Char Dham Yatra Delayed by Heavy Snowfall

• Char Dham Yatra starts later this month, a key Hindu pilgrimage.
• Heavy snowfall has blanketed Kedarnath & Badrinath, delaying preparations.
• Registration is open via app/portal; offline counters open April 17.

The Char Dham Yatra is all set to begin later this month. Including holy sites like Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, the Char Dham Yatra happens

to be one of the most revered pilgrimages in Hinduism. Every year, as winter bids farewell, Kedarnath's gates reopen amid chants and celebrations - marking the start of a spiritual journey like no other. However, things seem to be a little different this year. The extreme weather conditions have raised concerns about the upcoming Yatra as both Kedarnath and Badrinath temples are buried under heavy snow. Also, accessibility to these high-altitude destinations is now a pressing issue. Road closures due to the snow have made these sacred sites potentially hazardous for devotees. Recently surfaced viral videos across multiple social media platforms show heavy snow blanketing Kedarnath, Badrinath Dham and the Kedar Valley. As per multiple reports, heavy snowfall around the temple is also posing a significant challenge to the preparation efforts. Officials have said that construction, cleaning, route repairs, electricity, water and tent setups have also slowed down due to the harsh weather.

तस्वीरें सीधे केदारनाथ धाम से... 🏔️📸

​केदारनाथ धाम में इस समय लगातार भारी बर्फबारी हो रही है। ❄️🌨️
जिस कारण आगामी यात्रा व्यवस्थाओं की तैयारियाँ फिलहाल थम सी गई हैं। 🛑⏳#kedarnathyatra2026 #kedarnath #RudraprayagPolice #UttarakhandPolice pic.twitter.com/S1ksK28q1M

— Rudraprayag Police Uttarakhand (@RudraprayagPol) April 8, 2026

जय श्री केदार! 🙏

​बर्फबारी की सफेद चादर के बीच आज बाबा केदार की नगरी में सुनहरी धूप खिली है। विषम परिस्थितियों और कड़ाके की ठंड के बावजूद, जनपद पुलिस और ITBP के जवान मुस्तैदी से धाम की सुरक्षा और व्यवस्थाओं में तैनात हैं।
​सुरक्षा और सेवा का संकल्प, हर मौसम में अटूट। 🚩🏔️ pic.twitter.com/d0sBuwv8sZ

— Rudraprayag Police Uttarakhand (@RudraprayagPol) April 9, 2026

Hopefully, by the time the date of reopening comes, the situation will get better. In the meantime, you can still register for the yatra. Here is how to do it.

Registration Process And Other Details

Pilgrims can complete the Char Dham Yatra registration through the official mobile app or the tourism portal of the Uttarakhand government. Here is a step-by-step guide.

• Visit the official Char Dham Yatra portal or download the mobile app.
• Create an account using your mobile number.
• Enter your personal details such as name, ID proof and travel dates.
• Select the temple destinations you plan to visit.
• Submit the form and download the registration confirmation.

It is important to keep in mind that the devotees need to carry the registration slip and a valid ID proof during the pilgrimage.

Everything About Offline Registration

The government is also allowing offline registration. According to an official statement issued, offline registration will start on April 17, two days before the yatra begins. The registration counters will be set up at:

• Rishikesh
• Haridwar
• Dehradun

To get them registered, pilgrims need to visit these counters with valid ID proof to complete the process.

Opening Dates

The Char Dham temples will open on different dates in April. This is a part of the traditional schedule.

• Gangotri Temple: April 19
• Yamunotri Temple: April 19
• Kedarnath Temple: April 22
• Badrinath Temple: April 23