Dehradun: Officials announced today that the Kedarnath Dham will welcome all pilgrims from April 25. The yatra will begin on the same day.
The officials also said that pilgrims can choose to reach the Kedarnath Dham by foot or by helicopter.
The state tourism department has authorized the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to handle online bookings for helicopter services to Kedarnath Dham.
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council reported that more than 6.34 lakh pilgrims have registered for the Chardham Yatra so far.
Out of these, 2.41 lakh have registered for Kedarnath Dham, 2.01 lakh for Badrinath Dham, 95,107 for Yamunotri and 96,449 for Gangotri Dham.
Chief Minister Dhami said that health ATMs will be installed for health screening during the Chardham Yatra. He said that this will provide convenience to the pilgrims and improve the medical facilities on the route.
The Rudraprayag district administration had started preparations for the Chardham Yatra on March 11.
The Chardham Yatra is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimages in India. It covers four sacred sites – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri – located in the Himalayas.
The shrines are closed for about six months every year due to winter. They open in summer (April or May) and close in winter (October or November).
The Chardham Yatra will start on April 22 with the opening of the Yamunotri and Gangotri temples. Kedarnath will open on April 25 and Badrinath on April 27.”