Badrinath opening date 2026 — confirmed date, registration, and darshan guide

The Badrinath Dham kapat (temple doors) opened on 23 April 2026 at 6:15 AM. The date was announced on Basant Panchami (23 January 2026) by the Dimri family of Ukhimath and confirmed by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).

The 2026 season will run until approximately 13 November 2026. The exact closing date will be announced on Vijayadashami.

The tentative closing dates are: Gangotri 10 November, Yamunotri 11 November, Kedarnath 11 November (Bhai Dooj), Badrinath 13 November.

Since 2022, Char Dham Yatra registration is mandatory. Register at the official Uttarakhand Tourist Care Portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in

Online registration process

Go to registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in and click Register/Login

Create an account using your mobile number (OTP verification)

Select Badrinath Dham as your destination

Enter travel details: date of visit, number of pilgrims, personal information

Upload government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, or driving licence)

Download your QR-coded Yatra E-Pass

Important dates

Online registration (Phase 1) opened: 6 March 2026

Offline registration counters opened: 15 April 2026

Registration is free of cost

Offline registration counters

If you cannot register online, counters are available at Haridwar Railway Station, Rishikesh Bus Stand, Joshimath, Guptkashi, and Sonprayag.

Officials scan your QR code at multiple checkpoints along the route. Do not travel without your e-pass — you will be turned back.

Plan to arrive between 7:00 AM and noon for the shortest queues. Weekends and opening week are the most crowded — expect 3–5 hour waits without a special pass.

The Mahabhishek Puja provides early morning priority entry and close darshan access. Book only through the official BKTC portal at badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in.

Warning: multiple fraud cases are reported every season involving agents selling fake VIP passes via WhatsApp. Book only through badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in. BKTC does not offer refunds or cancellations.

Badrinath sits at 3,133 m. In late April and May, expect:

Daytime temperature: 10°C – 18°C

Night temperature: 0°C – 5°C

Snow visible on surrounding peaks and road verges

Clear skies most days, occasional afternoon rain

Pack a down jacket, warm layers, and sturdy footwear. Nights are genuinely cold — thermals are not optional.

By road

All distances are approximate. Road conditions, weather, one-way traffic controls, and BRO construction can significantly affect travel time. Do not rely on Google Maps estimates — they consistently underestimate time on this route.

By taxi from Rishikesh

Pahadi Express runs taxis from Rishikesh to Badrinath. A one-way Innova or similar costs approximately ₹4,500–5,500 for the vehicle. Book with ₹50 UPI advance.

By bus

GMOU and BRTC operate buses from Rishikesh to Joshimath. From Joshimath, take a shared jeep for the final 44 km to Badrinath. Budget ₹400–900 per leg.

By helicopter

Charter helicopter services operate from Dehradun (Sahastradhara Helipad). Flight time is approximately 50–60 minutes. Prices start at ₹75,000 per person for same-day return packages. Shuttle helicopter services to Badrinath specifically are limited — most helicopter packages combine Kedarnath and Badrinath.

What is the Badrinath kapat opening date for 2026?

Is registration mandatory for Badrinath in 2026?

What is the weather like when Badrinath opens in late April?

Badrinath ke kapat kab khulenge 2026 mein?

How much does VIP darshan cost at Badrinath?

How long is the Badrinath season?

Can I drive to Badrinath from Rishikesh?