KKN Gurugram Desk | The sacred Chardham Yatra 2025 is set to commence from Wednesday, April 30, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage to four revered Hindu shrines nestled in the Himalayas — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. In a significant move to streamline the registration process, the Uttarakhand government has launched offline registration facilities in Haridwar, establishing 20 counters across the city.

This year, the state is expecting a massive influx of pilgrims due to increasing religious interest and improved infrastructure. The administration has emphasized that registration is mandatory for all yatris, whether online or offline, as part of its security and crowd management protocols.

Chardham Yatra 2025 Overview

Offline Registration Counters Now Functional in Haridwar

To accommodate yatris who may not be tech-savvy or lack access to the internet, the Uttarakhand Tourism Department has established 20 offline registration counters in Haridwar city.

These counters are equipped with trained staff and technical infrastructure to assist pilgrims with:

• Aadhaar-based verification

• Real-time biometric confirmation

• Travel slot bookings

• Emergency contact linkage

Key Locations of Counters:

• Haridwar Railway Station

• Har Ki Pauri Area

• Bus Stand Counters

• Rishikesh Main Checkpoint

• Designated pilgrim shelters

Pilgrims can approach these counters with a valid ID (preferably Aadhaar Card) to complete the registration process.

Why Is Registration Mandatory?

The Chardham Yatra witnesses lakhs of pilgrims every year, and managing this footfall requires strategic planning. The mandatory registration system helps the state authorities with:

• Crowd control and scheduled access to shrines

• Real-time monitoring of pilgrim movements via QR codes

• Medical and emergency assistance allocation

• Enhancing security protocols in high-altitude areas

• Avoiding overcrowding and stampedes at temple entrances

According to officials, no one will be allowed to proceed to the Char Dham sites without completing the registration process.

Expected Pilgrim Turnout in 2025

As per early estimates from the Uttarakhand government, over 50 lakh devotees are expected to undertake the yatra this year, surpassing previous years. In 2024, approximately 46 lakh pilgrims visited the holy sites.

The increasing popularity is attributed to:

• Improved roads and helicopter access

• Revival of religious tourism post-pandemic

• Spiritual awareness through social media and yatri groups

Chardham Yatra 2025: Temple Opening Dates

Note: The temples open annually in late April or early May and remain accessible until the Diwali festival, after which they close for the winter season.

Online Registration Still Available

While offline counters are now operational, the online registration portal remains the preferred method for tech-savvy pilgrims. The official platform is:

? registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in

Pilgrims can also download the “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” app to:

• Register from home

• Get temple-wise slot booking

• Receive real-time weather and travel alerts

Required Documents for Chardham Yatra Registration

Whether registering online or offline, pilgrims must provide:

• Valid government-issued ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)

• Mobile number (for OTP and alerts)

• Emergency contact details

• Proof of fitness or medical certificates (recommended for senior citizens)

Medical Checkups and Health Guidelines

Due to the high-altitude nature of the Char Dham region, all pilgrims are advised to:

• Undergo mandatory health screening at checkpoints

• Carry prescribed medications

• Avoid high-sugar, heavy-fat diets during travel

• Stay hydrated and acclimatize gradually

Authorities have deployed health camps and ambulance services en route to the four shrines.

Transportation and Facilities for Pilgrims

Uttarakhand has improved road connectivity and transport options for this year’s Yatra:

• Government buses and private taxis from Haridwar and Rishikesh

• Helicopter services to Kedarnath and Badrinath (booking required)

• Pony and palanquin services for elderly pilgrims

• Dormitories, tents, and dharamshalas along the route

Helpline and Support

For assistance during the Chardham Yatra 2025, pilgrims can contact:

• Tourist Helpline (24×7): 1364

• Medical Emergency: 108

• Uttarakhand Police Yatra Control Room: Available at base camps and temple sites

Eco-Friendly Yatra Measures

This year, the government has taken several steps to promote eco-conscious pilgrimage:

• Banning plastic bags and disposable bottles in temple zones

• Installing biodegradable toilets

• Solar lighting at campsites

• Promoting use of cloth bags and refillable water bottles

Pilgrims are being urged to maintain the sanctity and ecology of the Himalayas.

The Chardham Yatra 2025 is not just a religious journey, but a logistical and spiritual undertaking involving lakhs of devotees and multiple layers of state support. With offline registration counters now active in Haridwar, the pilgrimage process has become more inclusive, especially for elderly or rural devotees.

As the Yatra begins on April 30, it is essential that pilgrims complete their registrations, follow safety guidelines, and remain informed through official platforms.