Kedarnath Registration

Overview

Kedarnath Yatra registration is mandatory for all pilgrims since 2022. No pilgrim is permitted beyond the Sonprayag check post without a valid registration slip and matching photo ID. The registration is managed by the Uttarakhand government at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in and is completely free.

The registration system serves two purposes: (1) it enforces the daily pilgrim cap (~12,000–15,000/day) to prevent overcrowding at the 3,583 m altitude site, and (2) it creates an emergency contact database — critical for search and rescue operations in extreme weather events.

Planning

Step-by-step Kedarnath registration process:

1. Open the portal: Visit registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in on your phone or computer. The portal works on mobile browsers — no app download needed (though an official app is also available).
2. Create an account: Click "New Registration". Enter your mobile number — an OTP will be sent for verification. Create a password and complete the account setup.
3. Personal details: Enter full name (exactly as on your ID), date of birth, gender, state, city and address. Enter your ID type and number (Aadhaar is recommended).
4. Upload photo: Upload a clear, recent passport-size photo (JPG/PNG, under 2 MB). The photo must match your appearance — it is used for biometric verification at check posts.
5. Select dham and date: Choose "Kedarnath" as your dham. Select your preferred visit date from the available calendar. Green dates have slots available; red dates are full. If your preferred date is full, select an alternative or check back — cancellations release slots daily.
6. Download slip: After submission, download the registration slip as a PDF. Print it (A4 size, clear print) or save it offline on your phone. You need this slip at the Sonprayag checkpoint — have it ready without needing internet access.
7. Carry original ID: The original photo ID used for registration must be carried throughout the journey. Photocopies are not accepted. The name on the slip must exactly match the name on the ID.

Travel Information

• When does Kedarnath 2026 registration open? Registration for the 2026 season typically opens 4–6 weeks before the Kedarnath opening date (Akshaya Tritiya, ~29 April 2026). This means registration should open in mid-to-late March 2026. Check the portal from 1 March 2026 onwards.
• How quickly do slots fill? Opening-week (late April–early May) slots fill within hours of becoming available. May peak-season slots fill within 1–3 days. June slots fill within 1–2 weeks. September–October slots are much easier — available within 1–3 days of your visit date.
• Medical certificate for 60+ pilgrims: Pilgrims aged 60 and above must upload a medical fitness certificate at registration. The certificate must be issued by a registered MBBS doctor, dated within 15 days of the registration, and must state that the pilgrim is physically fit for high-altitude pilgrimage. Hospitals in Haridwar and Rishikesh routinely issue these for pilgrim patients.
• NRI and foreign national registration: Indian passport holders (NRI) register with their Indian passport number. Foreign nationals register with passport number + Indian visa number. The process is the same as for Indian residents.
• Helicopter pilgrims also need registration: Even if you are traveling by helicopter to Kedarnath, registration is mandatory. The registration slip is checked at the Phata/Guptkashi helipad before boarding and again at the Kedarnath temple check post.

Tips

• Register as soon as the portal opens: Do not wait until your travel date approaches. For May visits especially, register the moment the portal opens for your travel month.
• Save the slip offline: Mobile signal at Sonprayag is unreliable and frequently absent at Gaurikund. Save the registration slip PDF offline — download it to your phone's gallery or WhatsApp to yourself so you can access it without internet at the checkpoint.
• If your date is full — what to do: (1) Check for cancellations daily — people frequently cancel when plans change. (2) Select an adjacent date and adjust your travel plan by 1 day. (3) Visit registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in at midnight — new-day slots are sometimes released at 12:00 AM. (4) Contact the Char Dham Registration helpline: 0135-2552627.
• Do not pay anyone for registration: Kedarnath registration is 100% free. Numerous agents and websites charge ₹500–₹2,000 for "registration assistance" — this is unnecessary. The portal is straightforward and designed for self-service. If you need help, your hotel in Guptkashi or Haridwar can guide you through it for free.
• One registration per dham per visit: If you are doing the full Char Dham Yatra, you need separate registrations for each dham (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath) on the respective visit dates. The Char Dham registration is a combined portal — select each dham individually when adding to your registration profile.

FAQs

How do I register for Kedarnath Yatra 2026?

Register at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in (free). Steps: Create account → Enter personal details + photo ID + passport photo → Select Kedarnath and visit date → Download PDF slip → Print or save offline. Carry the slip + original ID throughout the journey. Check post at Sonprayag — no slip = no entry.

What documents are required for Kedarnath registration?

Required: (1) Photo ID — Aadhaar (recommended), Voter ID, Passport or Driving Licence. (2) Passport-size digital photo for upload. (3) Mobile number for OTP. For pilgrims 60+: Medical fitness certificate from MBBS doctor (dated within 15 days). NRI: Indian passport. Foreign nationals: Passport + India visa number.

Is Kedarnath registration free?

Yes — Kedarnath Yatra registration is completely free at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Zero fee, zero service charge. Any agent or website charging for registration is unnecessary — do it yourself for free in under 10 minutes. Only cost: printing the slip (₹2–₹5).