PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Tourism and Culture minister Satpal Maharaj said that the number of pilgrims visiting Char Dham has increased following the return to normal conditions. He said pilgrims from across India and abroad are arriving for the pilgrimage and the state’s other tourist destinations are also witnessing a steady rise in visitors. He informed that following the India-Pakistan ceasefire, the situation has gradually stabilised, leading to renewed enthusiasm among pilgrims. As a result, Char Dham-related bookings have picked up, bringing relief to tour and travel operators and local traders. Maharaj said that nearly 34 lakh pilgrims have registered online and offline for the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib Yatra so far. Of these, about 15 lakh pilgrims have already visited Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Hemkund Sahib. Based on guest house bookings by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), authorities estimate a growing number of pilgrims now heading to Char Dham. Since February 2025, GMVN has recorded bookings worth over Rs 14.25 crore through online and offline channels, he said. Maharaj also informed that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will resume on June 30 after a five-year gap. The last yatra was held in 2019 but was halted due to the pandemic. This year, a total of 250 pilgrims will be allowed to participate. Five groups of 50 pilgrims each will take part with the first group entering China through Lipulekh Pass on July 10. The final group will return to India on August 22. The Yatra will be organised by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), Nainital. The route will go from Tanakpur to Dharchula and then to Kailash Mansarovar, returning via Chaukori and Almora. Medical check-ups for all participants will be conducted in Delhi. The minister also said the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra has started, with 7,581 inner line permits issued so far.
