The opening ceremony was conducted with traditional rituals and Vedic chants in the presence of devotees. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a post on X that the doors of the shrine had been opened “with full rituals and Vedic mantra chanting” for devotees.
The development follows the opening of Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple on April 19 on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The portals of Badrinath Temple are scheduled to open on April 23, completing the annual Char Dham circuit.
According to official data, around 19 lakh devotees have registered for the pilgrimage so far this year, compared to over 51 lakh pilgrims who undertook the yatra in 2025.
Registration mandatory for Kedarnath Yatra
Authorities have made registration compulsory for all pilgrims undertaking the Kedarnath Yatra. Devotees must obtain a QR code-based e-pass, which is checked at multiple points along the route, including Sonprayag.
Registration is free and can be completed through multiple modes:
Online:
Pilgrims can register on the official Uttarakhand tourism portal by creating an account using a mobile OTP, filling in personal details, selecting travel dates, and uploading a photograph and valid ID proof. An e-pass with a QR code is generated after submission.
Also Read: Air India opens a 4-day discount window for international bookingsMobile app:
Registration is also available through the “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” app, which follows a similar process.
WhatsApp:
Pilgrims can send “Yatra” to +91-8394833833 and follow automated prompts to receive their QR pass.
Offline:
For those unable to register online, physical counters are available at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Sonprayag, Guptkashi and Dehradun airport. Authorities have advised pilgrims to expect queues during peak months.
Officials have cautioned against using third-party agents and emphasised that registration is free of cost.
Travel route and access
Kedarnath remains the most physically demanding of the Char Dham shrines, as it is not directly accessible by road. The journey begins from Gaurikund, the last motorable point, followed by a 16–18 km trek to the temple. Pilgrims can also opt for pony, palki or helicopter services from Phata, Sirsi and Guptkashi.
The broader route from Delhi typically involves travel to Haridwar or Rishikesh, followed by a road journey via Rudraprayag and Guptkashi to Gaurikund.
Authorities have deployed 177 ambulances along the route and stationed a helicopter ambulance from AIIMS Rishikesh for emergency medical support.
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Weather conditions in Kedarnath remain cold and unpredictable in April. Day temperatures range between 0°C and 15°C, while nights can drop below freezing. Snowfall is still possible in the region.
Pilgrims have been advised to carry warm clothing, trekking gear and to stay updated on weather alerts. Health checks are mandatory, and elderly travellers or those with pre-existing conditions have been urged to exercise caution.
New rules and restrictions
Authorities have introduced stricter guidelines this year to manage crowds and maintain sanctity:
- Registration is mandatory for entry
- Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside temple premises
- Touching idols, scriptures and bells is prohibited
- Night travel on mountain roads is restricted between 10 pm and 4 am
- Travel schedules are linked to registration details for crowd control
In a first, restrictions have also been imposed on entry of non-Hindus at Kedarnath, Badrinath and Gangotri, while Yamunotri remains open to all devotees irrespective of religion.
Yatra picks up pace across Uttarakhand
With the Char Dham Yatra now underway, pilgrim movement has increased across Uttarakhand. While Gangotri and Yamunotri opened earlier this week, Kedarnath’s opening marks a key phase of the pilgrimage, with Badrinath set to follow.
Authorities said the focus this year remains on safety, crowd management and regulated movement as lakhs of devotees undertake the annual journey to the Himalayan shrines.
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