Char Dham Yatra 2026: Dates, Registration, Routes, Helicopter, and New Rules
Char Dham Yatra is a holy pilgrimage carried out by Hindus to four sacred shrines in the Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is believed that completing this circuit at least once in a lifetime brings salvation or moksha. All four temples are located in Uttarakhand and remain closed for nearly half the year due to heavy snowfall, opening only between April-May and closing again by October-November. The 2026 yatra officially began on April 19 with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri on Akshaya Tritiya, followed by Kedarnath on April 22 and Badrinath on April 23. Over 19 lakh pilgrims registered for the yatra in the opening weeks alone.
Char Dham Yatra Dates for 2026
Opening dates for the four shrines are decided every year through traditional Hindu calendar calculations. Yamunotri and Gangotri open on Akshaya Tritiya, Kedarnath’s date is announced on Maha Shivratri, and Badrinath’s on Basant Panchami. Here are the 2026 dates.
| Dham | Opening Date | Closing Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri Temple | 19 April 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) | 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj) | Open |
| Gangotri Temple | 19 April 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) | 10 November 2026 (Diwali) | Open |
| Kedarnath Temple | 22 April 2026 | 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj) | Open |
| Badrinath Temple | 23 April 2026 | 13 November 2026 (Vijay Dashami based) | Open |
The yatra traditionally follows a clockwise route, starting from Yamunotri, then Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and ending at Badrinath. As of now, all four shrines are open and the season is in peak rush. May and June are the busiest months. Daily darshan caps are in place to manage crowds.
Char Dham Yatra Registration 2026 (Mandatory)
Registration is compulsory for every pilgrim visiting Char Dham in 2026. Without a valid QR-coded e-pass, pilgrims are not allowed to cross checkpoints or enter temple areas. The Uttarakhand government uses a GPS-based tracking system to monitor pilgrim movement, which was introduced after the 2013 floods for safety and disaster management.
Online registration for 2026 opened on March 6, 2026, at 7 AM. The registration itself is free of cost.
Where to register
- Official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile app (Android and iOS)
- WhatsApp: send “Yatra” to +91 8394833833
- Offline counters at Haridwar (20 counters), Rishikesh (30 counters), Dehradun, Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Joshimath, Barkot, and Hina
Documents needed
- Aadhaar card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
- Passport (mandatory for foreign nationals)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (JPG/PNG, 10KB to 150KB)
- Active mobile number for OTP verification
- Emergency contact details
- Vehicle registration details if travelling by private car
- Medical fitness certificate if pilgrim is above 55 years of age, or for anyone with heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or hypertension
Always carry printed copies of the e-pass in addition to the digital version, since mobile connectivity in the Himalayan region can be unreliable. Private and commercial vehicles must also obtain a Green Card/Trip Card from the Uttarakhand Transport Department through greencard.uk.gov.in.
New Rules for 2026 (Important)
The 2026 yatra season has introduced several significant new rules that every pilgrim should be aware of before travelling.
Entry restrictions for non-Hindus
Three of the four dhams have introduced new entry conditions for non-Hindus in 2026, while Yamunotri continues to welcome all visitors regardless of faith.
- Kedarnath and Badrinath: The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has restricted entry to followers of Sanatan Dharma. Non-Hindus may enter only after submitting a notarized affidavit affirming faith in Sanatan Dharma. The rule applies to all 47 temples under BKTC’s management, which includes Triyuginarayan, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madmaheshwar, and others. Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists are exempt under the Article 25 interpretation that classifies these traditions within the larger Sanatan fold.
- Gangotri: The Gangotri Temple Committee has mandated that non-Hindus may enter only after consuming panchgavya, a traditional mixture of milk, Ganga water, honey, cow urine, and cow dung, used as a purification ritual.
- Yamunotri: The Yamunotri Mandir Samiti has chosen not to implement any such restriction. The shrine remains open to all registered pilgrims regardless of faith, in keeping with the tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava.
The Uttarakhand state government has not introduced any statewide rule on this; the restrictions are at the level of individual temple committees.
Mobile phones and cameras banned inside temple premises
Mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises across all four dhams. The rules differ slightly between shrines.
- Badrinath and Kedarnath: Complete ban inside the temple complex. Storage facilities are provided outside.
- Gangotri and Yamunotri: A 100-metre no-gadget zone has been enforced around the shrines.
Other temple rules at Kedarnath
- Tika application and prasad distribution inside the temple courtyard are not allowed.
- Touching idols, religious books, or any temple items is not allowed.
- The Shivlinga inside Kedarnath can be touched only before 3 PM. After 5 PM, only darshan is allowed.
Health and safety upgrades
Over 190 CCTV cameras, three drones, and multiple metal detectors have been deployed along the trekking routes this season. Medical infrastructure has been upgraded with health camps at multiple points along the Kedarnath and Yamunotri trails.
How to Reach Each Dham: Walking, Horse, Palki, or Helicopter?
The Char Dham circuit usually begins from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, which are well connected by train, road, and air (Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun). From these hubs, the journey continues by road through winding mountain routes, typically spread over 8 to 12 days for the full circuit. Not all four shrines require the same kind of journey. Two have direct road access right up to the temple, while two require trekking from the last motorable point.
Yamunotri
The last motorable point is Janki Chatti. From there, the temple is a 6 km uphill trek that takes 2.5 to 3 hours one way. The trek is considered moderate. Pony, palki (palanquin), and pitthu (back-carrier basket for children) services are available at Janki Chatti for those unable to walk. Government-approved counters set the rates, and prepaid booking is recommended to avoid overcharging.
Gangotri
Gangotri is the easiest of the four. The road goes all the way up to the temple, and pilgrims walk a short distance from the parking area to the shrine. No trekking is required. This is why Gangotri is often the most comfortable stop on the circuit, especially for senior citizens.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is the most physically demanding of the four. The last motorable point is Gaurikund, and from there the temple is a 16 km uphill trek (18 to 21 km via the alternate route), with an altitude gain from 6,500 ft to 11,755 ft. The trek typically takes 6 to 8 hours one way for a person of average fitness. Most pilgrims either trek, take a horse, use a palki, or fly by helicopter.
By horse (pony/mule): Around 4 to 5 hours uphill. Booking is done at government-authorized prepaid counters in Sonprayag and Gaurikund, where you receive a computerized slip with the horse number and operator details.
By palki (palanquin): Carried by four men. Slower than horse, more comfortable. Recommended for those with mobility issues.
By pitthu (kandi): A back-carrier basket meant for children and very small adults.
By helicopter: The fastest option. Flights run from three helipads, Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi. Even on the helicopter route, pilgrims walk the final 500 to 700 metres from the Kedarnath helipad to the temple.
Badrinath
Badrinath, like Gangotri, has direct road access. Vehicles drop pilgrims at a parking area, and a short walk takes you to the temple. No trekking is required.
Kedarnath Helicopter Booking and Prices 2026
The only official platform to book Kedarnath helicopter tickets is IRCTC’s HeliYatra portal at heliyatra.irctc.co.in. No agent, travel website, or third-party app is authorized to book these tickets. The Uttarakhand government has issued repeated warnings about cyber fraud and fake agents in this space, so book only through the official IRCTC site.
Char Dham Yatra registration is mandatory before booking the helicopter, since you need your Yatra Registration Number to complete the booking.
Helicopter ticket prices (round trip) for 2026
| Helipad | Distance to Kedarnath | Flight Time | Round-Trip Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guptkashi | 45 km | ~15 minutes each way | ₹12,762 approx |
| Phata | 31 km | ~9 minutes each way | ₹10,164 approx |
| Sirsi (Sersi) | 23 km | ~11 minutes each way | ₹6,390 approx |
Dynamic pricing applies on top of the base fare: +20% for tickets booked 6 to 15 days in advance, +40% for 1 to 5 days, and +50% for same-day bookings.
Helicopter booking rules
- Maximum 2 tickets per user ID, up to 6 passengers per ticket, allowing 12 passengers per user ID per booking
- Children above 2 years pay full adult fare and are allocated a seat
- Children under 2 years travel free without a seat (max 2 infants per flight)
- Carry the e-print or physical ticket; screenshots are not accepted
- Reach the helipad at least 1 hour before the slot time
- Weather cancellations are common. Build buffer days into your itinerary
Since helicopter pilgrims usually have their return flight scheduled within a few hours, it is strongly recommended to also book a priority darshan slot (₹2,500 per person) to avoid losing time in the regular darshan queue.
All Four Dham helicopter package from Dehradun
For those who want to complete the entire circuit in 4 to 5 days instead of 8 to 12, private operators offer all-four-dham helicopter packages from the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun. These packages cover Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in sequence, with overnight halts arranged near each shrine. Operators include Pawan Hans, Himalayan Heli, Trans Bharat, Arrow Aviation, Thumbi Aviation, Castle Aviation, and Aero Aircraft. Rates vary by season and operator, typically between ₹1.85 lakh and ₹3 lakh per person depending on inclusions. Book directly with the operator or through verified travel partners; no IRCTC booking is required for these private circuit packages.
Darshan Booking and VIP Pooja
For Kedarnath and Badrinath, special pooja, aarti, abhishek, and priority darshan bookings can be made through the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) official website: badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in.
The portal allows you to book various rituals including Mahabhishek, Rudrabhishek, Shodashopachar Pooja, and special aartis. You can either attend the pooja in person or have it performed in your name and family’s name by the temple priests. Online booking is essential during peak months (May, June) to avoid disappointment, since on-the-spot slots fill up early in the day.
Important Travel Tips for Char Dham 2026
- Peak rush is now (May-June). If your dates are flexible, September is a quieter and equally rewarding window before the closures begin.
- Avoid the monsoon stretch. Landslides are common between mid-July and mid-September. The roads to Kedarnath and Yamunotri are particularly vulnerable.
- Acclimatize before high-altitude trekking. Spend a night at Sonprayag or Guptkashi before attempting the Kedarnath trek. Carry warm clothing even in May, the temperature near the temple can drop below 5°C.
- Medical fitness matters. A medical screening is mandatory for those above 55 or with heart, BP, asthma, diabetes, or breathing conditions. Carry necessary medication and a recent fitness certificate.
- Book accommodation in advance. Sonprayag, Guptkashi, Badrinath, and Joshimath fill up fast during peak season. Last-minute walk-ins are difficult.
- Beware of agents. No third party is authorized for helicopter or special pooja bookings. Use only the official portals listed above.
- Be aware of the new entry rules regarding non-Hindus and the mobile phone ban inside temple premises before you travel.
- Check road conditions and weather updates through the Uttarakhand Tourism official site before you travel.
India Fest App By Travebrate
Discover the magic of India’s festivals with the India Fest App by Travebrate. The app brings together a curated list of over 300 festivals from across the country, ensuring you never miss out on the celebrations. Whether it’s the spiritual serenity of the Kumbh Mela, the vibrant energy of Holi, the grandeur of the Pushkar Camel Fair, or the timeless devotion of Char Dham Yatra, the India Fest App offers detailed insights, personalized recommendations, and real-time updates to make your travels seamless and immersive.
India Travel Itinerary by Travebrate
Travebrate, India’s leading and unique travel planner, transforms your journey into an immersive cultural odyssey. Our personalized itinerary service goes beyond typical travel planning, integrating the festivals, pilgrimages, and hidden gems of India to create unforgettable experiences. From planning your Char Dham Yatra with helicopter slots and darshan bookings, to witnessing Kambala races in Karnataka and celebrating the colourful frenzy of Holi, Travebrate ensures your adventure is infused with the rich traditions and lively colours of India. Plan your trip to India with our bespoke itinerary.
Last updated: May 2026