As the sacred Char Dham Yatra 2025 approaches, Uttarakhand is gearing up for one of its most significant annual pilgrimages. State Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj confirmed that all preparations are in place to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees.
The yatra will begin on April 30, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya, a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. As per the schedule:
- Yamunotri Temple and Gangotri Temple will open on April 30
- Kedarnath Temple opens on May 2
- Badrinath Temple opens on May 4
- Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara opens for the public on May 25
Speaking to the media, Minister Satpal Maharaj said:
“We are fully prepared for the Char Dham Yatra. Over ₹12 crores have been allocated for infrastructure and logistical support in the districts where the Char Dham temples are located.”
As of now, the total number of registered pilgrims for this year’s yatra has reached 17,76,058, with 5,51,745 registered for Kedarnath and 4,84,480 for Badrinath alone.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who reviewed the yatra preparations on March 30, assured that the government is committed to providing efficient travel facilities, healthcare services, and security arrangements. Special attention has also been paid to road connectivity, accommodation, crowd management, and helicopter services for pilgrims unable to undertake the arduous trek.
The Char Dham Yatra, also known as the Chota Char Dham, covers the revered temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath nestled high in the Garhwal Himalayas. The pilgrimage is traditionally undertaken in a clockwise direction — beginning at Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath.
Apart from the full circuit, many devotees also opt for a Do Dham Yatra, typically covering Kedarnath and Badrinath.