The Char Dham Yatra 2026 is officially starting with the Kedarnath shrine opening on April 22. Following the earlier openings of Yamunotri and Gangotri on April 19, Badrinath will open its doors on April 23. This year's pilgrimage season has introduced significant measures to enhance safety and preserve the spiritual experience, including a complete ban on mobile phones and cameras inside the temple complexes of Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Gangotri. Additionally, every pilgrim, especially those over 55 or with pre-existing health conditions, must undergo a mandatory medical check-up before embarking on the journey. Registration is required for all individuals and vehicles, which can be done through the official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Pilgrims will receive darshan slot tokens to help manage the flow of visitors and prevent overcrowding. For those unable to trek the challenging 16–18 km route to Kedarnath from Gaurikund, helicopter services are available through the IRCTC portal. While Yamunotri remains accessible to all, entry to Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Gangotri has specific restrictions for non-Hindus, emphasizing a focus on the spiritual journey rather than digital documentation.