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The 'Devbhumi' (Land of Gods) of Uttarakhand is once again preparing to welcome devotees. It is the dream of every Hindu to undertake the sacred Char Dham pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

As the summer season arrives, these hills begin to throng with crowds of hundreds of thousands of devotees. It is worth noting that this is not merely a journey; rather, it represents an unwavering faith that has endured for centuries.

If you, too, are planning to be a part of this spiritual journey this year, it is essential for you to know when the temple portals are opening and how to go about making your bookings.

**When Does the Char Dham Yatra Begin?**
In 2026, this grand pilgrimage of faith is set to commence on April 19th (Char Dham Yatra 2026). According to the Hindu Panchang (calendar), this day marks 'Akshaya Tritiya,' an occasion considered to be extremely holy and auspicious. The pilgrimage will officially begin on this very day, starting with the opening of the portals of the Yamunotri and Gangotri temples for devotees.

**Here are the scheduled opening dates for the portals of all four Dhams:**

Yamunotri Dham: April 19, 2026
Gangotri Dham: April 19, 2026
Kedarnath Dham: April 22, 2026
Badrinath Dham: April 23, 2026
**How to Register Online for the Char Dham Yatra?**
The government has made it mandatory to complete a registration process to undertake this pilgrimage. You can easily complete this process yourself—without any hassle—using your mobile phone or computer. Simply follow the easy steps outlined below:

First, visit the official website of the Uttarakhand Tourism Department: uttarakhandtourism.gov.in.
Create an account by entering your full name and an active mobile number, and verify it using the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your device.

Once you have logged in to the portal, select the 'Create/Manage Tour' option.
Now, based on your convenience, select your preferred travel dates and choose the specific Dhams you wish to visit for *darshan* (worship). Fill in the accurate details of all the travelers accompanying you and upload their photographs.
Select your preferred travel date based on slot availability and submit the form.
Once the process is complete, you will receive a travel pass containing a QR code. Download and print this pass, and keep it safe with you throughout your journey.

**Keep These Points in Mind Before Setting Out on Your Journey**
Traveling along these high-altitude mountain routes is a beautiful experience; however, it also presents certain challenges related to the weather and the terrain. Therefore, it is essential to keep the following specific points in mind before you depart:

**Essential Documents:** Always carry your 'Aadhaar Card' and 'Travel Pass' with you to verify your identity.

**Medical Check-up:** The high altitudes and atmospheric pressure of the mountains may not suit everyone; therefore, ensure you undergo a health check-up by a doctor before embarking on your journey.

**Weather-Appropriate Clothing:** The temperature in the mountains can drop suddenly, or it may rain unexpectedly. Therefore, always pack sufficient warm clothing and a raincoat in your bag.

Plan your Char Dham Yatra well in advance, and do not forget to complete your registration promptly to avoid any last-minute inconveniences.

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