The much-awaited Char Dham Yatra 2025 is set to begin on April 30, marking the opening of the sacred portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri, followed by Kedarnath on May 2 and Badrinath on May 4. Hemkund Sahib will also open for devotees on May 25. With thousands of pilgrims undertaking this spiritual journey each year, the Uttarakhand government has made Aadhaar-based online registration mandatory to ensure safety, smooth operations, and better crowd management.
The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages in Sanatan Dharma, symbolising a journey towards spiritual purification and liberation (moksha). The pilgrimage involves visiting four holy shrines in Uttarakhand:
- Yamunotri – Dedicated to Ma Yamuna, considered the source of the Yamuna River.
- Gangotri – Dedicated to Ma Ganga, marking the origin of the sacred Ganges.
- Kedarnath – One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva.
- Badrinath – The final stop, dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu, revered as Badrinarayan.
According to Sanatan beliefs, undertaking this yatra cleanses one’s sins, promotes spiritual growth, and leads to moksha, the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
To regulate the massive inflow of pilgrims, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council has made registration compulsory. Devotees can register at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Additionally, pilgrims must obtain a Darshan Token at the temples to enter.
Key Guidelines for Pilgrims:
- Register with a valid mobile number to receive updates.
- Ensure accurate details to avoid complications at checkposts.
- Senior citizens must undergo a health check-up before embarking on the journey.
- Helicopter tickets should be booked only through heliyatra.irctc.co.in to avoid fraud.
To prevent traffic congestion and mismanagement, the Uttarakhand administration is setting up two new checkposts at Katapathar and Herbertpur bus stand to monitor and regulate vehicles carrying devotees.
- Challenges Pilgrims Face During Char Dham Yatra
- High-altitude trekking (above 10,000 ft) with low oxygen levels.
- Unpredictable weather (sudden snowfall, landslides, or extreme cold).
- Health risks like altitude sickness (headaches, nausea, dizziness).
Essential Preparations for a Safe Journey
- Medical Check-up before starting the pilgrimage.
- Proper Clothing: Warm layers, raincoats, trekking shoes, and medical supplies.
- Hydration & Diet: Drink enough water, eat light, and carry energy bars.
- Check Weather Updates before traveling.
Last year, heavy traffic jams at Katapathar led to chaos, with pilgrims stranded for hours without drinking water or sanitation facilities. To prevent such crises, authorities have planned:
- New stoppage center at Herbertpur bus stand for vehicle inspections.
- Offline registration facility at Herbertpur to ease online system overload.
- Accommodation and food facilities for stranded travelers.
Manish Tiwari, ARTO Administrator, stated: “The Katapathar highway is too narrow, lacking essential facilities. Setting up a checkpost at Herbertpur will reduce last year’s bottlenecks and improve pilgrim experience.”
For any inquiries or emergencies, pilgrims can contact:
- Toll-Free Number: 0135-1364
- Phone: 0135-2559898, 0135-2552627
- Email: touristcare.uttarakhand@gmail.com
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