Char Dham Yatra 2026: The Only Registration & Logistics Guide You Need

If you are planning the Char Dham Yatra in 2026, stop reading generic itineraries. The rules have changed. The crowds are bigger. And the scams are smarter.

At GarhwaliTraveller, we track the official updates daily. Here is the verified 2026 guide to registration, helicopter bookings, and opening dates that local agents won’t tell you for free. Want to stay near Kedarnath? Check our Camping Guide.

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1. Official Opening Dates 2026 (Tentative)

The temple gates open based on the Hindu Panchang. The official announcement is made on Basant Panchami and Mahashivratri, but here are the calculated dates for 2026 based on Akshaya Tritiya (19th April 2026).

Dham	Expected Opening Date Not Confimed Yet	Status
Yamunotri	19 April 2026	Confirmed (Akshaya Tritiya)
Gangotri	19 April 2026	Confirmed (Akshaya Tritiya)
Kedarnath	22 April 2026	Tentative (Wait for Mahashivratri)
Badrinath	24 April 2026	Tentative (Wait for Basant Panchami)
Hemkund Sahib	25 May 2026	Dependent on Snow Clearing

⚠️ Warning: Do not book non-refundable hotels for the exact opening dates yet. Always keep a 2-day buffer until the CM of Uttarakhand officially announces the dates in February.

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2. Registration: The “Golden Ticket” (Mandatory)

You cannot enter the Chardham route without a QR Code. You also cannot book a helicopter ticket without this registration number.

Where to Register (The ONLY 4 Official Ways):

Ignore any site that asks for money. Registration is 100% FREE.

1. Official Website: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
2. WhatsApp Bot: Save +91 83948 33833 and send the message "Yatra". The bot will guide you.
3. Mobile App: Download “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” (Android/iOS).
4. Offline Centers:
   • Haridwar: Rahi Hotel, Railway Station.
   • Rishikesh: ISBT Bus Stand (This line is usually 4 hours long. Do it online!).
   • Sonprayag: For Kedarnath (Last resort).

Documents Needed: Aadhaar Card (for Indians) or Passport (for foreigners), Mobile Number (for OTP).

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3. Helicopter Booking: The “IRCTC” Rule

This is where 90% of people get scammed.

• The SCAM: Websites like kedarnath-helicopter-booking.org or pawan-hans-booking.com are FAKE.
• The TRUTH: There is only ONE official website handled by IRCTC: heliyatra.irctc.co.in

The 2026 Booking Process:

1. Complete the State Registration (Step 2 above) and get your “Group ID”.
2. Create an account on heliyatra.irctc.co.in.
3. Bookings usually open 4-5 days before travel dates in slots. You must be fast (tickets vanish in 10 minutes).
4. Cost: Approx ₹5,500 – ₹7,800 (Round trip) depending on the operator (Phata/Sersi/Guptkashi).

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4. Medical & Biometric Checks

• Biometric: Once you reach the entry gate (e.g., Sonprayag for Kedarnath), you must scan your QR code at the automated kiosk.
• Medical Certificate: NOT mandatory for everyone, but highly recommended for:
  • Pilgrims above 60 years.
  • People with BP/Heart issues.
  • Note: Screening counters at Sonprayag can stop you if your oxygen (SpO2) is below 85%.

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Frequently Asked Questions (The Real Logistics)

• Q: Can I register offline in 2026?
  • A: Yes, but counters at Haridwar/Rishikesh have massive queues. Online is recommended.
• Q: Is the daily limit still active?
  • A: Yes, usually approx 18,000 pilgrims/day for Kedarnath. Book slots early.
  • Q: Can I register for Char Dham via WhatsApp? A: Yes, this is often faster than the website. Save the official number +91 83948 33833 in your contacts. Open WhatsApp, send the word “Yatra”, and the bot will guide you through the registration in 2 minutes.
  • Q: Do I need a ‘Green Card’ if I drive my own car? A: Yes. If your vehicle is registered outside Uttarakhand (e.g., DL, HR, UP plates), you must obtain a “Green Card” (Trip Card) permit. You can apply online at greencard.uk.gov.in. Without this, you will be stopped at the Haridwar/Rishikesh border checkpost.
  • Q: Which mobile network works best in Kedarnath? A: BSNL is the only reliable network on the trek route (Rambara to Lincholi). Jio has 4G/5G coverage near the Kedarnath Temple premises but is dead on the trek. Airtel/Vi have very poor coverage beyond Guptkashi.
  • Q: What is the VIP Darshan price for Kedarnath 2026? A: The official receipt (Parchi) cost is usually ₹1,100 per person. However, during peak rush (May-June), the temple committee may stop VIP entries entirely. Warning: Do not pay “Pandits” ₹2,000+ for a “backdoor entry”—it is a scam and you may be caught.
  • Q: Is a medical fitness certificate mandatory? A: It is strictly recommended for pilgrims above 50 years. While you may not always be asked for the paper at the gate, the health screening counters at Sonprayag will check your oxygen (SpO2) and Blood Pressure. If your SpO2 is below 85-90%, they will legally stop you from trekking.
  • Q: When do IRCTC helicopter bookings open? A: They do not open months in advance. IRCTC releases tickets in “Slots” (usually 1 week of tickets at a time). The booking window typically opens 4 to 6 days before the travel date at 12:00 PM. You must be logged in 10 minutes early to grab them.