Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 7 May: State Tourism, Religious Affairs, Culture, Public Works, Irrigation, and Rural Construction Minister Satpal Maharaj has said that the number of pilgrims visiting the Char Dham Yatra this year is expected to increase significantly compared to last year. He stated that the large number of registrations being made by pilgrims and the continuous rise in bookings at GMVN guest houses located along the pilgrimage routes indicate that this year’s Char Dham Yatra is likely to surpass last year’s records as well.
Satpal Maharaj stated that online bookings for GMVN guest houses situated on the Char Dham routes began on 16 February 2026. He said that pilgrims have so far made bookings worth Rs 9,94,01,24.11 and the figure is steadily increasing.
For the Char Dham Yatra, online registration started on 6 March 2026, while offline registration commenced on 17 April 2026. So far, more than 3 million pilgrims have completed their registrations, and nearly 900,000 devotees have already undertaken darshan.
Maharaj appealed to all pilgrims visiting the Char Dham Yatra to follow government guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
For online registration, pilgrims can use the portal registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or the TouristCare UK mobile app. Offline registration facilities are available at counters opened in Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Vikasnagar. During the journey, QR codes will be scanned at checkpoints, and unregistered pilgrims will be sent back. Therefore, pilgrims are advised not to travel without registration.
Pilgrims above 50 years of age have been advised to undergo mandatory health screening. Those suffering from asthma, heart disease, or high blood pressure should undertake the journey only after consulting a doctor. Since Kedarnath and Badrinath are located at very high altitudes, pilgrims are advised to acclimatise themselves by halting for a few days along the route before completing the journey.
Making videos or reels using mobile phones inside temple premises has been prohibited. Carrying Aadhaar Card or Voter ID during the journey is mandatory. As weather conditions in the mountains can change suddenly, pilgrims are advised to carry warm clothes and raincoats. The minister also appealed to travellers to dispose of waste only in dustbins and avoid the use of plastic during the yatra.
