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Uttarkashi: The Char Dham Yatra 2026 is set to begin with renewed enthusiasm as the Uttarakhand government has lifted the restriction on the number of pilgrims allowed.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently held a meeting with officials and announced that there will be no cap on pilgrim numbers this year.

The decision has brought happiness to travel businessmen, hoteliers, priests, and vehicle owners associated with the yatra. For years, there had been a demand to remove the limit on pilgrims, as it was affecting tourism and business. Now, with the restriction lifted, stakeholders believe the number of visitors will rise significantly.

Hotel Association Uttarkashi President Shailendra Matuda, along with Subhash Kumai, Prakash Bhadri, and Madhav Joshi, expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister. They said that earlier, due to limited pilgrim entry, the expected numbers were not achieved, which affected hotels and local businesses. With the new decision, tourism is expected to gain momentum.

Priests of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines have also welcomed the government’s step. They believe that more pilgrims will now be able to perform darshan and rituals without restrictions. The Yamunotri priest community, along with local laborers and vehicle owners, said the decision will bring direct and indirect benefits to everyone involved in the yatra.

Businessmen like Birendra Singh Payal, Anand Singh Rana, and Anil Rawat suggested that the government should keep the online travel registration system open throughout the year. They believe this will make the yatra smoother and more organized, ensuring that pilgrims can plan their visits better.

The lifting of restrictions is expected to benefit hoteliers, transport operators, guides, and shopkeepers along the yatra route. Increased pilgrim inflow will generate more employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy. Labor unions also expressed happiness, saying that more pilgrims mean more work for porters, cooks, and service providers.

With unrestricted entry, businesses expect higher footfall, better earnings, and stronger tourism growth. The move has been welcomed across Uttarakhand, from priests to hoteliers, marking a positive start to the yatra.