Char Dham Yatra 2025 has officially begun on Wednesday, April 30. The gates of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines, in Uttarkashi district, were opened for the devotees with traditional Vedic chants, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. More than 22 lakh devotees registered for the pilgrimage at Rishikesh Transit Camp in Rishikesh and headed towards their destination, said Special Duty Officer, Prajapati Nautiyal.

The Uttarakhand government has placed special importance on the safety and security of pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra. Special security mobile teams have been deployed for the safety of pilgrims, stated Nautiyal. Moreover, team of police are also present to assist the yatris at various locations.

Offline registrations for the Yatra started earlier on Monday in Haridwar. Special registration counters have been set up for individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and foreign nationals. Additionally, 20 free registration counters have been installed, District Tourism Officer Shushil Nautiyal said.

Earlier in the morning, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered prayers at the sacred Gangotri Dham, marking the opening of the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Later in the day, he also performed aarti at the Yamunotri temple in Shri Yamunotri Dham.

“Char Dham Yatra has begun, the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri have opened. It is like a festival for the people of Uttarakhand. All the preparations have been done. We want the yatra to be safe, easy, and hassle-free. Various departments have made arrangements. We will be working to facilitate easy yatra for people,” CM Dhami said.

In a post on X, CM Dhami wrote, “The doors of Shri Yamunotri and Shri Gangotri Dham will be opened today on Akshaya Tritiya. The Chardham Yatra 2025 begins today. May Maa Ganga-Yamuna bless you all. #AkshayaTritiya”