
Kedarnath Yatra 2026: The portals of Kedarnath Dham opened on Wednesday, April 22. Hundreds of devotees chanted chanted vedic mantras as the doors were thrown open.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a post on X, said, “Today, the doors of Shri Kedarnath Dham will be opened for the darshan of devotees with full rituals and Vedic mantra chanting.”
This comes shortly after the Char Dham Yatra began on Sunday, April 19, with the opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines in Uttarakhand on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya after a six-month winter break. The portals of Kedarnath opened on April 22, while that of Badrinath will open on April 23.
The first prayers at both the Gangotri temple and the Yamunotri temple in Uttarkashi were performed in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Approximately 19 lakh devotees have registered for the pilgrimage so far this year. More than 51 lakh pilgrims undertook the Char Dham Yatra last year.
In a first, restrictions have been imposed on the entry of non-Hindus to three shrines -- Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri. The Gangotri temple committee has mandated that non-sanatanis must consume 'panchgavya' (a combination of cow urine, dung, milk, curd and ghee) to enter the premises.
The Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has made it compulsory that non-Hindus submit an affidavit affirming faith in Sanatan Dharma for entry.
The Yamunotri Temple Committee, however, has decided to welcome all devotees irrespective of religion.
Authorities have also banned mobile phones and cameras inside all temple premises.
This is the fastest way to get your QR-coded Yatra Pass, which is required at checkpoints like Sonprayag.
Step 1: Message the word "Yatra" to +91-8394833833 on WhatsApp.
Step 2: Follow the automated prompts to provide your name, age, ID number, and travel dates.
Step 3: The system will send you the QR code pass directly in the chat.
The pilgrims who cannot register online will have to visit physical counters in Uttarakhand for registration for the Kedarnath yatra. Devotees must expect long queues during peak season — May–June.
Key Locations: Haridwar Railway Station, Rishikesh ISBT, Sonprayag, Guptkashi, and Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Essential documents: Carry your original Aadhaar card and a physical passport photo.
Kedarnath Yatra 2026: Points to remember before heading for pilgrimage
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