Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj stated that the government is fully prepared for the Chardham Yatra. A record number of pilgrims are expected this year as well.
The Chardham Yatra is scheduled to begin on April 19, 2026, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The registration process for pilgrims began on March 6. Anticipating a record number of pilgrims this year, the state government has completed all preparations for the Chardham Yatra.
Satpal Maharaj stated that the Chardham pilgrimage holds great significance for Hindus. Millions of devotees visit Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath each year seeking spiritual enlightenment. Due to the efficient management of the safe and smooth Chardham Yatra, 56.21 lakh pilgrims visited the Chardham in 2025. This year, the government has made special arrangements to ensure a systematic and orderly conduct of the Yatra.
Satpal Maharaj stated that the Chardham pilgrimage holds great significance for Hindus. Millions of devotees visit Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath every year seeking spiritual enlightenment. Due to the efficient management of the safe and smooth Chardham Yatra, 56.21 lakh pilgrims visited the Chardham in 2025. This year, the government has made special arrangements to ensure a systematic and orderly conduct of the Yatra.
Maharaj informed that registration for the Yatra began on Friday. As part of the Chardham Yatra, the doors of Kedarnath Dham will open on April 22nd and Badrinath Dham on April 23rd. The doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham will traditionally open for devotees on April 19th, the Akshaya Tritiya festival. All government departments are in the final stages of preparations for the Chardham Yatra. He explained that the government has made complete arrangements for online as well as offline registration. A total of 50 counters will be set up for offline registration two days before the start of the Yatra. Of these, 30 counters will be set up in Rishikesh and 20 in Vikasnagar.
SOPs will be issued for a safe and smooth journey.
SOPs will be issued to ensure a safe and smooth Chardham Yatra and to maintain the travel standards. Adequate arrangements for public toilets and drinking water have been made along the Yatra route. Instructions have been given to provide adequate medical facilities for pilgrims, along with repairing the main and alternative routes along the Yatra route.
1,800 buses will operate this time.
During the Yatra, it is mandatory for every vehicle to have passenger and driver information, along with the name, mobile number, and license number of the tour operator or vehicle owner, on the trip card. A total of 1,800 buses will be operated during the Yatra, with 400 reserved. 130 buses will depart daily and will cover approximately 1,300 routes during the 10-day Yatra period.
