The revered Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is set to commence on April 30, 2025, with the opening of the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham.
Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake this sacred journey, which passes through the four pilgrimage sites – Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, these revered shrines offer devotees a profound spiritual experience.
The doors of Badrinath Dham will open on May 4 at 6am and the Kedarnath Dham opening dates will be declared on Mahashivratri.
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Preparations To Be Completed By April 15
Given the large number of devotees expected, the administration has already begun preparations to ensure a seamless pilgrimage. Several key improvements have been introduced this year for the convenience of travellers.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey recently held a meeting with officials from various departments to review challenges faced during the 2024 Yatra.
The administration has set April 15 as the deadline for completing all basic facilities. Any department failing to meet this deadline will be held accountable.
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Registration Process And Dates
Registration for the Char Dham Yatra will begin soon, both online and offline. According to reports, 60% of registrations will be conducted online, while 40% will be offline. The offline registration process will run 24-hours for the first 15 days. After this period, the timing will be adjusted based on demand. If the situation remains under control, registration timings may be adjusted from 8am to 11pm.
To facilitate the process, 20 registration counters each will be set up in Haridwar and Rishikesh, while 15 counters will be established in Vikasnagar.
For online registration, devotees need to visit the Uttarakhand government website: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.
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No VIP Darshan For One Month
For the first month of the Yatra, no special VIP Darshan will be allowed. VIP devotees will have to queue like regular pilgrims. A formal notification in this regard will be sent to the Chief Secretaries of all states.
Security Arrangements
To ensure the safety of pilgrims, the Yatra route will be divided into sectors, with police patrolling every 10 km. Additional security forces will be deployed across all four Dhams. In case of emergencies, pilgrims will be airlifted by helicopter to higher medical centres.
Improved Facilities For Pilgrims
- Adequate bio-toilets will be installed along the Char Dham route.
- Electricity and mobile network coverage will be enhanced.
- Free food and accommodation will be provided for needy pilgrims.
Yatra Route
The Char Dham Yatra traditionally begins from Haridwar. Pilgrims first visit Yamunotri Dham, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally, Badrinath. Every year, the administration makes extensive efforts to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience for devotees.
