₹10 registration fee proposed for Chardham Yatra 2026, will curb fraudulent bookings

February 17, 2026

Uttarakhand: To curb fake or “dummy” registrations for the Chardham Yatra, the Tourism Department is considering imposing a nominal registration fee of ₹10. This is intended to control crowds and provide travel slots to genuine pilgrims in need.

Yatra nodal officer Amit Lohani stated that many people register on the portal but do not attend, causing inconvenience to the elderly, children, and genuine pilgrims. However, he clarified that no final order has been issued in this regard.

Crowd and traffic management will improve

The government believes that the registration fee will provide accurate information about the number of pilgrims and dates, making crowd control and traffic management easier.

The movement of pilgrims can be monitored through digital passes and a QR code system. This will help prevent situations like stampedes, jams, and chaos.

Improved Facilities and Boosting the Local Economy

Based on the resources and data generated through registration, infrastructure such as roads, drinking water, toilets, medical facilities, parking, and helplines along the pilgrimage route will be strengthened. Lighting, pathways, and infrastructure at pilgrimage sites will be improved.

The digital system will also benefit guides, homestays, transport, and local businesses, increasing employment opportunities.

Emergency Assistance and Long-Term Planning

Registration will record pilgrims’ identity, mobile numbers, and emergency contacts, enabling immediate assistance in the event of an accident or natural disaster.

Digital and biometric registration has improved tracking and rescue operations since the 2013 disaster. The government will use this data to develop future plans, new routes, medical centers, and improved crowd control systems.

 Subcommittee formed on demand from hotel and tour operators

On demand from hotel and tour-travel associations, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey has formed a subcommittee headed by the Additional Commissioner. This committee will submit its recommendations soon, and the registration process is expected to begin in a day or two.

The Hotel Association, Tour and Travel Union, and Dandi-Kandi operators made suggestions at a meeting held at the Chardham office in Rishikesh. The next meeting will be held with the pilgrimage priests, after which final arrangements will be finalized.

The Commissioner has directed strict action against illegal vehicles. Parking will be allowed only in hotels that provide accommodation for pilgrims.

Temple opening dates announced

The doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri will open on Akshaya Tritiya. Kedarnath will open for pilgrims on April 22nd, and Badrinath on April 23rd.

The government claims that this year’s pilgrimage will be made safer, more organized, and devotee-friendly.