Latest Travel Guidelines of Chardham Yatra 2023

The Chardham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus that comprises four holy shrines located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Every year, thousands of devotees from across the country and around the world embark on this religious journey to seek blessings and attain spiritual fulfilment.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chardham Yatra was severely affected in 2020 and 2021, with strict restrictions on travel and entry to the shrines. As we approach the year 2023, new rules and regulations for the Chardham Yatra are expected to be put in place to ensure the safety of the devotees and prevent the spread of the virus. As you already know that Chardham Yatra 2023 registration has already started from February 20th and now in this blog, we will let you know the changes in the rules for the Chardham Yatra 2023. Read the rules below before you start your planning.

Before starting the latest updates for Char Dham Yatra 2023, we have to share the good news for the devotees who are preparing for the sacred yatra this year. The dates for Chardham Yatra have already been announced; on April 21, Baba Kedar’s ride will start for Kedarnath Dham from Ukhimath. On April 22, the Doli will reach Phata after spending the previous night in Guptkashi and on April 24 evening, the ride will reach the Kedarnath Temple finally. From April 25 morning onwards, the doors of Kedarnath Temple will be opened to the public as per the rules.

Now, let’s know about the changed rules of Chardham Yatra 2023 guidelines:

This year, there will be no need to have an E-Pass for Chardham Yatra.
Residents of Uttarakhand will have no requirements to register themselves for Chardham Yatra.
You have to register yourself through Dehradun Smart City Portal by entering your Aadhaar Card details to have this journey.
Devotees can also register themselves at various registration facility centres in Rishikesh and different places en route for this year.
As per the latest updates of Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra Guidelines, only after registering yourself, you are eligible to visit Char Dham or roam anywhere in the state of Uttarakhand.
According to the latest COVID Guidelines for Kedarnath Yatra, people having both doses have to show their vaccine certificate and those who did not have vaccination, need to show the RT PCR test report done within 72 hours.
Moreover, if a devotee found COVID positive during the journey, he or she will be sent back to investigation.
For this year, Char Dham Yatra 2023, giving prasad and applying tika are not allowed in the courtyard of Kedarnath Temple.
In addition to this, pilgrims are not allowed to touch any idols, books and bells.

Follow this space to know more updates on Chardham Yatra 2023 in the upcoming days.

Char Dham Temples Opening Dates 2023

Yamunotri Temple Opening Date	22 April 2023
Yamunotri Temple Opening Date	22 April 2023
Kedarnath Temple Opening Date	25 April 2023
Badrinath Temple Opening Date	27 April 2023

Popular Chardham Yatra Tour Packages

About the Holy Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand Himalayas

Badrinath Temple

Amidst the natural splendors of Himalayan and Garhwal ranges of Uttarakhand lies the most important and popular religious pilgrimage centers for Hindu devotees – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. These four sacred destinations are known as Char Dhams which hold a great religious and spiritual value.

Devotees from all over the world come here to seek divine grace. Moreover, these Dhams have surreal and ethereal vibes. The concept of Moksha is highly believed in Hindu philosophy. Devotees who are seeking spiritual wisdom and divine grace must visit Char Dhams. Without visiting the Char Dhams, your transcendent quest would remain complete. It is said that those who come here would be free from any sins and karmic backlogs. What adds to the sacredness of these Dhams is the pious Ganga River that flows through the four Dhams.

Not only the Char Dham Yatra offers unbroken vistas of surreal lofty peaks and picturesque landscapes but also the magnificent temples and sacred kunds would delight your eyes and senses. The Char Dham Yatra starts from Yamunotri then Gangotri, Kedarnath and then Badrinath. It needs to be done sequentially.

Yamunotri Dham – Yamunotri Dham is a pious pilgrimage destination for Hindu devotees in the great Himalayas. It is the origin point of the second sacred river of India – River Yamuna. It is said that taking a holy dip in river Yamuna would prevent untimely death of any person. Goddess Yamunotri is the presiding deity of Yamunotri Dham. Yamunotri Glacier, lush greenery all around, hot springs and lakes makes it one of the most popular tourist attractions of Uttarakhand.

Gangotri Dham – Dotted in high Garhwal Himalayas, Gangotri Dham is one of the divine destinations and Char Dhams which is an important pilgrimage place for Hindu devotees. It is the origin point of the most sacred river of India – River Ganga. The holy river of Ganga originates through Gangotri glacier. Goddess Ganga is the presiding deity of Gangotri Dham. It is also one of the best adventure destinations in Uttarakhand as Garhwal Himalayas is a great place for trekkers and mountaineers. The most popular trek here is Gangotri- Gaumukh Trek.

Kedarnath Dham- Decked in snow-capped Garhwal Himalayas and surrounded by the stunning alpine meadows, the holy Kedarnath Dham is one of the most important and popular pilgrimage destinations in Uttarakhand for Hindu devotees. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of Kedarnath Temple Dham. It is the highest of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. Moreover, if you are a nature lover Kedarnath is a lovely place to be in due to the abundance of natural beauty in the form of a beautiful valley of Rhododendrons, pristine lakes and lofty mountains.

Badrinath Dham – Badrinath Dham is among the four pious Char Dhams of India. Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of Badrinath Temple. Which is the center of attraction of this place. Nestled between Nar and Narayana Mountain ranges it is one of the most stunning destinations to visit in Uttarakhand. Devotees from all around the globe come to seek divine blessings and complete their spiritual quest. Gorgeous lakes, sacred peaks, lofty mountains and ponds makes Badrinath a must visit destination in Uttarakhand.

Popular Places to Visit in and around Char Dhams

Mussoorie and Kempty Falls- Beauty and Bliss
Lakhamandal Temple– Serene and Divine
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi– Surreal and sublime
Vishwanath Temple– Guptkashi – Ethereal and Serene
Kalimath Temple– Seek divine grace
Ukhimath Temple– Be one with the almighty
Tapt Kund– Take a holy dip
Panch Prayag – Confluence of the five holy rivers
Vashishta Gufa- For self-introspection
Vasuki Tal- Best for trekking
Surya Kund-Blissful hot water spring

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

If you were waiting to seek the divine grace of the most pious destinations of India – Char Dhams then this is the right time for you to plan your Charm Dham Yatra Tour. Being the most divine destinations of India, these Dhams and its surroundings offer the most scenic vistas to the tourists and devotees which is a visual treat for their eyes and soul. The vibes here are surreal and ethereal as the crispy mountain air and the uncharted terrains of Uttarakhand offers many adventure sports for the thrill and excitement toad in your spiritual journey. It is indeed a best destination to visit in India.

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dos and don'ts for the Char Dham Yatra?

As per the latest updates some dos and don'ts for Char Dham Yatra 2023

You have to register yourself.
You have to show a vaccination certificate.
If you don’t have a vaccination certificate, you have to show a RT PCR test report done within 72 hours.
You don’t have to register yourself if you’re from Uttarakhand.
Do not touch the idols, books and bells in the temple and its courtyard.

What are the common challenges faced during the Char Dham Yatra?

Some of the common challenges faced during the Char Dham Yatra are:

As the temples are in high altitudes, roads are a little difficult.
Change in atmosphere might trigger some altitude sickness syndrome.
In the peak time or season, the journey might become chaotic.
Due to sudden changes of weather, there might be casualties or calamities.
A lack of accommodation facilities can be found in the higher places during the peak season.

What are the transport options available for Char Dham Yatra pilgrims?

You can take public transportations till the base camps for the Char Dham temples from Delhi, Haridwar or Rishikesh. From base camp, Char Dham pilgrims can trek or visit the temples by availing a helicopter ride, pony, horse or palki ride. There are certain points up to where they can reach by a jeep.

What are the COVID-19 guidelines and protocols for the Char Dham Yatra 2023?

As per the latest COVID-19 guidelines, the protocols for the Char Dham Yatra 2023 are, people having both doses have to show their vaccine certificate and those who did not have vaccination, need to show the RT PCR test report done within 72 hours. Moreover, if a devotee found COVID positive during the journey, he or she will be sent back to investigation.

What are the mandatory documents required for Char Dham Yatra registration?

Only Aadhaar Card details are required for Char Dham Yatra registration.

How do I register for the Char Dham Yatra?

You can register yourself through Chardham Yatra Registration Portal or at different registration facilities in Rishikesh and the routes of Char Dham.

What are the different modes of registration available for the Char Dham Yatra?

Two different modes of registration are available for the Char Dham Yatra, online and offline. Check out – Online/Offline Registration Info for 4 Dham Yatra.

Can I register for the Char Dham Yatra offline?

Yes, you can register for the Char Dham Yatra offline at different facilities in Rishikesh and the route of Char Dham.

Are there any registration fees for the Chardham Yatra?

No, there is no registration fee for the Chardham Yatra 2023.

Published: 21 Feb, 2023

About the author

Nandini Bhattacharya

From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.