Unprecedented Demand for Kedarnath and Badrinath
This year, the Chardham Yatra has witnessed a record-breaking response, with over 20 lakh registrations completed so far. Out of this, 6.82 lakh pilgrims have registered for Kedarnath, and 6.01 lakh for Badrinath, confirming the widespread devotion to these Himalayan shrines. The grand opening of the Kedarnath Dham’s doors on coming May 2 and Badrinath’s doors on May 4 has amplified pilgrim interest, creating a surge in demand for travel slots in May. However, with slots filling up rapidly, many pilgrims seeking to visit during May have been unable to secure online registrations.
Options Available for Pilgrims
Recognizing the overwhelming response, the Uttarakhand government has taken proactive steps to accommodate more devotees. One such measure is increasing online registration slots by 10 percent, enabling additional pilgrims to book their visit. Furthermore, offline registration counters will open at 7 a.m. on April 28, providing pilgrims with an alternative option to secure their spot for the Char Dham Yatra. These counters are expected to ease the pressure on the online system and facilitate walk-in registrations for those who missed out earlier.
While the slots for Kedarnath and Badrinath in May are unavailable, registrations for Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams remain open. This allows pilgrims to visit these equally revered destinations while planning their Kedarnath and Badrinath trips for the later months.
A Streamlined Registration Process