The opening ceremony featured traditional rituals and Vedic chants amidst a gathering of devotees. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on X that the shrine’s doors were opened “with complete rituals and Vedic mantra chanting” for the pilgrims.
This event follows the earlier openings of Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple on April 19, in celebration of Akshaya Tritiya. The Badrinath Temple is set to open on April 23, completing the annual Char Dham circuit.
Official reports indicate that approximately 19 lakh devotees have registered for the pilgrimage this year, in contrast to over 51 lakh pilgrims who participated in the yatra in 2025.
Mandatory Registration for Kedarnath Yatra
It is essential for all pilgrims undertaking the Kedarnath Yatra to register. Devotees must acquire a QR code-based e-pass, which will be verified at various checkpoints along the route, including Sonprayag.
Registration is free and can be completed through multiple methods:
Online:
Pilgrims can register on the official Uttarakhand tourism portal by creating an account with a mobile OTP, filling out personal information, selecting travel dates, and uploading a photograph and valid ID proof. After submission, an e-pass with a QR code is generated.
Also Read: Air India opens a 4-day discount window for international bookingsMobile app:
Registration is also possible via the “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” app, following a similar process.
WhatsApp:
Pilgrims can send “Yatra” to +91-8394833833 and follow the automated instructions 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 anticipate queues during peak travel months.
Officials have warned against using third-party agents and emphasized that registration is free of charge.
Travel Route and Access
Kedarnath presents the most physically demanding challenge among the Char Dham shrines, as it is not directly reachable by road. The journey starts from Gaurikund, the last motorable point, followed by a 16–18 km trek to the temple. Pilgrims can also choose pony, palki, or helicopter services from Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi.
The usual route from Delhi generally involves traveling to Haridwar or Rishikesh, followed by a road trip 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 assistance.
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April weather in Kedarnath tends to be cold and unpredictable. Daytime temperatures vary between 0°C and 15°C, while nights can dip below freezing. Snowfall remains a possibility.
Pilgrims are encouraged to pack warm clothing, trekking gear, and stay updated with weather alerts. Health checks are mandatory, and elderly travelers or those with pre-existing conditions are advised to take precautions.
New Rules and Restrictions
Stricter guidelines have been introduced this year to manage crowds and preserve the sanctity of the area:
- Entry requires mandatory registration
- Mobile phones and cameras are prohibited inside temple premises
- Touching idols, scriptures, and bells is forbidden
- Night travel on mountain roads is restricted from 10 pm to 4 am
- Travel schedules are linked to registration details for crowd control
For the first time, restrictions on entry for non-Hindus have been established at Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Gangotri, while Yamunotri remains accessible to all devotees, regardless of religion.
Yatra Gains Momentum Across Uttarakhand
With the Char Dham Yatra now in progress, the movement of pilgrims has surged throughout Uttarakhand. While Gangotri and Yamunotri opened earlier this week, the opening of Kedarnath signifies a critical phase of the pilgrimage, with Badrinath set to follow.
Authorities have highlighted 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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