Kedarnath Registration 2026 | Official Website, E-Pass & Online Process Guide

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Kedarnath Yatra Registration 2026 is mandatory, free, and now open at the official government portal registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Every pilgrim must complete their online registration and download the QR e-pass before arriving at Sonprayag. Registration opened on March 6, 2026 and Kedarnath Temple will open on April 22, 2026. This guide covers the complete step-by-step online registration process, required documents, official website link, WhatsApp registration, helicopter booking, and answers to the most commonly asked questions for 2026.

Kedarnath Registration 2026 – Official Website, E-Pass & Complete Online Guide

📅 Last Updated: March 2026 | ✅ Information verified against the official Uttarakhand Tourism & UTDB portal | 🏔️ Covers Kedarnath Yatra 2026 Season

What is Kedarnath Yatra Registration and Why is it Mandatory?

Kedarnath Yatra registration is a mandatory government requirement introduced by the Uttarakhand government and managed by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB). Every pilgrim — regardless of age, nationality, or mode of travel — must register before starting the Kedarnath Yatra in 2026.

Here is why it is compulsory and what it does:

1. Entry Control at Sonprayag Checkpoint The Sonprayag barrier is the final entry gate before Gaurikund and the Kedarnath trek. Without a valid QR-coded e-pass generated through registration, pilgrims are not allowed to proceed beyond this point. Police and SDRF personnel check registrations at this barrier 24 hours a day.

2. Pilgrim Safety & Emergency Tracking The 2013 Kedarnath disaster claimed thousands of lives partly because there was no accurate headcount of pilgrims on the route. Registration ensures authorities know exactly how many people are on the trail and can conduct rescue operations efficiently during floods, snowfall, or landslides.

3. Daily Quota Management The Uttarakhand government enforces a daily pilgrim limit for Kedarnath to prevent overcrowding at high altitude. Registration is the mechanism that enforces this cap. Once the daily quota for a particular date is filled, no new registrations are accepted for that day — which is why early registration is strongly recommended.

4. Medical Screening Compliance Registration collects basic health information and issues a medical certificate requirement for pilgrims above 50 years of age. This reduces the risk of altitude-related medical emergencies on the 16 km trek.

5. It is 100% Free The registration itself has no government fee. Any website charging you for "registration" is a third-party service, not the official system. Always register at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in to avoid fraud.

Kedarnath Registration 2026 – Official Website

The official website for Kedarnath Registration 2026 is:

🌐 registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in

This portal is operated by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) and the Char Dham Devasthanam Management Board. It is the only government-authorized platform for free Kedarnath Yatra registration. No other website is the official registration portal for Kedarnath 2026.

Important facts about the official website:

Detail

Information

Official Portal URL

registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in

Operated By

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board

Registration Fee

₹0 (Completely Free)

Registration Open From

March 6, 2026

Mobile App Available

Yes – Tourist Care Uttarakhand (Android & iOS)

WhatsApp Registration

Yes – Send "Yatra" to +91-9259810571

Helpline Number

0135-1364 (Toll-Free)

⚠️ Warning About Fake Websites: Dozens of unofficial websites mimic the official portal and charge ₹200–₹500 for "registration assistance." These are NOT affiliated with the Uttarakhand government. Registration is free. Never pay for it. Always verify the URL ends in .gov.in before entering your personal details.

How to Do Kedarnath Registration Online in 2026 – Step-by-Step Process

The online registration process for Kedarnath 2026 takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. Follow these steps exactly in sequence:

Step 1 – Open the Official Registration PortalOpen your browser and go to registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. This is the only official, free, government-authorized portal. Alternatively, download the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store for mobile registration. Step 2 – Register / Create a New Account

Click on "Register" on the homepage.
Enter your active Indian mobile number — this number will receive all OTPs and your final e-pass.
Enter the OTP received via SMS within 60 seconds.
Set a password for your account.
Once your account is created, log in with your mobile number and password.

📌 Important: Use a mobile number that you will carry during the entire yatra. Your QR e-pass is linked to this number.Step 3 – Select Char Dham Destination: KedarnathAfter logging in, you will see a list of Char Dham destinations. Select Kedarnath from the list. You will then be asked to choose:

Yatra start date (the date you plan to begin at Sonprayag/Gaurikund)
Number of pilgrims (you can register up to 6 pilgrims in one account)

Choose your dates carefully — once submitted, the date cannot be changed. If your plans change, you will need to cancel and re-register (subject to availability).Step 4 – Fill in Pilgrim Details for Each TravellerFor each pilgrim, you must enter:

Full name (exactly as on ID proof)
Date of birth / Age
Gender
ID proof type (Aadhaar card is preferred — PAN card, Driving Licence, Passport also accepted)
ID proof number
Permanent address

For pilgrims above 50 years of age, a medical fitness certificate will be required. Download the medical certificate format from the portal, get it signed by a registered doctor, and upload it.Step 5 – Upload Required DocumentsUpload scanned copies or clear photographs of:

✅ Aadhaar Card / Government-issued Photo ID (mandatory for each pilgrim)
✅ Passport-size photograph of each pilgrim
✅ Medical Certificate (only for pilgrims aged 50+)

Document upload tips:

File format: JPG or PDF
File size: Max 2MB per document
Ensure the name on the ID exactly matches the name entered in Step 4

Step 6 – Review All Details and SubmitBefore clicking Submit:

Double-check every pilgrim's name spelling — it must match ID proof exactly
Verify the yatra date is correct
Confirm the mobile number is active

Once satisfied, click "Submit". The system will generate a confirmation number immediately.Step 7 – Download Your QR E-PassAfter successful submission, go to "My Registrations" in your account dashboard. You will find a downloadable QR-coded E-Pass for each registered pilgrim.

Print the e-pass or save it on your mobile phone
Each pilgrim must carry their individual e-pass
The QR code is scanned at the Sonprayag barrier — entry is only allowed after successful scan

🟢 Registration Complete! You are now officially registered for Kedarnath Yatra 2026.

Documents Required for Kedarnath Registration 2026

Here is the complete list of documents required for Kedarnath Yatra registration in 2026:

Document Mandatory? Who Needs It

Aadhaar Card ✅ Yes (preferred) All pilgrims

PAN Card ✅ Alternate ID If no Aadhaar

Driving Licence ✅ Alternate ID If no Aadhaar

Passport ✅ For foreign nationals Foreign pilgrims

Passport-size photo ✅ Yes All pilgrims

Medical Certificate ✅ Yes Pilgrims aged 50+ only

COVID Certificate ❌ Not required in 2026

Key points on documents:

The name on your ID must exactly match the name entered during registration. Even a spelling difference can cause issues at the checkpoint.
Medical certificates for senior pilgrims (50+) must be from a government-registered doctor. The format is available on the official portal.
Foreign nationals must register with their passport number and provide a copy of their valid Indian visa.
Keep both digital and printed copies of your e-pass and ID proof during the yatra.

Alternative Methods to Register for Kedarnath Yatra 2026

Besides the official website, the Uttarakhand government offers three additional ways to register:

Method 2 – Tourist Care Uttarakhand Mobile App

The Tourist Care Uttarakhand app is the official mobile application for Char Dham Yatra registration. It is available on both Android (Google Play Store) and iOS (Apple App Store).

The app offers the same features as the website:

New registration
QR e-pass download
Pilgrim tracking
Helpline access

This is the best option for pilgrims who prefer mobile over desktop.

Method 3 – WhatsApp Registration

The Uttarakhand government has introduced a WhatsApp-based registration system for pilgrims who find app or website navigation difficult.

How to register via WhatsApp:

Save the number +91-9259810571 in your contacts
Send the message "Yatra" to this number
A chatbot will guide you through the registration step by step
At the end, you will receive a confirmation link and QR e-pass on WhatsApp itself

This method is especially useful for older pilgrims or those from rural areas with limited internet experience.

Method 4 – Offline Registration Counters

For pilgrims who cannot complete online registration, offline counters are available at the following locations:

Location Counter Opens

Haridwar (ISBT / Tourist Office) April 15, 2026

Rishikesh (Tourist Office) April 15, 2026

Guptkashi April 18, 2026

Sonprayag April 20, 2026

Phata April 20, 2026

Sitapur April 20, 2026

⚠️ Offline registration comes with serious disadvantages: Long queues (sometimes 3–6 hours), limited daily quota, and no guarantee of getting your preferred date. Online registration is strongly recommended.

Kedarnath Helicopter Registration 2026 – How It's Different From Yatra Registration

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Kedarnath Yatra planning. Many pilgrims search for "helicopter registration" expecting to find a single combined system. Here is the clear distinction:

Yatra Registration Helicopter Booking

What it is

Mandatory permission to enter Kedarnath Optional helicopter ticket for the 16 km route

Official Portal

registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in heliyatra.irctc.co.in

Cost

Free (₹0) Paid (₹3,500–₹5,000 per person approx.)

Mandatory?

YES – for all pilgrims NO – optional (trek is the alternative)

Do first?

✅ Always do this first ❌ Cannot book without Yatra registration number

In simple terms: You MUST complete your Yatra registration first. After registration, you receive a registration number. This registration number is required when booking helicopter tickets on the IRCTC Heli Yatra portal.

Kedarnath helicopter service routes in 2026:

Phata – Kedarnath – Phata
Sitapur – Kedarnath – Sitapur
Guptkashi – Kedarnath – Guptkashi
Sersi – Kedarnath – Sersi

Helicopter tickets open on a separate portal and typically sell out within days of opening. Book as early as possible once your yatra registration is confirmed.

Kedarnath Yatra 2026 – Important Dates & Registration Timeline

Event Date

Online Registration Opens March 6, 2026

Offline Counter Registration Opens April 15, 2026

Kedarnath Temple Opens (Kapat Opening) April 22, 2026

Expected Peak Season Begins May 2026 *post-school holiday

Kedarnath Temple Closes (Kapat Closing) November 2026 (date TBA)

Tips based on these dates:

Register in March itself. Daily quotas fill up fast once the Kapat opening date is announced. Waiting until April means your preferred dates will likely be unavailable.
Plan your trek for May or October to avoid peak-season crowds while still enjoying good weather.
Check the portal weekly from late February onward for any date updates or policy changes.

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Kedarnath Registration 2026

These are the errors that pilgrims most frequently make — and that cause the most problems at the Sonprayag checkpoint:

Mistake 1: Name Mismatch Between Registration and ID Entering "Ram Kumar" in registration but carrying an Aadhaar that says "Ramkumar" (no space) causes entry denial. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your ID, character for character.

Mistake 2: Using Someone Else's Mobile Number Registration OTP and e-pass are tied to the registered mobile number. If that number isn't with the pilgrim at the checkpoint, scanning can fail. Always use the pilgrim's own active number.

Mistake 3: Registering on a Fake Website Dozens of lookalike websites charge money for registration. The real registration is always free. Only use registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.

Mistake 4: Forgetting to Download the E-Pass Registration without downloading the QR e-pass is incomplete. No e-pass = no entry at Sonprayag. Download immediately after submission and take both a printout and a screenshot.

Mistake 5: Not Getting Medical Certificate for 50+ Pilgrims Senior pilgrims (age 50 and above) are required to upload a medical fitness certificate. Many skip this step or leave it for the last minute. Get it done before you sit down to register.

Mistake 6: Choosing Wrong Yatra Date The registration date is the date you plan to reach Sonprayag/Gaurikund — not your departure date from home. If you live in Delhi and plan to trek on April 28, register for April 28, not April 25 (your travel start date).

Mistake 7: Waiting Too Long to Register Popular dates in May sell out within hours of quota release. If you have fixed travel dates, register on the first day the portal opens (March 6, 2026).

Q. What is the official website for Kedarnath registration 2026?

The official website for Kedarnath Yatra registration 2026 is registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, operated by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. Registration on this portal is completely free. Pilgrims can also register via the Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile app or by sending "Yatra" on WhatsApp to +91-8394833833.

Q. Is Kedarnath registration free in 2026?

Yes, Kedarnath Yatra registration is completely free in 2026. The government charges no fee for registration on the official portal. Any website asking you to pay for registration is a third-party commercial service, not the official government system.

Q. When did Kedarnath registration open in 2026?

Kedarnath Yatra 2026 online registration opened on March 6, 2026. Offline counter registration at locations like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Sonprayag opens from April 15, 2026.

Q. Can I visit Kedarnath without registration in 2026?

No. Entry beyond the Sonprayag barrier is strictly not allowed without a valid QR-coded e-pass generated through official registration. Police and SDRF personnel check registrations at multiple checkpoints on the route.

Q. What documents are required for Kedarnath registration?

The documents required are: a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card preferred, PAN card or Driving Licence also accepted), a passport-size photograph for each pilgrim, and a medical fitness certificate for pilgrims aged 50 years and above. Foreign nationals must provide their passport and Indian visa copy.

Q. How do I register for Kedarnath Yatra via WhatsApp?

To register via WhatsApp, save the number +91-8394833833 and send the message "Yatra" to it. A government chatbot will guide you through the registration process step by step and send your QR e-pass link on WhatsApp once complete.

Q. Is Kedarnath helicopter registration different from yatra registration?

Yes. Yatra registration (free, at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) is mandatory for all pilgrims. Helicopter booking (paid, at heliyatra.irctc.co.in) is optional and separate. You must complete yatra registration first — your registration number is needed when booking helicopter tickets.

Q. When does Kedarnath Temple open in 2026?

Kedarnath Temple (Kapat Opening) is scheduled for April 22, 2026. The exact time of opening is traditionally 8:00 AM and is announced by the temple committee based on auspicious muhurat.

Q. Can I change my registration date after submission?

Registration dates cannot be directly modified after submission. If you need to change your yatra date, you must cancel the existing registration and submit a new registration — subject to availability on the desired date.

Q. How many pilgrims can I register in one account?

You can register up to 6 pilgrims under a single account on the official portal. Each pilgrim will receive their own individual QR e-pass linked to the registered mobile number.

Plan Your Complete Kedarnath Yatra 2026 – Packages & Itineraries

Now that your Kedarnath registration is sorted, the next step is planning the full yatra experience. From Gaurikund to the temple, the 16 km trek involves careful preparation — the right accommodation, ponies or palki if needed, and a well-planned itinerary make all the difference between a stressful trip and a life-changing pilgrimage.

We have put together complete Kedarnath Yatra packages for 2026 from major departure cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Bangalore — covering accommodation, transfers, trek support, and meals.

👉 [View Kedarnath Yatra Packages 2026] ← (Link this button to your Yatra & Tour Packages page)

👉 [Kedarnath + Badrinath Combo Packages] ← (Link this button to your Char Dham Combo page)

👉 [Plan Your Kedarnath Itinerary] ← (Link this button to your Trip Planning page)

📞 Need help with registration or planning? Contact us at [gsmindiaproject@gmail.com] or [+919259810571]

Kedarnath Yatra Registration 2026

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