Planning to visit the four sacred shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath this year? Before you pack your bags, there is one thing you must do first — complete your Char Dham Yatra registration. Without a valid e-pass, you will not be allowed past the checkpoints on the yatra route.
This guide walks you through the complete Char Dham Yatra registration 2026 process — what documents you need, how to register online, and what to do if you face any issues. We have been operating Char Dham Yatra packages from Haridwar for years and have helped hundreds of pilgrims through this process.
2026 Yatra is Open
Yamunotri & Gangotri opened: April 19, 2026
Kedarnath opened: April 22, 2026
Badrinath opened: April 23, 2026
Registration portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
Why Is Char Dham Yatra Registration Mandatory?
The Uttarakhand government made registration compulsory several years ago after crowd management became a concern on the high-altitude routes. The system serves two key purposes: it allows authorities to track the number of pilgrims at each shrine on a given day, and it creates a safety record so emergency services can account for everyone in the event of a weather event or road blockage.
When you register, you receive a QR-coded e-pass that is scanned at entry checkpoints before each shrine. No e-pass means no entry this applies to every pilgrim, regardless of whether you are travelling independently or with a tour operator.
Documents You Need Before Registering
Keep these ready before you open the portal. The registration takes about 10 minutes once you have everything in hand.
- Government-issued photo ID Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Passport (one per pilgrim)
- Passport-size photograph a recent digital photo in JPEG format
- Mobile number for OTP verification; the number you register will be your login
- Travel dates approximate dates you plan to visit each shrine
- Medical certificate strongly recommended for pilgrims aged 65 and above, or those with heart, BP, or breathing conditions (not mandatory for online registration, but may be checked at physical entry points
Important All pilgrims including children must be registered. Children under 12 and seniors over 65 may need additional medical clearance at checkpoints.
If registering for a group or family, you can add multiple pilgrims under a single Group ID.
One registration covers all four dhams — you do not need to register separately for each shrine.
How to Complete Char Dham Yatra Registration Online (Step-by-Step)
The official registration portal is registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, maintained by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. Follow these steps:
- Go to registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in on your phone or computer.
- Click ‘Register/Login’ and enter your mobile number to receive an OTP.
- Verify the OTP and create your account.
- Click ‘Create/Manage Tour Info’ and fill in your travel details — preferred dates, which shrines you plan to visit, and your starting point.
- Add each pilgrim in your group: enter name, age, ID type, ID number, and upload a passport-size photo.
- For pilgrims aged 65+, it is strongly recommended (though not mandatory for online registration) to carry a medical fitness certificate for checkpoint verification.
- Submit the form. You will receive a QR-coded e-pass on your registered mobile number via SMS and on the portal.
- Download the e-pass and keep it accessible on your phone. Carry a printed copy as backup.
You can also register through the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app (available on Google Play and App Store), or by sending “Yatra” via WhatsApp to +91-8394833833 and following the prompts. You can also call the toll-free helpline 1364 (or 0135-3520100) for registration assistance.
Offline Registration: If You Cannot Register Online
If you are not comfortable with online processes, physical registration counters are available at the following locations:
- Haridwar near the main bus stand and railway station
- Rishikesh tourist information centre
- Guptkashi nearest town before Kedarnath trek
- Sonprayag last checkpoint before Kedarnath
- Joshimath for Badrinath-bound pilgrims
- Dehradun Jolly Grant airport area and city centre
Offline counters opened from April 15, 2026, across Uttarakhand with 20 counters in Haridwar and 30 counters in Rishikesh alone. If you are already in Uttarakhand, this is a convenient option take your original Aadhaar card and photograph.
Common Registration Problems and How to Fix Them
OTP not received
Wait 2 minutes and try again. If the issue continues, check that your number is active and not on DND. Try the WhatsApp registration method as an alternative.
Photo upload failing
The photo must be in JPEG or PNG format and under 2 MB. Take a fresh photo on your phone in good light and compress it if needed.
Date slots showing as full
Popular dates in May and early June fill up fast. If your preferred date is unavailable, try the early morning slot or move your travel date by 1–2 days. September and October have consistently more open slots.
Portal down or slow
The portal gets heavy traffic when the season opens. Try registering early morning (before 8 AM) or late at night. The Tourist Care Uttarakhand app is often faster than the web portal.
When Should You Register?
Register as soon as you have confirmed your travel dates. The 2026 portal opened in March 2026 – 40 days before the first temple opening. The sooner you register, the more date flexibility you have.
Here is a rough timeline to work with:
| When | What to do |
| 2–3 months before | Choose travel dates. Book your tour package and hotels. |
| 6–8 weeks before | Complete online registration. Download e-pass. |
| 1 week before | Recheck e-pass and carry printed copy. |
| Day of travel | Keep e-pass accessible on your phone at all times. |
What Happens at the Checkpoint?
At each entry point on the yatra route, a government official will scan your e-pass QR code. This takes about 30 seconds. You will also need to show the physical ID that you used during registration, carry the original, not a photocopy.
All pilgrims, including children, must be registered before arrival. Children under 12 do not need to show a separate e-pass at checkpoints if they are listed under a parent’s group registration, but they must be included in the registered group. Children under 12 and seniors over 65 may face additional medical screening at high-altitude entry points.
Travelling with us? We handle your registration.
If you book a Char Dham Yatra package with Explore Uttarakhand Holidays, our team handles the
registration process for your entire group. You just share your ID details and photos with us —
we take care of the rest, including the e-pass and all documentation.
Call or WhatsApp us on +91 7302245393 to discuss your package.
Frequently Asked Questions About Char Dham Yatra Registration
Is Char Dham Yatra registration free?
Yes. Registration on the official Uttarakhand government portal is completely free. There is no processing fee.
Can I register at the last minute?
Technically yes registration stays open through the yatra season. However, popular travel dates fill up quickly, especially in May and June. Register at least 4–6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred dates.
Can I register for helicopter yatra separately?
The general e-pass registration is separate from helicopter ticket booking. You need both. The e-pass is free; helicopter tickets are booked through authorised operators and per person or subject to availability.
What if I need to change my travel dates after registering?
Log back into the portal with your registered number, open your tour plan, and update the dates. Changes can be made any time before your journey begins.
Do NRI pilgrims need to register?
Yes. All pilgrims including NRIs must register. Use your Passport as the ID document. The process is the same as for Indian residents.
Is a medical certificate mandatory for all pilgrims?
A medical certificate is not mandatory to complete the online registration — the form includes a health self-declaration instead. However, it is strongly recommended for pilgrims aged 65 and above and for anyone with heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, or breathing issues. Physical entry checkpoints may ask for it. The temples sit between 3,100m and 3,600m — altitude affects everyone differently.
Ready to Plan Your Char Dham Yatra?
Registration is just the first step. If you are still planning the rest of your yatra transport, hotels, meals, and a knowledgeable guide have a look at our Char Dham Yatra packages from Haridwar. We have been operating these trips since our founding and every detail of your journey is handled by a team that actually lives here.
Contact Us we will send you an itinerary and quote within a few hours.
