- Major Preparations in Uttarakhand • Record 1.65 Lakh Registrations on the First Day for the Yatra
- Char Dham Yatra: Registration Only Through Aadhaar, Medical Certificate Mandatory, Token System for Darshan
- Last year, 40 lakh devotees visited; this time, updates on traffic and weather conditions will be available on phones.
Online registration for the Char Dham Yatra, starting on April 30 in Uttarakhand, began on Thursday. On the first day, more than 1.65 lakh people registered. Among them, the highest number of registrations—54,000—were for Kedarnath, followed by 49,000 for Badrinath.
The yatra continues until November. Last year, 46 lakh registrations were recorded over these six months, out of which 40 lakh devotees completed the pilgrimage. However, this year, more pilgrims are expected due to the recent grand religious events in Prayagraj, Kashi, and Ayodhya, which saw massive crowds.
Considering this, the Uttarakhand government has introduced three new measures for the yatra:
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Mandatory Aadhaar Registration: According to Tourism Department Joint Director Y.S. Gangwar, this is the first time Aadhaar-based registration is being implemented for a religious pilgrimage. An OTP will be sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number, after which the registration number and travel date will be provided. The same number will be used to generate the token and schedule darshan.
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Health Monitoring for Pilgrims Requiring Medical Certificates: Those providing health certificates will be monitored throughout the journey. For the first time, a centralized call center is being established in Dehradun, with 20 employees who will call such travelers four times in 10 days to check their health status. In case of an emergency, medical assistance will be provided. Additionally, 20 relief posts and 31 medical checkpoints with 1,200 doctors and health workers are being set up along the route.
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SMS Alerts on Weather and Traffic Conditions: Pilgrims will receive real-time updates via SMS regarding bad weather, heavy traffic, or road disruptions during the journey.
Everything You Need to Know
- When does the Yatra begin? The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri open on April 30, Kedarnath on May 2, and Badrinath on May 4. The Hemkund Sahib Yatra begins on May 25.
- How to Register for the Yatra? Online registrations are currently open at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in Aadhaar is mandatory, and all family members must register separately. The system auto-fills details upon entering the Aadhaar number.
- Offline Registration Process: Offline registrations start on April 30 at counters in Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Vikasnagar (Dehradun). Pilgrims must carry their Aadhaar card and another photo ID. Each center will have four counters, with more added if needed. Travelers must arrange their own accommodation until they receive a travel date.
- Can You Travel Without Registration? No, the government has strictly enforced the registration requirement. Without registration, entry is not allowed.
- Is a Health Certificate Mandatory? Not for everyone, but those with asthma, diabetes, heart, or lung conditions, or long-term medication use must provide a health certificate. The format is available on the official website and must be verified by a government hospital. Providing this information in advance ensures medical assistance in emergencies. In 2024, 246 pilgrims died due to health issues.
- What Happens if You Miss Your Scheduled Date? If you do not travel within three days of the assigned date, the registration will be automatically canceled. However, this year, a rescheduling option is available on the registration page.
- Can You Arrive Before Your Scheduled Date? No, you must wait until your assigned date, as tokens will be issued accordingly.
- Are Tokens Required at All Four Dhams? Yes, without a token, you cannot have darshan. Each Dham will have four token counters.
- What Items Should You Carry? Warm clothes, an umbrella, a raincoat, waterproof and well-gripped shoes, a torch, and dry food.
- How Many Days Does the Yatra Take? A minimum of 9 days and a maximum of 15 days. If a tour operator or taxi service offers a journey shorter than 9 days, you can report them at a checkpoint. Their registration will be canceled, and they may be fined.
Additional Information
- Do You Need to Provide Private Vehicle Details? Yes, if you are traveling by private car, taxi, or bus, you must submit the vehicle number and driver’s details.
- How Will You Get Traffic Updates? This year, the Uttarakhand Tourism Department will send SMS alerts regarding traffic, crowd levels, and weather conditions to help pilgrims plan their journey.
- What If You Get Stuck Due to Traffic? In case of heavy crowding, checkpoints may ask for your accommodation details. Pilgrims should have a backup stay plan in case of delays.
- How to Book Helicopter Services? Helicopter service is available only for Kedarnath. Tickets can be booked at heliyatra.irctc.co.in Last year, the round-trip fare was ₹4,000 per passenger, but this year’s fare is yet to be decided.