The Char Dham Yatra will commence on April 19, 2026. There will be no limit on the maximum number of devotees allowed for दर्शन (pilgrimage visits). However, increased charges will be लागू for special पूजा (rituals).
All preparations have been completed to make the yatra smooth and safe. This year, pilgrims will notice several changes in the व्यवस्थाएं (arrangements). The यात्रा will begin on April 19 with the opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines. The Kedarnath temple will open on April 22, followed by the Badrinath temple on April 23, marking the full commencement of the Char Dham Yatra.
Uttarakhand is fully prepared to welcome pilgrims from across the country and abroad visiting Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The state government has finalized all arrangements to ensure that devotees face no inconvenience. So far, around 1.728 million pilgrims have completed online registration for the yatra. The government expects a record number of visitors this year as well.
No Cap on Daily Darshan
This year, the government has removed the restriction on the maximum number of devotees allowed for daily darshan at the Char Dham. Last year, limits were imposed based on capacity to manage crowds, but this time the plan is to facilitate darshan for all pilgrims.
Mobile Phones Banned Inside Temples
To maintain the sanctity of the shrines and manage crowd congestion, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has banned mobile phones inside the temples. Devotees will not be allowed to carry phones during darshan at both Badrinath and Kedarnath temples. Additionally, making reels or recording videos inside the temple परिसर is prohibited. Cloakroom facilities will be provided by the temple committee for storing mobile devices.
Increased Charges for Special Rituals
The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has increased the fees for special rituals this year. At Badrinath, conducting a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha will now cost ₹1,00,000. At Kedarnath, a full-day special पूजा will cost ₹51,000. To manage crowds, special rituals will be conducted at night, while daytime will be reserved for general darshan.
The Char Dham Yatra is a backbone of Uttarakhand’s economy and employment. The state is fully prepared to host devotees, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. The government aims to provide better facilities so that pilgrims leave with a positive impression of Devbhoomi.
— Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
