The highly anticipated Char Dham Yatra, a sacred journey to four revered sites—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—will kick off on May 10th this year. Pilgrims flock to these holy destinations, which remain closed for about six months annually, reopening in the summer months of April or May and closing as winter approaches in October or November.
For those looking to embark on this spiritual journey, registration for the Char Dham Yatra 2024 can be done through the official website: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.
Travelers have the option to reach these destinations by road or by air, with helicopter services being a popular choice. Some pilgrims opt for the Do Dham Yatra, which involves visiting just two shrines—Kedarnath and Badrinath—details of which can be found on the Uttarakhand Tourism website.
To ensure a smooth and secure experience, Vinay Shankar Pandey, the Commissioner of Garhwal, has advised pilgrims to book helicopter tickets exclusively through the official IRCTC website, cautioning against fraudulent activities in the market.
Enhancements have been made to improve the overall Yatra experience, including upgraded parking facilities. This year, there are 20 designated parking areas accommodating 1,495 vehicles, a considerable increase from last year's nine areas. An app will also be utilized to monitor parking spaces.
The Civil Aviation Department is introducing heli-transport services from Gauchar to Badrinath, with a one-way fare of Rs. 3,970. Additional charges such as GST and IRCTC convenience fees apply and must be paid separately.
During the initial 15 days of the Char Dham Yatra, VVIP darshan will be restricted to all four shrines. To maintain cleanliness along the pilgrimage routes, 700 sanitation workers have been deployed. Furthermore, modern restrooms have been introduced, including four high-tech modular restrooms and an equal number of mobile modular restrooms.
In case of any concerns or emergencies, tourists can dial 112 for assistance.
The transport department has decided to maintain the same fares as previous years, denying requests from transporters to raise bus and taxi fares.
For those considering helicopter services, here are the rental rates:
Govindghat to Gauchar: Rs. 3,970
Gauchar to Govindghat: Rs. 3,960
Gauchar to Badrinath: Rs. 3,960
Badrinath to Gauchar: Rs. 3,960
Badrinath to Govindghat: Rs. 1,320
Govindghat to Badrinath: Rs. 1,320
Govindghat to Ghangaria: Rs. 2,780
Ghangaria to Govindghat: Rs. 2,780
Note: These rates do not include GST or the IRCTC convenience fee, which are charged separately.
For inquiries or assistance related to the Char Dham Yatra and GMVN hotel bookings, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board can be contacted at the following numbers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.:
0135-2559898
0135-2552628
0135-2552627
0135-2552626
For office-related inquiries regarding the Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Management Board, reach out to:
0135-2741600
For general inquiries and online prasad services, call:
+91-7302257116
For assistance at Shri Kedarnath Temple, dial:
+91-8534001008
For assistance at Shri Badrinath Temple, call:
+91-8979001008
For online services or international pilgrims' assistance, contact:
+91-7060728843
