Badrinath Yatra 2026: The portals of Badrinath Dham, the revered shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, officially reopened for devotees today, April 13. The ceremony was held in the early hours of the morning, completing the opening of the Char Dham Circuit for this season.
The temple was decorated with nearly 15-20 quintals of flowers. The inaugural ceremony was led by the head priest (Rawal) and was attended by thousands of devotees along with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
“I bow to Sri Badrish, the bearer of the four goals of life, the Lord of lords, the Lord of the universe, who has made his abode in Bhumi-Vaikuntha,” Dhami wrote in an X post announcing the reopening of Badrinath Dham. “On the auspicious occasion of the opening of the gates of Shri Badrinath Dham, the sacred land of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu, I had the good fortune to be present.
Read also | Kedarnath Dham 2026 Portals Open Today: Detailed Yatra Registration Guide
Entry restrictions for non-Hindus
In the first, restrictions were imposed on the entry of non-Hindus into three shrines – Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri. The Gangotri Temple Committee has ordered that non-Sanatanists must consume “panchgavya” (a combination of cow’s urine, dung, milk, curd and ghee) to enter the premises.
The Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has made it compulsory for non-Hindus to submit an affidavit of belief in Sanatan Dharma for entry.
However, the Yamunotri Temple Committee has decided to welcome all devotees irrespective of religion.
The authorities have also banned the use of mobile phones and cameras in all temple premises.
Badrinath Yatra 2026: Daily Temple Timings
Once the initial opening day rush subsides, the temple usually follows this schedule:
Nirmalya Darshan: 4:30 – 6:30
General Darshan: 6:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
Temple Break: 13:00 – 16:00 (closed for rituals)
Evening Darshan: 16:00 – 21:00
Badrinath Yatra 2026: Mandatory Registration Process
The Uttarakhand state government has made registration mandatory for all pilgrims. You cannot visit the shrine without a valid Yatra Registration Letter (QR Code).
Online registration: Visit registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.
WhatsApp registration: Text ‘YATRA’ to +91-8394833833.
Mobile application: Use “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” app.
Offline: Registration counters are available at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Sonprayag and Pandukeshwar.
Read also | The Kedarnath Temple opens in Uttarakhand to mark the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra
Badrinath Yatra 2026: Detailed Online Registration Guide
This is the fastest way to get your Yatra Pass with QR code which is required at check points like Sonprayag.
- Visit the official portal at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.
- Click on “Register/Login”. You can register as an individual, family or tour operator.
- Enter your mobile number and email. You will receive an OTP; enter it to verify and create a password.
- After logging in, go to your dashboard and click on “Create/Manage Tour Information”. Select “Char Dham Yatra 2026” and select Kedarnath and any other shrines you plan to visit.
- Enter the full name, age, gender and address of each passenger.
- You will need to upload the following documents:
– Passport size photo
– Valid proof of identity (Aadhaar card, voter ID or passport) - Once submitted, your Yatra Registration Letter (e-Pass) containing a unique QR code will be generated.
- Download and print a hard copy for travel.
Read also | Non-Hindus will be banned from entering Badrinath, Kedarnath from this year
Badrinath Temple: Travel and Safety Guidelines
Weather: Even in April and May, temperatures in Badrinath can drop to 5°C or below. Wear heavy woolen clothes.
Health consultancy: Badrinath is located at an altitude of approximately 10,279 feet. Pilgrims are advised to undergo a medical examination and spend at least one night at a lower altitude (like Joshimath) to acclimatize.
Vehicle permit: If you drive your own vehicle, you must obtain a green card or travel card through greencard.uk.gov.in.
Night restrictions: For safety reasons, the movement of vehicles on mountain roads is restricted between 22:00 and 04:00.
