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The Char Dham Yatra has begun for 2026, with the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples reopening on Akshaya Tritiya after remaining shut through the winter months.
Every year, the pilgrimage brings lakhs of devotees to Uttarakhand’s high-altitude shrines. The circuit covers Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, a journey that is as demanding as it is spiritually significant.
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The reopening was marked by traditional rituals and Vedic chants, setting the tone for the pilgrimage season that will now run for the next few months before snowfall forces closure again.
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The Char Dham route and temple opening dates
The yatra follows a fixed sequence. Pilgrims begin at Yamunotri, then move to Gangotri, proceed to Kedarnath and end at Badrinath.
This year, Yamunotri is open from April 19 to November 11, Gangotri from April 19 to November 10, Kedarnath from April 22 to November 11, and Badrinath from April 23 to November 13.
How pilgrims travel across the four shrines
Most journeys start from Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun. From here, the roads narrow, the climbs get steeper, and the travel slows down.
Yamunotri requires a final 5 to 6 km trek from Janki Chatti. Ponies and palkis are available, but many still choose to walk.
Gangotri is simpler. It is directly connected by road via Uttarkashi.
Kedarnath is where the real test begins. Pilgrims travel up to Gaurikund and then take on a 16 to 18 km uphill trek. A helicopter service is available, but only through IRCTC bookings.
Badrinath, the final stop on the route, is also the easiest to get to. The road goes right up to the temple, which makes the journey far simpler, especially for elderly pilgrims.
Shorter options for those with limited time
Helicopter packages from Dehradun are also available for pilgrims who want to complete the yatra quickly. These reduce the journey to a few days, compared to the usual week or more.
New rules introduced this year
There are some changes in 2026.
Entry restrictions have been put in place at Kedarnath, Badrinath and Gangotri, where non-Hindus may face certain conditions. Yamunotri, however, remains open to all.
Phones and cameras are not allowed inside temple premises this year, in a move aimed at maintaining the sanctity of the shrines.
Health checks and expanded safety systems
Authorities are placing a stronger focus on health this time. A medical check-up is mandatory, particularly for those above 55 or with existing conditions like heart disease, asthma, diabetes or hypertension.
The state has also upgraded facilities along the route. Pilgrims will be monitored through a real-time tracking system, with medical teams stationed at multiple points.
Officials say 177 ambulances, including advanced life support units, have been deployed. A helicopter ambulance service by AIIMS Rishikesh is also in place for emergencies.
Registration is mandatory before travel
All pilgrims must register online before starting the journey. Pilgrims have to submit their personal and vehicle details in advance, and these are checked again at every shrine along the route.
It is mandatory to carry a valid ID and darshan tokens in order to avoid any last-minute hassle.
Despite improved facilities, the Char Dham Yatra is not an easy journey. Long drives, unpredictable weather and steep treks, especially to Kedarnath, demand preparation.
Those planning the journey are being advised to carry medicines, warm clothes, rain protection and sturdy footwear.
For many, though, the effort is part of the experience. The journey through the Himalayas, difficult as it is, remains at the heart of the pilgrimage.
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