi, as arrangements confirmed
Appealing to devotees, Dwivedi added, “Through your channel, I would like to say to pilgrims coming from across the country–come and seek the blessings of Baba Kedar and Lord Badrinath. The government, administration, and temple committee have made complete arrangements.”
Digital registration and SOPs in place to ensure smooth pilgrim flow
On crowd management, he said that digital systems have been introduced to regulate pilgrim flow. “The government has introduced online registration. Through registration and a token system, we will ensure smooth management. We have a complete Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in place, and our priority is the last devotee–providing simple, safe, and accessible darshan,” he said.
As per the official website of registration services provided by Uttarakhand tourism, registrations for the Char Dham route and Hemkund Sahib have already commenced. Follow the steps to register for the Char Dham Yatra online:
Step 1: Click on “REGISTER/LOGIN” on the web portal on the official website. New users must sign up, while existing users can log in with their credentials.
Step 2:Create a tour by selecting the start and end dates, number of tourists, Dhams, and their respective visit dates.
Step 3: Complete registration by providing pilgrim details. Download and carry the Yatra Registration Letter for a smooth journey.
Heli services can be booked only through IRCTC. Book a heli service.
Offline registration for Char Dham Yatra begins
Offline registration for the Char Dham Yatra commenced on Friday, April 17, with 2,713 pilgrims physically registering for the pilgrimage on the first day, officials said.
The manual registration process began ahead of the yatra, scheduled to start on Sunday, April 19. Meanwhile, the online registration window that opened on March 6 remains active.
How to register offline for Char Dham Yatra?
The government of the state has also made offline registration facilities available for those pilgrims who have failed to register themselves online. Registration counters started functioning at the Rishikul Grounds of Haridwar on April 17, with more than 150 pilgrims registering within two hours of the opening of the counters.
As many as 20 registration counters have been provided at the venue with all-night registration services through three shifts.
Besides Haridwar, there are also special registration counters in Rishikesh and the Vikas Nagar district of Dehradun. Pilgrims will be required to furnish valid identity proofs like Aadhaar card, PAN card or driving licence at the counter while getting registered.
Several counters have been set up at Rishikul Grounds in Haridwar, the transit camp, and ISBT in Rishikesh, where pilgrims can register. In addition, offline registration centres have been set up at several locations along the pilgrimage route, such as Janki Chatti, Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Joshimath, and Govind Ghat. Registration at these locations is essential, as travelling without registration can lead to difficulties.
Char Dham Yatra 2026: Important checklist
Compulsory Registration
Keep the registration certificate ready at the verification point
Collect the Dham darshan slot token for smooth and hassle-free darshan
Carry your prescribed medicines, if any
Things to carry: Warm clothes (Jacket, Shawl, Gloves, etc)
Carry a valid personal ID proof
Do not drink & drive
Carry a valid personal ID proof
Do not litter garbage
Do not consume alcohol/tobacco
