Chardham Yatra Registration: Online Process, Documents and Biometric Guide

Chardham Yatra registration is mandatory for every pilgrim visiting Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath or Badrinath — without a valid yatra registration slip, you will be turned back at checkpoints along the route. This guide walks you through the complete Chardham Yatra registration process: where to register online, the documents you need, how biometric verification works, when registrations open, what it costs, and the common mistakes that get pilgrims stuck at Haridwar counters.

Why Chardham Yatra Registration Is Mandatory

The Uttarakhand government requires every yatri to register so that pilgrim movement can be tracked for safety, crowd management and emergency response across the high-altitude route. Your registration generates a yatra slip with a QR code that is scanned at multiple checkpoints — including the trek bases at Janki Chatti (Yamunotri) and Gaurikund (Kedarnath). Registration applies equally to road yatris and helicopter yatris; booking a helicopter package does not exempt you.

Chardham Yatra Registration: Online Process Step by Step

Online registration is done through the Uttarakhand tourism department's official Char Dham registration portal. The process is free and takes about ten minutes per yatri when your documents are ready.

1. Open the official Uttarakhand tourism Char Dham registration portal and choose new registration.
2. Enter the mobile number of the primary yatri and verify it with the OTP.
3. Add each yatri one by one: full name as on photo ID, age, gender and ID details.
4. Upload a recent passport-size photograph of each yatri and enter a valid government photo ID number.
5. Select your planned yatra dates and the dhams you will visit.
6. Submit and download the yatra registration slip with its QR code — save it on your phone and print a copy.

Documents Required for Registration

• Valid government photo ID for each yatri (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport or driving licence).
• A recent passport-size photograph of each yatri for upload.
• An active mobile number for OTP verification — one number can register a family or group.
• For senior citizens and pilgrims with medical conditions, a health or fitness certificate may be asked for at verification counters.

Biometric Verification at Haridwar and Rishikesh

Online registration alone is not the end of the process. After registering, you must complete biometric verification at designated counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh and other entry towns before proceeding to the dhams. Carry the original photo ID you registered with — the counter staff match it against your slip. If you could not register online, physical registration counters also operate at these towns during the season, though queues in May and June can be very long. A practical tip: complete biometric verification the evening you arrive in Haridwar or Rishikesh, so your yatra morning starts without counter delays.

When Does Chardham Registration Open?

Registrations typically open a few weeks before the temple kapat opening dates — for the 2026 season, with Yamunotri and Gangotri opening on 19 April, Kedarnath on 22 April and Badrinath on 23 April, registration windows opened well ahead of the season. Slots for peak dates in May and June, especially around Akshaya Tritiya and other auspicious days, fill fast. Register as soon as your travel dates are firm rather than waiting until you reach Uttarakhand.

Registration for Groups, Families and Senior Citizens

One mobile number can register an entire family or group — add each member as a separate yatri under the same login. Double-check every name against the photo ID, because mismatches cause problems at biometric counters. For groups with senior citizens, be realistic about the treks: Kedarnath needs about 16 kilometres each way from Gaurikund and Yamunotri needs 6 kilometres from Janki Chatti. Ponies, palkis and helicopter options exist, but registration does not assess fitness — that judgement is yours, and a pre-trip medical check is wise for anyone with heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions.

Registration Fees, Validity and Re-registration

Online Chardham Yatra registration is free of charge — beware of third-party websites that charge a convenience fee for what the official portal does for nothing. Your registration is valid for the yatra season and the dates you selected; if your plans change significantly, register afresh with the new dates rather than travelling on an outdated slip, because checkpoint staff verify date windows during peak season. If you lose your printed slip, you can re-download it from the portal using your registered mobile number and OTP — another reason to keep that number active throughout the trip. Families should save one shared PDF of all members' slips in a group chat so anyone can pull it up at a checkpoint.

What to Do If Your Plans Change Mid-Yatra

Himalayan yatras rarely go exactly to plan — road closures, weather holds and health issues can shuffle your dates. If you fall behind schedule, your registration slip remains valid for the season, but try to keep your checkpoint crossings within a few days of your registered window during peak months when date-wise slot control is strictest. If a group member cannot continue, there is no need to cancel anything centrally; the remaining yatris travel on their own slips. For medical emergencies, note the helpline numbers printed on the official yatra material and the hospital locations at Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi and Joshimath before you leave Haridwar.

Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid

One final note: the official portal is the only free, authoritative source — several lookalike sites charge for the same slip or harvest your ID details. Bookmark the genuine Uttarakhand tourism Char Dham registration page before the season rush begins, and ignore agents who offer to 'skip' biometric verification for a fee. The verification counters exist for your safety in the mountains, not as a formality to dodge.

• Registering with a name spelling that differs from the photo ID — it fails biometric matching.
• Uploading an unclear or old photograph that does not resemble the yatri.
• Forgetting to complete biometric verification and assuming the online slip alone is enough.
• Registering only the group leader instead of every yatri — each person needs their own entry.
• Waiting until arrival in Haridwar during peak season and losing a day in counter queues.
• Not carrying a printed slip — phone batteries die and network fails in the hills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chardham Yatra registration mandatory?

Yes. Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims visiting Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, including helicopter yatris. The QR-coded yatra slip is checked at multiple points along the route.

Where can I register for Chardham Yatra online?

On the Uttarakhand tourism department's official Char Dham registration portal. You need a mobile number for OTP, a photo ID and a recent photograph for each yatri.

What is biometric verification in Chardham Yatra?

After online registration, pilgrims complete biometric verification at designated counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh and other entry towns, carrying the original photo ID used during registration.

What documents are needed for Chardham registration?

A valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport or driving licence), a recent passport-size photograph, and an active mobile number for OTP verification for each yatri.

Can I register offline for the Chardham Yatra?

Yes, physical registration counters operate at Haridwar, Rishikesh and other towns during the season, but queues are long in May and June — online registration in advance is strongly recommended.

Does a helicopter yatra need registration too?

Yes. Helicopter yatris must complete the same yatra registration and biometric verification; the helicopter booking is separate and does not replace it.