Question 1

When do the Char Dham temples open and close?

Accepted Answer

The portals typically open on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and close on Bhai Dooj (October/November) right after Diwali. For 2026, opening dates are: Yamunotri 19th April, Gangotri 19th April, Kedarnath 22nd April, Badrinath 23rd April.

Question 2

Is biometric registration mandatory for Char Dham Yatra?

Accepted Answer

Yes, compulsory biometric registration is required for all pilgrims. You can register through the Uttarakhand Tourist Care app, the Uttarakhand Government Tourism portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in), or the official WhatsApp registration number.

Question 3

Can senior citizens undertake the Char Dham Yatra?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but adequate preparation is necessary. We highly recommend using pony/palanquin services for treks and utilizing helicopter services for Kedarnath. A prior medical check-up is strictly advised.

Question 4

How do I book a Kedarnath helicopter ticket?

Accepted Answer

Kedarnath shuttle helicopter tickets are booked through the official IRCTC Heli Yatra portal at heliyatra.irctc.co.in. Complete your YRC registration first. Slots for peak dates sell out quickly — book as soon as the booking window opens.

Question 5

What is the best time to visit Char Dham?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Char Dham is May to June and September to October. The monsoon season (July-August) brings heavy rainfall and landslide risks, making travel dangerous. Early May and late September offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

Question 6

What is the complete Char Dham Yatra itinerary for 11 days?

Accepted Answer

A standard 11-day itinerary from Haridwar follows: Day 1 Haridwar to Barkot, Day 2 Barkot to Yamunotri and back, Day 3 Barkot to Uttarkashi, Day 4 Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back, Day 5 Uttarkashi to Guptkashi, Day 6 Guptkashi to Kedarnath, Day 7 Kedarnath darshan and return to Guptkashi, Day 8 Guptkashi to Badrinath, Day 9 Badrinath darshan and Mana Village, Day 10 Badrinath to Rudraprayag, Day 11 Rudraprayag to Haridwar.

Question 7

How do I register online for Char Dham Yatra 2026?

Accepted Answer

Visit the official Uttarakhand Government portal at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, create an account with your mobile number, fill in pilgrim details including ID proof, select your travel dates, and download the Yatra Registration Certificate (YRC). You can also register via the Uttarakhand Tourist Care mobile app or WhatsApp at +91-8394833833.

Question 8

What are the Char Dham opening dates for 2026?

Accepted Answer

The expected Char Dham 2026 opening dates are: Yamunotri 19th April, Gangotri 19th April, Kedarnath 22nd April, and Badrinath 23rd April. The closing dates are announced after Diwali, typically in October/November.

Question 9

How much does a Char Dham Yatra cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a Char Dham Yatra varies based on travel mode and accommodation. A budget trip costs approximately INR 15,000-25,000 per person for 11 days, a more comfortable self-arranged trip ranges from INR 30,000-50,000, and trips including helicopter services can cost INR 70,000-1,50,000 per person. Government registration is provided at no government charge.

Question 10

Can I do Char Dham Yatra by helicopter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, helicopter services are available for Kedarnath (from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi helipads) and can significantly reduce travel time. A Do Dham helicopter circuit covering Kedarnath and Badrinath is popular. Full Char Dham helicopter circuits are available from DGCA-licensed operators starting from Dehradun.

Question 11

How to reach Char Dham from Delhi?

Accepted Answer

From Delhi, travel to Haridwar by train (4-5 hours) or to Dehradun by flight (1 hour). From Haridwar/Rishikesh, the Yatra proceeds by road. The total driving distance for the full circuit is approximately 1,200 km. You can also take a Volvo bus from Delhi ISBT to Haridwar (5-6 hours).

Question 12

What is the distance between Kedarnath and Badrinath?

Accepted Answer

The road distance between Kedarnath (Gaurikund base) and Badrinath is approximately 233 km via Rudraprayag and Joshimath, taking about 8-10 hours by road. Kedarnath itself requires an additional 18-21 km trek from Gaurikund, or a helicopter ride.

Question 13

What should I pack for Char Dham Yatra?

Accepted Answer

Essential packing list: warm layers (temperatures drop below 5°C), waterproof jacket, comfortable trekking shoes, rain poncho, sunscreen and sunglasses, basic medicines, ORS packets, torch/headlamp, power bank, photocopies of ID proof, and your Yatra Registration Certificate (YRC).

Question 14

Is a medical fitness certificate required for Char Dham Yatra?

Accepted Answer

While not officially mandatory for all pilgrims, a medical fitness certificate is strongly recommended, especially for those above 60 years, children below 12, and persons with heart or respiratory conditions. Some helicopter operators require a medical certificate. Carry prescription medicines and consult your doctor before the journey.

Question 15

What is the Char Dham Yatra registration fee for 2026?

Accepted Answer

Government Yatra Registration (YRC) is mandatory for all pilgrims. The government portal charges no fee for registration.

Question 16

What is the step-by-step process for Char Dham Yatra online registration 2026?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Visit registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Step 2: Click Register and create an account with your mobile number — verified via OTP. Step 3: Fill in pilgrim details including name, age, gender, and Aadhaar or passport number. Step 4: Select your travel dates and the entry point for each Dham you plan to visit. Step 5: Submit and download your Yatra Registration Certificate (YRC). Step 6: Carry a printed or digital copy of the YRC throughout your journey — it is checked at all checkposts. Alternatively, register via the Uttarakhand Tourist Care app or WhatsApp at +91-8394833833 by sending the message Yatra.

Question 17

How to register for Char Dham Yatra 2026 on WhatsApp?

Accepted Answer

Send the message Yatra to the official Uttarakhand Tourism WhatsApp number +91-8394833833. A chatbot will guide you through entering your pilgrim details, selecting travel dates for each Dham, and generating your Yatra Registration Certificate (YRC). The WhatsApp registration process is straightforward and is the easiest chardham yatra online registration method for first-time pilgrims unfamiliar with web portals.

Teerth Saarthi

Char Dham Yatra 2026

The Complete Char Dham Planning Guide

The Four Sacred Dhams of Uttarakhand

Yamunotri

Gangotri

Kedarnath

Badrinath

Everything You Need for Your Sacred Yatra

Char Dham Yatra — At a Glance

Registration Guidance

Live Weather

Route Planning