The Badrinath Dham pilgrimage has reached a major milestone in 2026, with 1,779,805 devotees visiting the shrine by September 22, according to figures cited by the Uttarakhand government. The pilgrimage season began on April 23, meaning the latest figure was achieved in 153 days, while the temple is still expected to remain open for several more weeks before its winter closure.
The latest footfall comes as the Char Dham Yatra continues to attract large numbers of pilgrims. The state government has highlighted improved arrangements, pilgrim facilities and safety measures as part of the ongoing yatra management.
Badrinath Pilgrim Footfall Over the Years
Tourism Department data shows that Badrinath recorded 695,332 visitors in 2000, the year Uttarakhand was formed. By 2007, the number had increased to 768,107, while the annual footfall crossed the one-million mark in both 2008 and 2010.
The 2014 disaster resulted in a sharp decline in pilgrimage numbers, with only 159,575 devotees visiting Badrinath that year.
Visitor numbers subsequently recovered. In 2018, the shrine recorded 1,048,051 pilgrims, followed by 1,244,993 in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic then caused another major drop, with 155,055 visitors recorded in 2020 and 199,409 in 2021.
Footfall increased substantially after the pandemic. Badrinath recorded 1,763,578 visitors in 2022, followed by 1,780,429 in 2023, 1,774,264 in 2024 and 1,778,298 in 2025.
6,685 Devotees Visited Badrinath on September 22
The pilgrimage continues to see strong daily footfall. On September 22, a total of 6,685 devotees had darshan at Badrinath Dham, according to the state government’s figures.
The official Uttarakhand pilgrimage portal confirms that the 2026 Badrinath Yatra began on April 23.
With the pilgrimage season still underway, the total number of visitors could continue to rise before the shrine closes for the winter.
Government Focuses on Pilgrim Facilities
The Uttarakhand government has said that arrangements have been strengthened for the second phase of the Char Dham Yatra, with particular attention being given to facilities at the dhams and along the pilgrimage routes. Health and safety arrangements have also been reinforced.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the government is working to improve facilities at Badrinath Dham while preserving its religious and mythological significance. He said the objective is to provide devotees with better facilities and a more comfortable pilgrimage experience.
The government has also highlighted the role of improved pilgrimage management and infrastructure in handling the rising number of visitors during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra.
Disclaimer: This article is based on figures and statements released or cited by the Uttarakhand government and other publicly available sources. Pilgrimage figures and related arrangements may change as the yatra season continues. Readers should refer to official Uttarakhand government and Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee updates for the latest information.