Dehradun, April 19, 2025 – With the sacred Char Dham Yatra 2025 fast approaching, preparations are in full swing in Uttarakhand. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has confirmed that the doors of Shri Kedarnath Dham will reopen on May 2, followed by the official reopening of Shri Badrinath Dham on May 4.
The announcement was made by BKTC spokesperson on Friday, as advance teams reached Kedarnath Dham to inspect and initiate readiness protocols ahead of the massive influx of pilgrims expected this season.
Kapat Opening Dates of Char Dhams and Kedars Announced
As per the official press release:
Shri Kedarnath Temple (First Kedar): Opens May 2
Shri Badrinath Temple: Opens May 4
Shri Madmaheshwar Temple (Second Kedar): Opens May 21
Shri Tungnath Temple (Third Kedar): Also opens May 2
On-Ground Inspections by BKTC CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal
To ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience, BKTC CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal held a preparatory meeting at Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath earlier this week, finalizing the date for Madmaheshwar Temple’s reopening.
He also conducted site inspections at key temple locations, including:
Maa Barahi Temple, Sansari
Mast Narayan Koti
Shri Triyuginarayan Temple
Gaurimata Temple
Gaurikund and Sonprayag
Temple Committee Guest Houses
Shonitpur (Guptkashi) Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya site
These efforts are a part of the broader plan to ensure logistical readiness, safety infrastructure, and accommodation upgrades across the pilgrimage circuit.
Char Dham Yatra: One of Hinduism’s Most Revered Pilgrimages
The Char Dham Yatra is considered one of the most sacred journeys in Hinduism. It involves the pilgrimage to four Himalayan shrines:
Yamunotri
Gangotri
Kedarnath
Badrinath
As per tradition, the journey is completed in clockwise (dakshinavarti) direction, starting from Yamunotri, then moving to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally ending at Badrinath. Pilgrims believe this sacred circuit purifies the soul and grants moksha (liberation).
Uttarakhand CM Assures Safety and Preparedness
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a statement on April 10, reassured devotees about the state’s commitment to safety, preparedness, and smooth operations throughout the yatra season.
“Preparations for the Char Dham Yatra are well underway. I chaired a review meeting to assess all necessary arrangements. We are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all pilgrims. The Char Dham Yatra is the lifeline of Uttarakhand’s economy,” said CM Dhami.
The CM’s office also confirmed enhanced deployment of disaster response teams, health units, digital monitoring systems, and improved road and air connectivity to handle the seasonal surge.
A Spiritual Journey With Economic Impact
Each year, lakhs of devotees undertake the Char Dham Yatra, not just for religious reasons, but also to experience the serene and sacred aura of the Himalayas. The pilgrimage is a major economic driver for local communities, hospitality businesses, and infrastructure development in the region.
In 2024, more than 5 million pilgrims participated in the Yatra. Authorities expect an even higher turnout in 2025, especially with improving infrastructure and safety measures.
Digital Registrations and Smart Services for Pilgrims
The Uttarakhand government has also reintroduced mandatory online registration for Char Dham pilgrims via official portals and mobile apps. Key smart features this year include:
Real-time weather alerts
Live location tracking
Medical helpline integration
QR-based passes for crowd control
These tech-powered solutions aim to make the 2025 Char Dham Yatra safer, faster, and more spiritually fulfilling for every devotee.
What’s Next?
As the countdown begins for the spiritual season, the message from the Himalayan state is loud and clear — “We are ready.” Whether you’re a first-time pilgrim or a seasoned devotee, the Char Dham Yatra 2025 promises a transformative journey amid devotion, discipline, and divine blessings.
