The Uttarakhand government announced on February 17, 2026, that it may soon charge a fee for online registrations for the Char Dham Yatra. Last year, over 50 lakh pilgrims took part in the yatra, which is vital to the state's religious tourism economy. Vinay Shankar Pandey, Commissioner of Garhwal, said a committee has been set up to finalize the fee amount quickly. "This step is to discourage non-genuine registrations," he explained, adding that fake entries have caused overcrowding, logistic challenges, and safety issues in past years. The fee will be implemented only after the committee's recommendations and the state government's approval. The yatra's schedule for this year starts on April 19 with Yamunotri and Gangotri opening. Kedarnath and Badrinath portals will open on April 22 and April 23, respectively.