The Char Dham Yatra 2026 season has already begun (April 19). Several new regulations are in effect this year that were not present in previous years. Please read this guide carefully before you travel — non-compliance can result in being turned away at temple checkpoints.
Every year, the Uttarakhand government and temple committees introduce changes to improve pilgrim safety and manage the growing footfall at the Char Dham shrines. The 2026 season has brought several significant rule changes — some controversial, some genuinely safety-improving. This guide covers every change confirmed as of May 2026.
All 7 Rule Changes for 2026
All vehicles registered OUTSIDE Uttarakhand (Delhi DL, Haryana HR, UP, Rajasthan RJ, Maharashtra MH, and all other non-UK plates) must obtain a Green Card (Trip Permit) before entering Char Dham routes. Apply at greencard.uk.gov.in — fee ₹50, takes 5 minutes. Checked at route checkposts. Uttarakhand-registered (UK plate) vehicles are exempt.
All pilgrims heading to Kedarnath are health-screened at the Sonprayag checkpoint. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) below 85% means you may be restricted from proceeding to Kedarnath. The government has deployed 31 health check centres and 20 Medical Relief Posts (MRPs) along all Char Dham routes. Helicopter passengers are exempt from this trek-route screening.
All private and commercial vehicles are banned from Char Dham roads between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Police checkposts enforce this at key points. Plan your daily driving to reach your overnight stop (Sonprayag, Guptkashi, Uttarkashi, Barkot) before 10 PM. Violations result in vehicle detention overnight.
Mobile phones and cameras are now banned inside the inner sanctum (garbhagriha) of Kedarnath and Badrinath temples. Phone deposit counters are set up outside. Photography of the deity is strictly prohibited. Violators face removal from the premises.
All pilgrims aged 55 years and above must carry a medical fitness certificate from a registered doctor. Anyone with pre-existing conditions (heart disease, BP, diabetes, COPD) must also carry a certificate regardless of age. Certificates will be checked at biometric registration checkpoints.
Helicopter bookings for Kedarnath must now be made exclusively through the IRCTC portal (irctc.co.in). Walk-in bookings at helipads are being eliminated. This applies to Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi helipads. Private operators must route bookings through IRCTC.
The Uttarakhand government has introduced entry restrictions for non-Hindus at certain temples in the Char Dham circuit. Non-Hindu visitors may be restricted from entering the inner sanctum. The specific temples and extent of restrictions are being implemented temple-by-temple.
All registered Char Dham Yatra vehicles must now carry a GPS tracker. The Uttarakhand traffic control center monitors all vehicles in real-time. This is part of the government's push to reduce accident rates on mountain roads.
The Uttarakhand government has deployed 177 ambulances along the complete Char Dham route, plus a helicopter ambulance service operated by AIIMS Rishikesh for critical medical emergencies at high altitude. Medical checkpoints are set up at Sonprayag (before Kedarnath) and other key points.
Yamunotri: April 19 → November 11 | Gangotri: April 19 → November 10 | Kedarnath: April 22 → November 11 | Badrinath: April 23 → November 13. All four temples are now open for the 2026 season.
How We Handle These Rules for Our Pilgrims
When you book a Char Dham Yatra with Shiv Ganga Travels, our team handles all compliance automatically:
- We obtain your biometric registration and remind you about documents needed
- We assist with IRCTC helicopter booking if you opt for the helicopter route
- We remind all 55+ pilgrims to get their medical certificate 10 days before departure
- Our guide at each temple briefs you on the specific rules at that dham before you enter
- Phone deposit bags are available in our vehicle — keep your phone safe while inside
Book for 2026 Season — We Handle All Compliance
Medical certificate reminders · IRCTC helicopter booking · Biometric registration — all included.
Sumit Mishra manages day-to-day operations at Shiv Ganga Travels and has personally accompanied pilgrim groups on the Char Dham circuit since 2015. He handles route planning, hotel pre-blocking during peak season, and yatra coordination for 500+ pilgrims annually. Everything published on this site is written from first-hand experience on these routes.