The Uttarakhand government is considering introducing a nominal registration fee for the Char Dham Yatra’s online registration process ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage season. The proposal was discussed at a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Rishikesh, and a committee has been formed to decide the exact amount of the fee.
Officials say the primary objective of the fee is to curb fake or dummy registrations, which have previously caused overcrowding and logistical issues on the yatra routes. A minimum amount of around ₹10–₹20 has been suggested, although the final fee will be set after the committee submits its recommendations and the government approves it.
The panel, headed by the Additional Commissioner of the Garhwal Division, will also address concerns raised by hoteliers, tour operators and other service providers involved in the pilgrimage’s logistics. Until its report and government sanction, no final decision has been made.
The annual Char Dham Yatra is scheduled to begin on April 19 with the opening of the Yamunotri and Gangotri temples on Akshaya Tritiya, while Kedarnath and Badrinath temples are expected to open on April 22 and April 23 respectively. The fee plan comes as part of broader efforts to make the pilgrimage more orderly, safe and hassle-free.