Your Go-To Kedarnath Yatra Registration Guide for 2026

Kedarnath Yatra registration is mandatory for all pilgrims in 2026 — and it is completely free. Without it, you will be turned back at the Sonprayag checkpoint and cannot proceed to Gaurikund or Kedarnath Temple. The entire registration takes under 10 minutes online if you have your ID ready. This guide tells you exactly how to complete it, what to expect at checkpoints, how health screening works, and how registration connects to helicopter booking.

Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, a Panch Kedar site, and an integral part of the Char Dham Yatra. It attracts millions of pilgrims every year. Because of the scale of footfall in fragile Himalayan terrain, the registration and crowd management system is non-negotiable.

Kedarnath 2026: Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Temple Opening Date 2026	April 22, 2026 (8:00 AM)
Temple Closing Date 2026	November 11, 2026 (Tentative)
Registration Fee	Free — no charges whatsoever
Mandatory Checkpoint	Sonprayag — verified before Gaurikund
Trek Distance	16 km from Gaurikund (one way)
Trekking Duration	6–8 hours (one way)
Best Months to Visit	May–June and September–October
Altitude	3,583 metres (11,755 ft)
Helicopter Booking Portal	heliyatra.irctc.co.in
Vehicle Permit Portal	greencard.uk.gov.in
Daily Pilgrim Cap (Approx.)	~12,000 per day

Is Kedarnath Registration the Same as Chardham Registration?

Yes. The Kedarnath Yatra registration uses the same official portal as the full Chardham registration — registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. If you are doing only Kedarnath, select just Kedarnath on the portal. If doing the full Char Dham Yatra, select all four dhams. There is no separate system for Kedarnath alone.

When Will Registration Open for 2026?

Based on historical data, the registration portal typically opens 40 to 50 days before the yatra begins. For 2026, registration is expected in late March — roughly 3 to 4 weeks before the April 22 temple opening. The official announcement comes from the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB). Monitor registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in for updates.

Online Registration — Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in — the only official registration site. Click ‘Register/Login.’

Step 2: Create Your Account

Enter your full name, mobile number, and create a password. Select your category — Individual, Family, or Tour Operator. Verify using the OTP sent to your phone.

Step 3: Set Up Your Tour

Log in and click ‘Create/Manage Tour Info.’ Enter your trip start and end dates. Select Kedarnath (and any other dhams you plan to visit). Specify the date you plan to reach Kedarnath for darshan.

Step 4: Add Each Pilgrim

Click ‘Add Pilgrim’ for each person in your group. Enter their full name (must match their ID), age, gender, profession, and emergency contact details. Also select your mode of transport — if flying by helicopter, select ‘Helicopter.’ This ensures your QR code is valid at the helipad.

Step 5: Upload ID and Photo

Upload a passport-size photo (clear face, plain background) and a scanned copy of your government ID. Accepted formats: JPG or PNG. File size: 10 KB to 150 KB per document.

Step 6: Submit and Download

Review all details carefully. Submit the form. Download your Yatra Registration Letter with QR code. Save it to your phone gallery and take at least two printed copies — one for your bag, one for your pocket.

Alternative Registration Methods

• WhatsApp: Send ‘YATRA’ to +91-8394833833. A bot guides you through step by step. Works well even on slow connections.
• Tourist Care Uttarakhand App: Download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Same process as the website, optimised for mobile.
• Toll-Free Helpline: Call 0135-1364. A representative assists you through registration. Best for senior pilgrims.
• Offline Counters: Available across Uttarakhand — see full list below.

Offline Registration Centres for Kedarnath Route

Location	Type	Timings
Haridwar Railway Station	Exit counter	4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Rishikesh ISBT Bus Stand	Terminal counter	4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Rishikesh RTO Office	Counter	During yatra season
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun	Arrival gate counter	4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sonprayag	Kedarnath route	During yatra season
Gaurikund	At trek base	During yatra season
Kedarnath Temple area	At shrine	During yatra season
Guptkashi Bus Stand	Kedarnath route	During yatra season
Phata	Helicopter base + route	During yatra season
Rudraprayag	En route	During yatra season
Joshimath	Badrinath-Kedarnath corridor	During yatra season

Register at home before leaving. Offline counters at Sonprayag can have very long queues during peak season. If you must register at a counter, arrive early and carry your original ID.

Documents Required

• Valid government photo ID: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License (original + copy for offline)
• Passport-size photograph: One per pilgrim — for both online (digital upload) and offline (physical submission)
• Active mobile number: For OTP verification and receipt of QR code via SMS
• Emergency contact: Name and mobile number of someone who is NOT travelling with you
• Foreign nationals: Passport and valid Indian Visa details are mandatory

What Happens at the Sonprayag Checkpoint?

Sonprayag is the last motorable point before Gaurikund. There is a mandatory government checkpoint here. Before being allowed to proceed, every pilgrim’s registration QR code is scanned by Yatrimitras (checkpoint officials). If you don’t have a valid registration, you will be turned back — regardless of how far you have already travelled.

Verification is fast but relies on your QR code being accessible. Before reaching Sonprayag:

• Download the QR code image to your phone gallery — not just to email
• Carry a printed copy of the Yatra Registration Letter as backup
• Keep your phone charged — connectivity can be weak at the checkpoint

After Sonprayag, further verifications happen at Gaurikund (before starting the trek or boarding a pony/palki) and at the Kedarnath Temple entry gate.

Health Screening at Kedarnath Checkpoints

Health screening is a separate process from QR code verification. It happens at entry points along the route, especially at higher altitude checkpoints.

• Who must carry a fitness certificate: Pilgrims over 50 years of age, and those with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or other serious conditions. A doctor’s clearance is essential.
• What is checked: Blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), and general fitness to determine if you are safe to continue at altitude.
• If declared unfit: You will be asked to descend immediately to the nearest safe location. There are no exceptions or appeals at the checkpoint. Getting a doctor’s clearance before travel is not optional for those in risk categories.
• Acclimatisation: Spend a night in Guptkashi (1,319 m) or Sonprayag before the trek day. This helps your body adjust before the steep altitude gain to 3,583 metres.

Vehicle Permits: Green Card and Trip Card

If you are travelling to Kedarnath in a private or commercial vehicle, the vehicle must also be registered with the Uttarakhand Transport Department. Apply at greencard.uk.gov.in.

Green Card

Required for all commercial vehicles (tourist taxis, buses). Proves the vehicle is fit for mountain roads. Documents required: RC, insurance, fitness certificate, PUC, road tax certificate, valid permit.

Trip Card

A mandatory digital document for commercial vehicles on the yatra route. Linked to your pilgrim registration. Must be produced at major checkpoints (Dehradun, Rishikesh). Includes passenger names, UTDB registration numbers, driver licence details, and vehicle registration.

• No night driving: Strictly prohibited between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM on mountain roads.
• Hill Endorsement: Every driver must have Hill Endorsement on their driving licence. If not, they must pass an online safety test on the portal.

Helicopter Booking for Kedarnath — How Registration Links to It

If you plan to fly to Kedarnath, complete your yatra registration first. You cannot access the IRCTC helicopter booking system without a valid Yatra Registration Number.

Official Helicopter Booking Portal: heliyatra.irctc.co.in — the only legitimate portal. Do not use third-party agents or unofficial websites. Many fraudulent sites exist — always use the IRCTC official link.

Available Helipads for Kedarnath

Helipad	Approx. Round-Trip Fare (2025 Rates)	Notes
Guptkashi	~₹12,444 per person	Longest airtime, most scenic
Phata	~₹8,900 per person	Highest demand — book early
Sersi (Sirsi)	~₹8,500 per person	Nearest to Sonprayag, shortest flight

Note: These are 2025 reference rates. 2026 prices will be confirmed closer to the season. Book as early as possible — May and June slots sell out within hours of release.

Helicopter Booking Rules

• Weight limit: 75 kg per passenger including hand baggage. Extra weight charges: approximately ₹150–₹200 per additional kg at the helipad.
• Baggage: One small bag, maximum 5 kg only. Strict enforcement.
• Booking limit: Maximum 6 passengers per single booking on the IRCTC portal.
• Reporting time: Reach the helipad at least 1 hour before your scheduled flight.
• Mode of transport on registration: Select ‘Helicopter’ when filling your registration form. This is mandatory — your QR code must be valid for helipad verification.
• UCADA requirement: Helicopter operators must include your registration number in the passenger manifest 24–48 hours before departure.
• Weather delays: Helicopter services are weather-dependent. Cancellations and delays are common. Always keep a buffer day in your itinerary.
• No VIP exemption: Even private charter flights require valid UTDB yatra registration. No exceptions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Registering at Sonprayag counter: Long queues during peak season. Register at home, not at the last checkpoint.
• Wrong URL: Only use registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Any site charging a fee is unofficial.
• Relying on email for QR code at checkpoint: Mobile signal is weak. Download QR to your phone gallery before leaving Haridwar.
• Not registering children: Every pilgrim including infants must be registered individually.
• Booking helicopter without registration: The IRCTC system will not allow helicopter booking without a Yatra Registration Number.
• Not carrying doctor’s certificate if 50+: Health checkpoint at altitude is not optional. Get clearance before you travel.
• Skipping Green Card for commercial vehicle: Vehicles without Green Card and Trip Card are turned back at Rishikesh or Dehradun checkpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kedarnath registration free in 2026?

Yes — completely free. Any website or agent charging you for Kedarnath registration is not providing an official government service.

Can I register at the Sonprayag checkpoint itself?

Offline registration is available at Sonprayag, but during peak season queues can be extremely long. You may miss your trekking window. Register online at home before you leave.

Is Kedarnath registration different from Char Dham registration?

No. Both use the same portal — registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. If doing only Kedarnath, select just that Dham. If doing the full circuit, select all four. Same process, same portal.

Can I do biometric registration at the checkpoint?

Biometric checks at checkpoints are a separate process. They do not replace the online or offline Yatra registration. Both must be completed.

How far in advance should I register?

As soon as registration opens in late March 2026. Daily quotas at each dham fill up fast during May and June — early registration secures your dates. There is no last date, but earlier is significantly better.

Can I book a Kedarnath helicopter without registration?

No. The IRCTC helicopter portal requires your Yatra Registration Number before you can view or book any flight dates. Complete registration first, then book helicopter.

What if my phone has no signal at Sonprayag?

Download your QR code image to your phone gallery before leaving Haridwar or Rishikesh. Also carry a printed copy of the Yatra Registration Letter. Both are accepted at checkpoints.

Is registration required for all helicopter passengers?

Yes. Every helicopter passenger — including private charter — must have a valid UTDB yatra registration. There are no exemptions.

Is a medical certificate required before registration?

No medical certificate is required to complete the registration. However, pilgrims 50+ and those with health conditions should carry a doctor’s fitness certificate to show at altitude health check points.

What is the helpline for registration issues?

Call: 0135-1364 (toll-free), 0135-2559898, or 0135-2552627. Available 7 AM to 9 PM daily during the yatra season.

Conclusion

Kedarnath Yatra registration is a simple, free, 10-minute process that protects you throughout one of the most demanding pilgrimages in India. Register online before you leave home. Download your QR code. Carry a printed backup. Get a medical certificate if you are 50+. Book your helicopter only after registration is confirmed. And arrive at Sonprayag with your QR code ready — the Yatrimitras will scan it and you can proceed.

For hotel bookings near Kedarnath, the Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek guide, and Char Dham Yatra packages with registration support, visit the relevant pages on this website.

• Stay Option in Kedarnath: Best Hotels to Stay in Kedarnath