The opening ceremony included traditional rituals and Vedic chants in the presence of devotees. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared on X that the doors of the shrine were opened “with complete rituals and Vedic mantra chanting” for the pilgrims.
This development follows the openings of Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple on April 19 in celebration of Akshaya Tritiya. The portals of Badrinath Temple are set to open on April 23, completing the annual Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.
According to official statistics, approximately 19 lakh devotees have registered for this year’s pilgrimage so far, compared to over 51 lakh pilgrims who participated in the yatra in 2025.
Registration mandatory for Kedarnath Yatra
Authorities have made it mandatory for all pilgrims participating in the Kedarnath Yatra to register. Devotees must obtain a QR code-based e-pass, which will be verified at several checkpoints along the route, including Sonprayag.
Registration is free and can be done through various methods:
Online:
Pilgrims can register on the official Uttarakhand tourism portal by creating an account using a mobile OTP, filling out their personal information, selecting travel dates, and uploading a photograph and valid ID proof. An e-pass containing a QR code is generated upon submission.
Also Read: Air India opens a 4-day discount window for international bookingsMobile app:
Registration is also possible via the “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” app, which follows a similar procedure.
WhatsApp:
Pilgrims can text “Yatra” to +91-8394833833 and follow the automated prompts to receive their QR pass.
Offline:
For those who cannot register online, physical counters are set up at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Sonprayag, Guptkashi, and Dehradun airport. Authorities have warned pilgrims to anticipate queues during peak months.
Officials have advised against using third-party agents and emphasized that registration is completely free.
Travel route and access
Kedarnath is the most physically demanding among the Char Dham shrines, as it cannot be reached directly by road. The journey begins from Gaurikund, the last motorable point, followed by a 16–18 km trek to the temple. Pilgrims also have the option of pony, palki, or helicopter services from Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi.
The overall route from Delhi generally includes travel to Haridwar or Rishikesh, followed by a road trip via Rudraprayag and Guptkashi to Gaurikund.
Authorities have deployed 177 ambulances along the route and have stationed a helicopter ambulance from AIIMS Rishikesh for emergency medical assistance.
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Weather conditions in Kedarnath remain chilly and unpredictable in April. Daytime temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. Snowfall is still a possibility in the area.
Pilgrims are advised to carry warm clothing and trekking gear while staying informed about weather updates. Health checks are mandatory, and elderly travelers or those with pre-existing medical conditions are urged to be cautious.
New rules and restrictions
Authorities have implemented stricter guidelines this year to manage crowds and maintain the sanctity of the area:
- Registration is required for entry
- Mobile phones and cameras are prohibited inside the temple premises
- Touching idols, scriptures, and bells is not allowed
- Night travel on mountain roads is restricted between 10 pm and 4 am
- Travel schedules are linked to registration information for crowd control
For the first time, restrictions have also been placed on the entry of non-Hindus at Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Gangotri, while Yamunotri remains accessible to all devotees regardless of religion.
Yatra picks up pace across Uttarakhand
With the Char Dham Yatra now in progress, pilgrim movement has surged across Uttarakhand. While Gangotri and Yamunotri opened earlier this week, the opening of Kedarnath marks an important phase of the pilgrimage, with Badrinath set to follow.
Authorities have stated that this year’s focus is on safety, crowd management, and regulated movement as lakhs of devotees undertake the annual journey to the Himalayan shrines.
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