The Uttarakhand government has made Char Dham registration compulsory to enhance pilgrim safety, manage heavy seasonal crowds, and ensure faster emergency response across the Himalayan route.
Char Dham Yatra Registration 2026 – Quick Guide
Char Dham Yatra Registration 2026 is mandatory for all pilgrims planning to visit Yamunotri Temple, Gangotri Temple, Kedarnath Temple, and Badrinath Temple in 2026.
The registration process is 100% free and can be completed either:
- Online via the official Uttarakhand government portal
- Offline at designated government registration counters in Uttarakhand
After successful registration, pilgrims receive a QR code–enabled Char Dham e-pass, which must be shown at checkpoints, yatra routes, and temple entry points.
📌 Key Advice: To avoid peak-season crowd limits and last-minute issues, pilgrims should complete registration 15–30 days before travel.
👉 Official Registration Portal:
https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/
In this detailed guide, you will learn:
- Required documents for Char Dham registration
- Step-by-step online and offline registration process
- Registration deadlines and best time to apply
- Common mistakes pilgrims should avoid
Whether you’re undertaking the yatra for the first time or returning for another spiritual journey, this guide will help you complete the registration process smoothly and confidently.
Before you begin the online or offline registration process, make sure you’re ready with the following essentials:
Char Dham Registration 2026 – At a Glance
- Mandatory for all pilgrims
- 100% free (no registration fee)
- Online and offline registration available
- Government-issued ID required
- QR code–enabled e-pass issued
- Early registration recommended (15–30 days before travel)
Table of Contents
Why Char Dham Yatra Registration Is Mandatory
If you’re planning the Char Dham Yatra, you may wonder why registration is compulsory.
The system was introduced after the 2013 Kedarnath floods to improve tracking, crowd control, and emergency response in the Himalayas.
Since the yatra passes through high-altitude areas with unpredictable weather and limited medical facilities, registration helps authorities know who is on the route—making timely assistance possible when it matters most.
Your registration helps authorities to:
- Control the number of pilgrims visiting each shrine per day
- Arrange medical help and emergency assistance quickly
- Maintain a calm and spiritual atmosphere at the temples
- Protect the delicate Himalayan environment from overcrowding
- Set up food stalls, medical camps, and resting shelters along the route
In short, registration isn’t just a formality – it’s a safety measure designed to protect you during your journey.
How You Can Register for Char Dham Yatra 2026
For Char Dham Yatra 2026, you can complete your registration using two official methods:
- Online registration (best if you want to avoid queues and save time)
- Offline registration at government counters for those who prefer in-person assistance
In the next sections, we’ll walk you through both methods step by step—showing you exactly how to register, what documents you’ll need, common mistakes to avoid, and what happens after registration—so you can focus on your yatra, not the paperwork.
Essentials for Char Dham Registration 2026
Before starting the online or offline Char Dham registration process, it helps to keep a few important details and documents ready. Having everything prepared in advance will save time and reduce last-minute stress.
1. Valid Photo Identification
You’ll need one valid photo ID issued by the Government of India. Any one of the following is accepted:
- Aadhaar Card (most commonly used)
- Voter ID Card
- Indian Passport
- Driving License
- PAN Card
Make sure the ID is current and not expired. During the yatra, you may be asked to show the original document at checkpoints, so keep it easily accessible.
2. Contact Details
Provide contact information that you’ll be actively using during the yatra:
- Mobile number: Used for OTP verification and official updates
- Email address: Used to send registration confirmation and your e-pass
It’s important that your mobile number remains active throughout the journey, as authorities may send weather alerts, route updates, or emergency notifications.
3. Travel Plan
Keep a basic outline of your travel plan ready while registering:
- Expected entry date into Uttarakhand
- Expected exit date
- Planned route (for example: Haridwar → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath)
- Tentative dates for visiting each shrine
You’re not required to follow a fixed itinerary. You can register for all four dhams or only selected shrines, depending on your time, health, and preferences. Many pilgrims choose to visit only Kedarnath and Badrinath due to limited time.
4. Emergency Contact Details
You’ll be asked to provide details of a family member or close friend who is not traveling with you, including:
- Full name
- Active phone number
- Relationship to you
This person may be contacted by authorities only in case of an emergency, so choose someone who is easily reachable.
5. Medical Information
- Although a medical fitness certificate is not mandatory, it’s important to share basic health information honestly:
- Any chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart or respiratory issues)
- Regular medications you are taking
- Known allergies or special medical needs
Senior citizens (especially those above 65 years) and pilgrims with existing health conditions are strongly advised to consult a doctor before traveling to high-altitude Himalayan regions. Carrying a fitness certificate can provide extra peace of mind.
If You’re Travelling with Senior Citizens
If you’re planning the Char Dham Yatra with elderly family members, a little extra preparation can make the journey much safer and more comfortable.
- Consult a doctor before the trip, especially for heart, blood pressure, or breathing-related conditions
- Carry sufficient medicines for the entire duration, along with prescriptions
- Avoid rushing the itinerary—keep buffer days for rest and acclimatization
- Consider staying at locations with better road access and medical facilities
- For Kedarnath, evaluate options like helicopter services if walking long distances may be difficult
Taking these precautions helps ensure that senior citizens can focus on the spiritual experience, not physical strain.
💡 Helpful Tip: Carry photocopies of all documents and keep digital copies on your mobile phone. This simple step can be extremely helpful if originals are misplaced or damaged during the journey.
If you’re planning your expenses alongside registration, you may find our detailed Char Dham Yatra Cost Breakdown 2026 helpful. It covers accommodation, transport, helicopter services, and daily travel costs.
Char Dham Online Registration Process – Step by Step
The easiest and most recommended way to register for the Char Dham Yatra is online through the Uttarakhand government’s official website or mobile app.
Don’t worry—most pilgrims complete online registration in 10–15 minutes if documents are ready.
Source: Official Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra Registration Portal (for informational purposes only)
Step 1: Visit the Official Registration Portal
Go to the official Char Dham registration website: 👉 https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/
Always make sure the website address ends with “gov.in” and shows a secure padlock icon in your browser. Avoid agents or third-party websites claiming to offer paid registration – Char Dham registration is completely free.
The official portal is user-friendly and available in both English and Hindi.
Step 2: Create an Account / Login
– Create an account using your mobile number and OTP
– Choose whether you’re registering as an individual, family, or tour operator
– Returning users can log in directly using their registered mobile number and password
Step 3: Access Your Dashboard & Fill in Tour Information
After logging in, you’ll be taken to your personal dashboard. From here:
– Click on “Create/Manage Tour Info” or “Add New Tour”
– Choose your tour type:
– Individual
– Family (up to 10 members)
– Group (for larger groups)
Assign a tour name to help you identify the trip later
Examples:
Sharma Family Char Dham Yatra – May 2026
Mumbai Group Kedarnath–Badrinath – June 2026
This tour name is especially useful if you’re planning more than one yatra or managing registrations for multiple people.
Step 4: Enter Travel Dates
Your travel dates help authorities plan crowd movement and support services, so enter them carefully.
– Select your entry date into Uttarakhand using the calendar
(This is usually the day you arrive in Haridwar or Rishikesh)
– Select your exit date
(After you complete visits to all chosen dhams)
– Choose the dhams you plan to visit:
– Yamunotri
– Gangotri
– Kedarnath
– Badrinath
Enter tentative visit dates for each selected shrine
💡 Helpful tip: Keep a buffer of 1–2 extra days in your plan. Weather changes and road closures are common in the mountains.
Your selected dates should cover your entire stay in Uttarakhand, including travel between dhams, rest days, and any additional stops such as Rishikesh or nearby sightseeing.
Need help choosing dates? Refer to our guides on Char Dham Opening & Closing Dates 2026 and the Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra 2026 to plan your journey better.
Step 5: Add Pilgrim Details
Next, add details for each person who will be undertaking the yatra.
– Click on “Add/Manage Pilgrims” or “Add Pilgrim”
– Enter the required details for each pilgrim:
– Add emergency contact details:
Name of the contact person
Relationship
Active mobile number
– Provide health-related information (if applicable):
Any chronic medical conditions
Regular medications
Special medical needs
If you’re travelling as a family, you can add multiple pilgrims under a single registration. The system allows up to 10 members per family.
For group travel, tour operators can register and manage larger groups using the group registration option.
Step 6: Upload Required Documents
Next, upload clear and readable copies of the required documents for each pilgrim.
You’ll need to upload:
Photo ID proof (front and back, if applicable)
*Recent passport-size photograph
To avoid upload errors, keep these points in mind:
– Scan documents in good lighting
– Make sure all text is clearly readable
– Avoid shadows or blurred images
– Crop images to remove unnecessary background
– Keep file size within the allowed limit
💡 Helpful tip:
If you don’t have a scanner, you can use smartphone scanning apps such as Google Drive’s built-in scanner, Adobe Scan, or similar apps to create clear, high-quality scans.
Step 7: Submit the Form & Download Your e-Pass
Before submitting your registration, quickly review the key details:
– Names match exactly with the ID proofs
– Mobile number and email address are correct
– Travel dates cover your entire yatra period
– All required documents are uploaded
Once everything looks correct:
– Click the “Submit” button
After successful submission:
– Your registration number will appear on the screen
– Make sure to save your e-pass safely:
– Download the PDF immediately
– Save it on your phone and email a backup copy to yourself
– Carry at least one printed copy during the yatra
💡 Helpful tip:
Keep a digital copy on your phone and share one copy with a family member at home for extra peace of mind.
Alternative Online Registration Methods
If online registration feels confusing, don’t worry. The Uttarakhand government also offers official alternative ways to complete your Char Dham registration.
1. Tourist Care Uttarakhand Mobile App
You can register directly from your smartphone using the official app.
- Download the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Follow the same registration steps as the website
- Complete the entire process from your mobile phone
This option is ideal if you’re comfortable using mobile apps and want to register on the go.
2. WhatsApp Registration
For pilgrims who prefer guided, step-by-step instructions, WhatsApp registration is also available.
- Save the official number +91 8394833833 in your contacts
- Send “YATRA” on WhatsApp
- Follow the automated instructions shared by the system
- Receive your e-pass directly on WhatsApp
This method works best for users who are comfortable interacting with chat-based instructions.
3. Toll-Free Helpline Support
If you need personal assistance, you can register or seek help through the toll-free helpline.
Call 0135-1364 (toll-free)
Available daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Helpline staff can:
- Guide you through the registration process
- Answer general queries
- Help resolve technical issues
- Check your registration status
Support is available in Hindi, English, and major regional languages. For quicker assistance, try calling during early morning or late afternoon hours.
Char Dham Offline Registration Process 2026 – Step by Step
Pilgrims who are not comfortable with online registration, do not have internet access, or arrive in Uttarakhand without prior registration can complete the process offline at official government counters.
Where Is Offline Registration Available?
The Uttarakhand government sets up official Char Dham registration counters at major entry points and transit towns during the yatra season (April/May to October/November).
Main registration locations include:
- Haridwar
- Rishikesh
- Barkot (Yamunotri route)
- Uttarkashi (Gangotri route)
- Guptkashi & Sonprayag (Kedarnath route)
- Joshimath & Pandukeshwar (Badrinath route)
During peak months (May–June), temporary counters may also operate at places like Devprayag, Tehri, and Rudraprayag. Always look for official government signboards.
Step-by-Step Offline Registration Process
Step 1: Reach an Official Registration Counter
Look for boards reading “Char Dham Registration Counter” or “Tourist Care Centre”. Registration at official counters is completely free—avoid agents or touts.
Step 2: Keep Your Documents Ready
Carry valid photo ID, passport-size photographs, and basic travel details for all pilgrims.
Step 3: Provide Details & Verification
At the counter, the registration officer will collect:Personal details (name, age, address, mobile number)
Travel dates and dhams you plan to visit
Emergency contact information Your original ID will be verified, and documents may be scanned or photocopied.
Step 4: Data Entry & Registration
The officer will enter your details into the official government system (same database as online registration). This usually takes 5–10 minutes per pilgrim.
Step 5: Receive Your Registration Slip / e-Pass
You’ll receive a printed registration slip or e-pass with:
- Registration number
- QR code
- Travel dates and selected dhams
- Some counters may also send an SMS confirmation.
Before leaving, quickly check that your name, mobile number, dates, and QR code are correct.
Helpful Tips for Offline Registration
- Visit counters early morning (6–8 AM) or late afternoon to avoid long queues
- Carry 2–3 photocopies of ID and extra photographs
- During peak season, smaller counters (Uttarkashi, Joshimath) are often less crowded
- Keep documents in a waterproof folder, especially during monsoon months
- For families: One member can register on behalf of everyone if all documents are available.
- For senior citizens & differently-abled pilgrims: Some counters offer priority queues. Carry medical documents if available and request assistance politely.
What If the Offline Counter Is Closed?
If you find a counter closed or unavailable:
- Call the helpline 0135-1364 for guidance
- Visit the nearest alternative counter
- Try online registration via mobile (if possible)
- Ask your hotel or guesthouse for assistance
In rare emergencies, temporary registration may be allowed at base camps, but this is not guaranteed. Advance registration is always safer.
Online vs Offline Char Dham Registration: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Online Registration | Offline Registration |
| Convenience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Register from home | ⭐⭐ Visit counter in person |
| Time Required | 15–30 minutes | 1–3 hours (queues possible) |
| Best For | Advance planners, tech-savvy pilgrims | Seniors, last-minute travelers |
| Availability | 24/7 during registration period | Fixed counter hours |
| Waiting Time | No waiting | Long queues in peak season |
| Documents | Uploaded digitally | Physical documents required |
| E-Pass | Instant download | Printed at counter |
| Changes / Edits | Easy before travel | Difficult, may require revisits |
| Internet Needed | Yes | No |
| Cost | Free | Free |
Which Option Should You Choose?
✅Choose online registration if you’re planning in advance and are comfortable using a smartphone or computer
✅ Choose offline registration if you’re already in Uttarakhand, traveling last minute, or not comfortable with online forms
👉 Both methods are official, valid, and free. Choose the one that feels easier and less stressful for you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Char Dham Registration
Most registration issues happen due to small, avoidable mistakes. Keeping the points below in mind can save you a lot of last-minute stress.
- Entering an incorrect mobile number or email address, which can prevent you from receiving OTPs or the e-pass
- Uploading blurred or invalid ID documents that fail verification
- Selecting wrong or incomplete travel dates
- Waiting until the peak season to register, when slots may be limited
- Not carrying a printed copy of the e-pass during the yatra
- Falling for fake websites or agents asking for registration fees
👉 Always double-check your details before submitting and use only official government platforms for registration.
📞 Post-Registration Support
If you face any issues during or after registration, help is available through official channels.
For registration or technical issues (Portal not loading, e-pass not downloading, QR code issues)
📞 Char Dham Helpline: 0135-1364
For travel-related issues (Road closures, weather delays, medical emergencies):
📞 Helpline: 0135-1364 🚓 Police: 100 🚑 Emergency Services: 112
For accommodation or local issues: Contact the local District Tourism Office or use the helpline.
Important numbers to save before your journey:
– Char Dham Helpline: 0135-1364
– Emergency Services: 112
– Disaster Management: 1070
Your registration is now complete, and you’re officially ready for your sacred Char Dham Yatra. Focus on spiritual preparation, physical fitness, and packing essentials—the registration system is designed to support your safety throughout the journey.
Need help planning a stress-free Char Dham Yatra 2026? Visit our Char Dham Yatra Package 2026.
Our experienced travel consultants are here to help you with end-to-end planning—including registration, accommodation, transport, and complete pilgrimage packages.
Get in touch with us today and let us take care of the logistics, while you focus on devotion, preparation, and the sacred experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Char Dham registration mandatory in 2026 ?
Yes. Char Dham registration is mandatory for all pilgrims visiting Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in 2026. Without a valid registration and e-pass, pilgrims may be stopped at checkpoints or denied access to the yatra routes and temples.
Can I register for Char Dham Yatra offline ?
Yes. Offline registration is available at official government counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other major transit points in Uttarakhand. This option is useful for pilgrims who are not comfortable with online registration or arrive without prior registration.
How early should I register for Char Dham 2026 ?
It is recommended to register at least 15–30 days before your planned travel dates. Early registration helps you avoid last-minute issues, peak-season crowd restrictions, and date availability problems, especially during the busy months of May and June.
Char Dham registration free or paid ?
Char Dham Yatra registration is completely free. The Uttarakhand government does not charge any fee for online or offline registration, e-pass generation, or confirmation messages. If anyone asks for money for registration, it is likely a scam.
Can we do modification in the registration info after doing it?
Yes, limited details can be modified after registration. You can usually update travel dates, contact details, selected dhams, and emergency contact information up to 24 hours before your entry date. Name, age, and ID details cannot be changed and require fresh registration.
Char Dham registration for family ?
Yes. Families can register together under a single registration. The online system allows one person to add multiple family members (usually up to 10) and manage all pilgrim details, making the process simple and convenient for family travel.
Char Dham registration for senior citizens ?
Yes. Senior citizens are also required to complete Char Dham registration. While no special exemption is given, elderly pilgrims are strongly advised to consult a doctor before traveling and carry medical documents, as the yatra involves high-altitude routes and changing weather conditions.