Char Dham Yatra 2024 Starts: Online Registration, Routes, And Everything Important

Manoj Nair May 11, 2024

24 3 minutes read

Char Dham Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimages in Hinduism, and it is believed that any Hindu must complete the pilgrimage once in their life. It is common practice to complete the Char Dham Yatra in a clockwise direction. The pilgrimage starts from Yamunotri, then continues to Gangotri, onto Kedarnath, and ends at Badrinath. We are giving all the final details of the Char Dham Yatra, so continue reading this write-up.

Char Dham Yatra begins on May 10, and here are the details of registration, routes, and all important updates you need to know. The portals of Kedarnath open on May 10th after the annual closure during the winter season. The Char Dham Yatra takes place in the picturesque Garhwal Himalayas. These routes close in the winter due to substantial snowfall and reopen at the onset of summer.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, during the occasion of the opening of the Kedarnath Temple for devotees, said, “The portals of Baba Kedarnath have opened. It is a happy day for us. It is like a festival for us. People of Uttarakhand and all across the country wait for this day. We pray to God that the (Char Dham) Yatra goes well. The state administration has done all preparations for the Yatra, and we are all trying to ensure it goes smoothly.”

The CM also took to his official X handle to welcome the pilgrims to the Char Dham Yatra.

The Chief Minister wrote, “Hearty welcome and greetings to all the devotees in Shri Kedarnath Dham in Char Dham Yatra-2024… Hail Lord Kedar!”

The volunteers, pilgrims, and the right holders of Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee will carry the Devdoli of the Panchmukhi idol of Lord Kedarnath barefoot from Shri Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath to Shri Kedarnath Dham. This was announced by Dr. Harish Gaur, Media Incharge of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).

Char Dham Yatra begins this year on May 10, and three of the four shrines, including Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath, have been opened for the devotees. The doors of Badrinath will, however, open on May 12th. The Char Dham Yatra will continue until weather permits, usually until October.

Methodology to Online Registration for the Char Dham Yatra

Registration of the pilgrims is mandatory at the registration center. However, registration can also be done via the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app, available on both Android and iOS platforms. Alternatively, registration can also be done through WhatsApp. Pilgrims must send a message “Yatra” to +91 8394833833 to initiate the registration process. Registration has been compulsory since 2014, and every pilgrim is given a QR Code by which they will be identified. Registration helps the pilgrims avail a host of services like pooja booking, helicopter service, and information on darshan timings. Pilgrims can call 0135-1364 or email info.utdb@gmail.com for any assistance.

Char Dham Yatra Offline Registration Process

Pilgrims can also register offline at the following centers:

Haridwar Rahi Hotel
Rishikesh ISBT
Rishikesh Gurdwara
Janki Chatti
Sonprayag
Barkot
Hina (Uttarkashi)
Pankhi
Joshimath
Gaurikund
Govind Ghat

Reaching Kedarnath

Yatra buses are freely available for reaching Kedarnath from Rishikesh or Haridwar. Taxi services are also available to take pilgrims from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Gaurikund. After that, it is a 17-kilometer trek to Kedarnath Dham. Pony, doli (palanquin), and helicopter shuttle services are also available.

Reaching Badrinath

Buses and taxis are freely available to take pilgrims from Rishikesh and Haridwar to Badrinath, which is 300 km away from Rishikesh and 320 km away from Haridwar.

Reaching Yamunotri

Pilgrims will have to travel to Janki Chatti, approximately 220 km away by road from Rishikesh, by bus or taxi, followed by a 5-kilometer trek to Yamunotri Dham. Pony and doli services are also available.