Char Dham Yatra 2025: Fewer Devotees Expected as Online Registrations Drop

This year, fewer pilgrims are expected to take part in the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Online registration numbers for 2025 have gone down compared to last year.

In 2024, around 29.5 lakh devotees registered in the first 34 days. However, in the same time period this year, only 19.9 lakh people have registered-a decrease of over 9.5 lakh.

One reason for the drop is the early start of the yatra this year. In 2024, the yatra began on May 10, but this year it started 10 days early, i.e on April 30. Because of this, online registration also started earlier-on March 20. Offline registration will begin from April 28 at places like Haridwar and Rishikesh.

The Uttarakhand government has also changed the registration process. This year, only 60% of registrations will be accepted online, while 40% will be done offline. This new rule may have affected the online numbers.

This year's Char Dham Yatra tagline is 'Sugam, Sukhad aur Surakshit' (Easy, Pleasant, and Safe). To help manage the expected surge in pilgrims, authorities have requested that prominent personalities and dignitaries avoid undertaking the Yatra between May 2 and 31, the period when crowds are likely to be at their peak.

How to Register

• Online registration: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or by downloading the touristcareuttarakhand app.
• Mobile app: Tourist Care Uttarakhand
• Helicopter tickets: heliyatra.irctc.co.in
• Helpline Numbers
• Toll-free: 0135-1364 (available 24x7)
• Landline: 0135-2559898, 0135-2552627

Last year, about 48 lakh pilgrims visited the four shrines. The tourism department has advised all devotees to complete Aadhaar-verified registration and to carry a valid mobile number. Pilgrims must also collect darshan tokens before visiting the temples.

Temple Opening Dates

• Yamunotri & Gangotri: April 30
• Kedarnath: May 2
• Badrinath: May 4
• Hemkund Sahib: May 25