Chardham Yatra 2026: 1.25 Lakh Register on First Day, Record Number of Pilgrims Likely This Year
Dehradun: The doors of the Char Dham shrines of Uttarakhand, namely Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, yet to open for the summer pilgrimage. However, the state government has begun online registration for pilgrims from Friday.
On the first day by 5 pm, a total of 1,24,089 pilgrims from India and abroad have registered for darshan at the four Dhams. State Tourism, Religious Affairs, and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj has expressed the possibility of a record number of pilgrims this year.
He informed that the much-awaited Chardham Yatra is scheduled to commence this year on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on April 19. In view of this, the registration process for pilgrims has begun on March 6. Anticipating a record number of pilgrims arriving for the Chardham Yatra this year, the state government has completed all preparations for the Chardham Yatra.
Maharaj stated that the Chardham pilgrimage holds immense significance for Hindus. Lakhs of devotees visit Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath each year in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. He explained that due to the efficient management of the safe and smooth Chardham Yatra, 56 lakh 31 thousand pilgrims visited the Chardham in 2025. This year, the government has made special arrangements to ensure a smooth and orderly conduct of the Chardham Yatra.
Maharaj stated that as part of the Chardham Yatra, the doors of Kedarnath Dham will open on April 22 and Badrinath Dham on April 23. The doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams will traditionally open for devotees on April 19, the Akshaya Tritiya. All government departments are in the final stages of preparation for the Chardham Yatra.
50 counters set up for offline registration
The Minister stated that the state government has made complete arrangements for online registration as well as offline registration. A total of 50 counters have been set up for offline registration, with 30 in Rishikesh and 20 in Vikasnagar. He stated that all these counters will operate 24 hours a day, ensuring no pilgrim faces any difficulties in registering.
He stated that devotees can register via weblink and mobile app. Additionally, devotees can also register using their Aadhaar card, while email IDs are available for foreign pilgrims.
Maharaj stated that adequate arrangements for public toilets and drinking water have been made along the Yatra route. He stated that to ensure a safe and smooth Chardham Yatra, clear guidelines and SOPs will be issued, keeping in mind the travel standards. He stated that a total of 1,800 buses will be operated for the Yatra, of which 400 will be reserved. 130 buses will depart daily and operate on approximately 1,300 routes during the 10-day Yatra period.