Now medical test will have to be done before going to Chardham, Uttarakhand government has issued strict health protocol:

This time the state government has made strict security arrangements regarding the world famous Chardham Yatra 2026 of Uttarakhand. Due to the extreme altitude of the Himalayas and the lack of oxygen there, the health of the devotees is often adversely affected. To prevent such untoward incidents and deaths, the government has implemented a new ‘health protocol’. Now it will be mandatory to undergo medical examination before starting the journey.

Fitness report mandatory for passengers aged 55+ and sick passengers

The administration has made it clear that the safety of the devotees is of paramount importance. According to the new rules, health checkup of every passenger will be done before setting foot on the travel route. Especially for devotees above 55 years of age and those who are already suffering from heart disease, asthma, diabetes or high BP, it will be mandatory to show ‘fitness certificate’ issued by a doctor. Without this, permission will not be given to proceed further.

‘Health ATM’ and hi-tech medical network on the travel route

The government has deployed modern facilities to ensure that the devotees do not face any medical problems on the way:

Health ATM: ‘Health ATMs’ have been installed at major stops like Guptkashi, Fata and Gaurikund. Here passengers will be able to check their blood pressure, sugar and oxygen level absolutely free of cost.

Medical Posts: 31 Health Screening Centers and 20 Medical Relief Posts (MRP) have been set up along the entire Yatra route.

Army of doctors: More than 1,350 doctors and paramedical staff will be ready to help the devotees. AIIMS Rishikesh’s heli-ambulance has also been kept on standby for emergencies.

‘E-Health Dham’ portal: Digital monitoring will help

This time the journey has also been made digitally safe. The government has launched ‘e-health dham’ portal. Passengers will have to upload their medical history and current health information on this portal. The advantage of this will be that if a passenger’s health deteriorates, the administration will have his medical information in advance and he will be able to get the right treatment immediately.

Advisory: Do not climb the mountains directly, give time to your body

The Health Department has issued special advice for travelers. Travelers have been suggested to stay there for at least 24 to 48 hours after reaching Haridwar or Rishikesh so that their body can acclimatize to the high altitude environment. Apart from this, it has been asked to start practicing yoga, pranayam and walking one month before starting the journey.

Yatra Schedule: When will the doors of which Dham open?

Chardham Yatra of the year 2026 is starting from 19th April. The dates of opening of doors of temples are as follows:

Yamunotri and Gangotri: 19 April 2026

Kedarnath Dham: 22 April 2026

Badrinath Dham: 23 April 2026

Devotees can register themselves through the official website or helpline number 1364. Travel will not be allowed without registration and without meeting health standards.