The sacred Chardham Yatra—covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—is one of India’s most revered pilgrimages. Every year, lakhs of devotees travel to Uttarakhand to seek divine blessings. With the increasing flow of pilgrims, the government has introduced new safety rules, registration processes, medical requirements, and route updates to ensure a smooth yatra for everyone. Read the full Chardham Yatra new rules and guidelines.
Whether you choose a Chardham Yatra Package, a Chardham Yatra Package from Hyderabad, or plan a spiritual journey with the Chardham Yatra Package from Gomukh, it is important to understand the latest rules. This guide explains all the new guidelines, the registration steps, travel tips, and the top package options for 2026.
The government has made online registration compulsory for the entire Chardham Yatra route. Without registration, entry into any shrine or route checkpoint is not allowed.
Why registration is mandatory:
Helps control crowd movement
Ensures safety during emergencies
Allows authorities to monitor health status
Helps track weather-based route changes
Where to register:
Official Uttarakhand Tourism website
Tourist Facilitation Centers at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Sonprayag
If you are booking a Chardham Yatra package, most travel agencies also complete the registration on your behalf.
Pilgrims now need to undergo biometric verification before entering temple routes.
Verification centers include:
Rishikesh
Haridwar
Guptkashi
Sonprayag
Janki Chatti
Hina/Phata (Helicopter zone)
This rule applies to:
Individual travelers
Chardham Yatra Family Package pilgrims
Older citizens
This rule also applies to devotees choosing the Ek Dham Yatra Package, including those visiting only Kedarnath for darshan.
Due to the tough Himalayan terrain—especially the route to Kedarnath—pilgrims must carry a medical fitness certificate issued within 72 hours before the journey.
Who must carry it?
Older citizens (above 55 years)
People with blood pressure/heart issues
Pilgrims doing Gomukh–Gangotri trekking routes
Those booking Chardham Yatra Package from Gomukh, which involves high-altitude trekking
For the safety of pilgrims, authorities may deny permission if medical reports show high risk.
Helicopter services for Kedarnath and Yamunotri are in high demand. To avoid fraud, new rules include:
Helicopter tickets ONLY from the Uttarakhand Government’s official portal
No physical tickets are accepted
QR-based boarding passes are mandatory
The refund policy applies only through the official website
ID proof matching the booking is compulsory
If your Chardham Yatra package from Bangalore or Hyderabad includes helicopter tickets, confirm that your agency uses the official booking portal.Each pilgrimage shrine has updated trekking rules for 2026.
Yamunotri Route Rules:
Entry allowed only from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pony operators must carry identity cards
No plastic bottles above Janki Chatti
Gangotri Route Rules:
Limited entry during peak days
Trekking groups from Gomukh must have an authorized guide
Kedarnath Route Rules:
Start trek before 3 p.m.
Mandatory health check at Sonprayag
Heavy luggage not allowed on trekking ponies
Badrinath Route Rules:
No parking near temple gate
Crowd control barriers for busy days
All Chardham packages, including the Chardham Yatra Family Package, follow these guidelines strictly.
The Himalayas are unpredictable. To keep pilgrims safe, the administration issues:
Real-time weather alerts
Route closure notifications
Landslide warnings
Rainfall/hailstorm alerts
Road repair updates
Travellers choosing a Chardham Yatra Package from Hyderabad or Bangalore can check these updates through SMS, WhatsApp groups, or the official portal.
Due to high demand, advance hotel booking is now mandatory.
New accommodation rules:
No last-minute hotel reservations at Kedarnath
Limited rooms in Yamunotri & Gangotri
Homestay registrations are verified by the tourism board
Only green-certified tents allowed near Kedarnath base camps
To avoid accommodation issues, booking a Chardham Yatra package is recommended.
During peak season, strict vehicle movement rules are in place:
Heavy vehicles are restricted during the daytime.
Parking at Sonprayag is limited
Only shuttle vehicles allowed to Kedarnath base
Police checkpoints at multiple points
Travellers booking an Ek Dham Yatra Package for Kedarnath need to follow the same restrictions.
Maintaining cleanliness in pilgrimage areas is now a major priority.
New cleanliness rules:
No single-use plastic allowed near any temple
Pilgrims must carry reusable bottles
Food waste must be disposed of only in designated bins
Langar/food stalls are monitored for hygiene
To ensure safe travel, emergency facilities have been upgraded:
Medical camps every 2–3 km on trek routes
Rescue helicopters available during bad weather
Dedicated teams for older citizens and persons with disability pilgrims
Families choosing the Chardham Yatra Family Package will receive additional safety support during peak days.
Here are some popular package options depending on your starting point and travel style:
A complete pilgrimage covering all four holy shrines with:
This is ideal for adventure lovers wishing to include:
Gangotri–Gomukh trekking
Route permits
Camping facilities
Porter/guide services
A perfect blend of spirituality and trekking.
Designed for South Indian pilgrims with:
Hyderabad–Dehradun/Delhi flights
Local transfers
Hindi, Bengali & English-speaking guides
North Indian & South Indian meals
Highly preferred by large family groups.
This package includes:
Bangalore–Dehradun flights
Luxury tempo traveller
Deluxe or 3-star hotels
VIP darshan options
Helicopter services on request
Ideal for corporate groups and families.
Perfect for parents, kids, and older citizens. Features include:
Easy itinerary
Comfortable hotels
Medical support
Slower travel pace
Priority assistance for elders
For pilgrims who want to visit just one temple, such as
Kedarnath (most popular)
Badrinath
Gangotri
Yamunotri
Ideal for short trips, older citizens, or devotees with time limitations.
Always check weather updates before starting the journey
Keep warm clothes even in summer
Carry essential medicines
Stay hydrated
Avoid trekking after sunset
Follow all government rules strictly
The new Chardham Yatra guidelines aim to make the pilgrimage safer, more organised, and spiritually fulfilling. Understanding these rules helps you prepare better, choose the right Chardham Yatra package, and ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Whether you are travelling from Gomukh, Hyderabad, or Bangalore or planning a Chardham Yatra Family Package or Ek Dham Yatra Package, staying updated with the latest instructions is essential. So why wait? Book now with Epic Yatra.