The sacred shrines of Char Dham in Uttarakhand, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, open their doors for a limited period with a specified opening and closing date. This comprehensive Char Dham Yatra registration guide 2026 will help you in advance to prepare for the registration process and the journey.
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits in India for Hindus. Millions of Hindu devotees worldwide visit these four holy Dhams (shrines) for divine grace, spiritual significance, and the attainment of salvation (Moksha). The journey to these sacred shrines has always been on the bucket list of Hindu Devotees. However, to visit here, pilgrims must register for the Yatra. Char Dham Yatra registration is the first step of officially confirming your journey.
Our comprehensive Char Dham Yatra guide provided the information on the expected Char Dham Yatra opening and closing dates for 2026, registration process, best time to visit, and travel tips for a smooth journey.
Every pilgrim visiting the Charm Dham in Uttarakhand must register. This includes every pilgrim in a group or family, and even the tour operator who plans a group tour. So, whether you are a yatri (pilgrim), a driver, or a tour guide, you will have to register for the Char Dham Yatra 2026. It is mandatory for every single person visiting the shrines.
Whether you are planning your Char Dham Yatra by helicopter or by road, the government uses the same registration system for every traveler and every way of travel. So, regardless of the type of your travel, you will have to complete the Char Dham Yatra registration either online or offline at the counter.
Both the options of online and offline registration modes are available for the Char Dham Yatra in 2026. You can go for any mode as per your convenience:
There are several counters at designated locations in Uttarakhand to get yourself registered for the Yatra. You fill out a registration form. After this, you get a QR code on your phone, which is used for verification in different shrines. Or, you can give the hard copy of the registration form you received from the official counter.
For the online registration, you can use two methods:
It is the easiest and most convenient way to register for the Char Dham Yatra 2026. As we already know, the three different ways to register yourself for the Yatra through the online portal, app, and WhatsApp. Now, let’s see the step-by-step process to use the online portal for the Char Dham registration
Pilgrims who cannot do online registration can go for a simplified offline registration. There are several official registration counters in many towns of Uttarakhand, like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Joshimath, Phata, and Sonprayag. You will get the registration form at these counters, where the official staff will help you fill up the form, especially if you are a senior citizen. They help you fill out the form, take photos, and take fingerprints, if a biometric is required. After the formalities, you get either a printed E-Pass or an SMS.
Here is the step-by-step guide for offline Char Dham registration 2026:
Here is the list of the cities and towns, where the Char Dham offline biometric registration can be done for 2026:
You need an E-Pass for the yatra, which you get by registering yourself on the portal or the offline counters. But, while filling out the form, you will have to submit a few documents that are very basic. From your valid ID to photos and even biometrics, here are the types of documents you will be submitting for the Yatra registration:
After online or offline registration, you get:
It is mandatory to carry your Yatra Registration letter or E-Pass during the journey. This important document will be verified by the Yatra officials at different checkpoints throughout the Yatra route. This helps them confirm your Yatra registration by scanning the QR Code or checking the letter thoroughly. You must also carry your ID proof along with your Yatra Registration letter.
If you lose the E-Pass by any chance, you can log in to the portal and download the pass again. Officials will scan your QR code to verify your Char Dham registration at main points on each route, like Dobata, Phata, Sonprayag, Pandukeshwar, and others.
Remember, the Yatra Registration letter is only valid for your verification and the date of the Yatra as mentioned, and it is non-transferable.
Char Dham Yatra registration requires your health declaration as well. It takes place in the Himalayan region in rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Hence, you should prioritize your health to ensure you are physically fit to embark on this journey. So, while registering, consider these health safety guidelines for a safe journey:
People, for various reasons, including time, age, and health-related issues, book Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter packages. However, for the helicopter service for Char Dham Yatra, you must have a Yatra Registration Number. For this, you must register by visiting the official Uttarakhand Tourist Care Portal. After getting the registration number, you can use it to book a helicopter through the IRCTC Heliyatra Website. When planning your trip on your own without the help of any travel agent for the Char Dham Yatra, then you should book the helicopter service from the official portal IRCTC Heliyatra. Beware of any fake websites.
Bookings usually start a few days before the temples’ opening date, which happens in April/May.
The opening dates of the Char Dham Yatra for 2026 have been announced by the Char Dham Committee. These dates mark the day and time when the doors (Kapat) of the Charm Dham shrines will be opened for devotees. It is the time when the idols of these temples are moved to the main shrines from their temporary winter abodes.
Based on the Hindu Panchang (Calendar), the Kapat of the shrines opens during April and closes in November. Here are the official dates announced by the committee for Char Dham Yatra 2026:
| Char Dham Temples | Opening Dates 2026 | Closing Dates 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 19th April 2026 (Akshay Tritiya) | 11th November 2026 |
| Gangotri | 19th April 2026 (Akshay Tritiya) | 10th November 2026 |
| Kedarnath | 22nd April 2026 | 11th November 2026 |
| Badrinath | 24th April 2026 | 13th November 2026 |
Yamunotri Temple: The temple opens on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya, when the idol of Goddess Yamuna moves to the main shrine from its winter abode. Registration is mandatory for the route that goes via Barkot/Phata.
Gangotri Temple: This revered Himalayan temple opens on the same day as Yamunotri Temple on Akshay Tritiya. Registration can be done online or at the offline counter in Uttarkashi.
Kedarnath Temple: It opens only a few days after the Yamunotri and Gangotri Temples. For offline registration, it has dedicated counters at Sonprayag and Gaurikund. The Kedarnath Darshan helicopter services have separate booking windows.
Badrinath Temple: Usually, on the occasion of Basant Panchami, the opening dates are announced by the priests officially. Complete online registration or visit the official counter at Pandukeshwar.
Here is a list of the important things you must do and avoid doing to ensure a safe, smooth, and seamless Yatra.
When planning your Char Dham journey, it is important to know every aspect of the journey. If there are licensed and trusted tour operators, then there are fake agents as well. You will have to be wise while making decisions and purchasing Char Dham Yatra packages. Here are the common scams to avoid during the Yatra:
Char Dham Yatra takes place in the Himalayan region in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, where weather conditions, terrains, and infrastructure pose significant challenges. Even people with no prior experience of hiking in the mountains also plan their Char Dham Yatra. For every pilgrim’s safety and security, the Uttarakhand Government has made the Yatra Registration mandatory for every pilgrim, including family, individuals, drivers, and tour guides/ operators. This enables authorities to ensure a safe, secure, and smooth management of millions of pilgrims every year.
The Char Dham Yatra 2026 is a sacred journey that requires careful planning, timely registration, and adherence to official guidelines to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience. From understanding who needs to register and choosing the right registration mode, to knowing the opening dates, health requirements, helicopter booking process, and safety rules, being well-informed is the key to a smooth pilgrimage.
This was our comprehensive Char Dham Yatra Registration Guide 2026, which helps you prepare every step of the way. If you are planning your Char Dham Yatra and need assistance with registration, travel planning, or customized pilgrim packages, feel free to contact us for expert guidance and reliable support. We’ll help you turn your sacred journey into a peaceful and well-organized experience.