Badrinath registration 2026 — step-by-step guide to Char Dham e-pass

Since the 2022 Char Dham season, the Uttarakhand government has made registration mandatory for every pilgrim visiting Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, or Yamunotri. The system was introduced after the 2021 Chamoli disaster and recurring crowd-management incidents. Its purpose is to track pilgrim movements in real time and enable faster emergency response along the high-altitude corridor.

Registration is completely free. It does not allocate a darshan time slot — Badrinath has no daily pilgrim cap, unlike Kedarnath which enforces a 12,000-person daily limit with timed slots. The registration simply creates a verifiable QR-coded Yatra E-Pass that is checked at highway checkpoints and at the temple gate.

Key 2026 dates:

Online registration (Phase 1) opened: 6 March 2026

Offline counter registration opened: 15 April 2026

Badrinath Temple kapat opened: 23 April 2026 at 6:15 AM

Expected closing: around 13 November 2026 (confirmed on Vijayadashami)

Go to registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in in any browser. You can also use the Uttarakhand Tourist Care app on Android or iOS.

Tap "Register for Char Dham Yatra".

Create an account with your mobile number. You will receive an OTP for verification.

Select your category — individual, family, or tour operator.

Fill in pilgrim details for each traveller: full name, age, gender, address, and government ID number.

Upload a clear scan or photo of your government-issued ID (see accepted documents below).

Fill in the health self-declaration form.

Select the dhams you plan to visit and your approximate travel dates.

Submit. You will receive a QR-coded Yatra E-Pass via SMS and on the portal dashboard.

Save the e-pass to your phone or take a printout. You will need it at every checkpoint.

Tip: Register at least 3 to 7 days before your travel date. The portal slows down during peak booking windows in March and April. If you face technical issues, call the helpline at 0135-2559898.

Accepted government ID (any one):

Aadhaar card

Passport

Voter ID (EPIC)

Driving licence

Other requirements:

Active Indian mobile number for OTP

A clear photo or scan of your ID document

A passport-size photograph (for upload)

Health self-declaration (filled during registration)

Each traveller in your group needs their own ID details entered. The system generates individual QR codes per person.

If you cannot register online, walk-in counters are available at these locations (opened 15 April 2026):

Haridwar — Railway Station area

Rishikesh — Bus Stand

Guptkashi — on the Kedarnath route

Sonprayag — Kedarnath base

Joshimath — on the Badrinath route

Pandukeshwar — last major stop before Badrinath

Carry your original government ID and a photocopy. The counter staff will photograph you, enter your details, and issue a printed QR-coded e-pass on the spot. There is no fee.

Note: Offline counters can have long queues during peak season (May and June). Online registration is strongly recommended.

Once you have your e-pass, expect it to be checked at multiple highway checkpoints on the Badrinath route. Key checkpoint locations include:

Devprayag

Rudraprayag

Chamoli

Pandukeshwar (primary checkpoint for Badrinath)

Badrinath temple gate

At each checkpoint, police or ITBP personnel scan your QR code to verify your registration. You must also show the original government ID you registered with — not a photocopy. If you are driving your own vehicle, keep your vehicle RC and insurance papers handy as well.

Without a valid e-pass, you will be turned back. There is no on-the-spot registration available at checkpoints.

General darshan at Badrinath Temple is free for all devotees. If you want priority access or a special puja, you can book through the official Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) portal.

Official booking portal: badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in

Popular puja options and rates:

Rates are set by BKTC and may be revised during the season. The Maha Abhishek is the most popular option — it provides early morning priority entry and close darshan access. Slots fill quickly during May, June, and the September to October window.

No refund policy: BKTC does not offer cancellations or refunds for any booked puja.

Fraud warning: Every season, fake "VIP darshan passes" are sold via WhatsApp groups and unofficial agents. These are scams. The only legitimate way to book VIP darshan or special pujas is through badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in. Do not pay anyone on WhatsApp, Instagram, or through third-party "agents" who claim temple committee connections.

You can register your entire family or travel group under a single account. Each person needs their own ID details entered during registration. The system generates individual QR codes for every registered traveller.

For groups of 10 or more, a group registration option is available on the portal, which issues a single group code alongside individual QR passes.

Tour operators have a separate registration category and can register their entire guest list in bulk.

Foreign nationals (including NRIs with foreign passports) can register using their passport as the ID document. If you plan to visit Mana village — located 3 km beyond Badrinath near the Tibet border — you may need an Inner Line Permit (ILP). The registration portal handles this; upload your passport and the ILP request is processed within 24 to 48 hours.

Is Badrinath registration free?

Can I visit Badrinath without registering?

Does Badrinath have a daily pilgrim cap like Kedarnath?

How far in advance should I register?

What if I change my travel dates after registering?

Is VIP darshan the same as registration?

I saw someone selling VIP passes on WhatsApp. Is it legit?

How to reach Badrinath from Rishikesh

Badrinath darshan timings and temple schedule

Joshimath to Badrinath — road conditions and travel tips

Kedarnath registration 2026