Char Dham Yatra 2026: Registrations Open Today

New Delhi, March 7, 2026: The spiritual corridors of the Himalayas are set to welcome devotees once again as the Uttarakhand government officially opened registrations for the Char Dham Yatra 2026 today, March 6, 2026. This mandatory process is the first step for millions of pilgrims planning to visit the holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

With the pilgrimage scheduled to commence in late April, authorities have urged travelers to register early to secure their preferred dates and ensure a seamless journey.

Char Dham 2026: Temple Opening Dates

The Yatra traditionally begins on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. This year, the shrines will open their portals in a phased manner:

Holy Shrine	Opening Date (2026)	Significance
Yamunotri	April 19, 2026	Opening on Akshaya Tritiya
Gangotri	April 19, 2026	Opening on Akshaya Tritiya
Kedarnath	April 22, 2026	Portals open at 8:00 AM
Badrinath	April 23, 2026	Portals open at 6:15 AM

The pilgrimage follows a clockwise circuit (Parikrama), typically starting from Yamunotri and concluding at Badrinath.

How to Register for Char Dham Yatra 2026

Registration is mandatory for all domestic and international pilgrims. The Uttarakhand government provides four convenient modes for registration:

1. Online via Official Portal

The most efficient way is through the official website:

• Website: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
• Process: Click on ‘Register/Login’, create an account using your mobile number, and fill in the details of the pilgrims and the tour plan.

2. Mobile Application

Download the “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” app (available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store). This allows you to manage your Yatra pass and receive real-time weather alerts.

3. WhatsApp Registration

For a quick, text-based registration, pilgrims can send the message “Yatra” to the official WhatsApp number: +91 8394833833. Follow the automated prompts to complete the process.

4. Offline Registration

For those unable to register digitally, physical counters will open on April 17, 2026 (two days before the Yatra starts) at:

• Haridwar (Rahi Hotel)
• Rishikesh (ISBT and Transit Camp)
• Dehradun, Sonprayag, and Joshimath.

Essential Travel Details & Guidelines

To ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey, pilgrims should keep the following points in mind:

• Documents Required: You will need a valid Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License) and a recent passport-sized photograph.
• No Registration Fee: The government registration process is completely free of cost. Beware of unauthorized agents asking for “registration fees.”
• Health Declaration: Due to the high-altitude nature of the shrines (exceeding 10,000 feet), a health self-declaration is part of the registration. Senior citizens are advised to undergo a medical check-up before travel.
• Daily Caps: The government may implement daily visitor limits for each shrine to manage crowds and ensure the fragile Himalayan ecosystem is protected.
• Helicopter Services: Booking for Kedarnath helicopter services must be done only through the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal.

Safety First: Monitoring & Assistance

The state government has deployed a GPS-based monitoring system to track the movement of registered pilgrims, ensuring help is available during emergencies. A 24/7 toll-free helpline (0135-1364) is also active for any assistance regarding registration or travel updates.

As the portals open, pilgrims are reminded to carry warm clothing, necessary medications, and a printed or digital copy of their Yatra Registration Letter (QR Code), which will be verified at various checkpoints.