Latest news with #UttarakhandTourismDepartment
New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
Faith triumphs: Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage breaks all records amidst Himalayan fury
DEHRADUN: Faith and unwavering devotion have once again proven stronger than the formidable challenges posed by nature, as pilgrims flock to Uttarakhand's revered Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib. Despite treacherous weather, cloudbursts and landslide-blocked routes, over 42 lakh devotees had visited these holy sites by Sunday evening. Hemkund Sahib, the sacred Sikh shrine, has notably achieved a new milestone, welcoming a record number of pilgrims. The complexities and road obstacles along the paths to the Char Dhams and Hemkund Sahib have been rendered insignificant by the sheer dedication of the devotees. This indomitable spirit was particularly evident among pilgrims heading to Hemkund Sahib, the meditation site of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. "By Sunday, the number of pilgrims visiting Char Dham had crossed 4,206,386," Yogendra Gangwar, Joint Director of the Uttarakhand Tourism Department's pilgrimage division, told TNIE. He further elaborated on the breakdown, stating, "This includes 1,459,752 pilgrims who visited Kedarnath and 1,250,582 devotees from India and abroad who arrived to offer prayers at Badrinath." Gangwar also provided figures for the other sacred sites. "The number of pilgrims reaching Yamunotri Dham so far this time has been 586,492, while Gangotri Dham's pilgrim count reached 669,214 on August 5. Subsequently, due to the Dharali disaster, the route has been closed for the past 12 days, preventing further pilgrims from visiting," he explained.
India Today
03-08-2025
- India Today
Travelling to Mussoorie? You now need to register to visit the hill station
Mussoorie, the 'Queen of the Hills,' has long-drawn travellers with its cool weather, winding roads, and scenic views. But rising visitor numbers in recent years have led to overcrowding and traffic jams that affect both tourists and locals. To tackle these challenges, the Uttarakhand government now requires everyone planning a trip to Mussoorie to register online in advance. Starting August 1, 2025, the digital registration system will give authorities real-time data on footfall, help manage crowds, and ensure smoother travel what you need to know about the new rule, how to sign up, and why some hoteliers are raising concerns.1. NEW REGISTRATION RULE FROM AUGUST 1The Uttarakhand Tourism Department has launched a dedicated portal for Mussoorie visitor must register before setting out; there is no on-the-spot registration step is meant to prevent overcrowding at popular spots such as Mall Road, Gun Hill, and Kempty Falls.2. HOW TO REGISTER ONLINEVisit the Official Portal: Go to can also find the link on the Dehradun administration's website.)Enter Personal Details: Provide your full name, valid Indian mobile number (or email for foreign visitors), arrival and departure dates, number of people travelling with you, and vehicle registration (if you bring your car).Verify With OTP: Indian nationals will receive an OTP via SMS; foreign tourists will get it by email. Enter the code to confirm your identity.3. RECEIVING AND USING YOUR QR CODEOnce your details are confirmed, the system generates a unique QR or screenshot this QR code before you leave the QR code at all Mussoorie entry checkpoints, popular viewpoints, and at your hotel during check-in. Authorities and hoteliers are instructed to verify it.4. GOVERNMENT 'S RATIONALE FOR REGISTRATIONTraffic Management: With tourist arrivals nearly doubling from 2022 to 2024, roads and parks have become Data: Officials can track visitor patterns and deploy resources such as sanitation crews and traffic police where they are needed Services: Better planning of waste management, public restrooms, and emergency services will improve the overall visitor experience.5. CONCERNS FROM HOTELIERS AND LOCALSWhile many welcome the move, some hotel owners and local businesses have voiced objections:Complexity: Distinguishing between daily commuters, local employees, and genuine tourists could be tricky, they Challenges: Small guesthouses in narrow lanes may struggle to verify QR codes at every on Spontaneous Trips: Last-minute travellers worry they may miss out if they forget to register in planning a Mussoorie getaway should complete the online form before hitting the road. The Uttarakhand government has said it will review feedback from hoteliers and fine-tune the process as needed. In the meantime, make your trip smoother by registering early and don't forget to keep that QR code handy!- Ends
Mint
01-08-2025
- Mint
Travelling to Mussoorie? You now need to register to visit the hill station — Website, steps, and other key details
If you are planning a trip to hills in Mussoorie, then don't forget to check the new rule which the Uttarakhand government announced that the tourists need to register from today, August 1 at so that the number of visitors can be precisely reviewed, and therefore, better facilities can be offered to them. According to the District Tourism Officer Brijendra Pandey, this has been brought to manage with overcrowding and dealing with traffic at the prominent tourist spot. The also came as the arrival of tourists in the town have nearly doubled between 2022 and 2024, he mentioned. "The move will provide real-time data on tourist footfall in the town," Pandey added as per a PTI report, noting hoteliers and owners of similar facilities have been ordered to abide by the new rule. Go to the authorised website operated by the Uttarakhand Tourism Department: You can also find the official link through the Dehradun administration's web page or verified government sources. 2. Fill out the digital application with the following information: Your full legal name, a working contact number (Indian mobile number for domestic visitors, email ID for foreigners), your travel dates (arrival and departure), total number of individuals accompanying you, vehicle number plate (only if you're bringing your own vehicle). 3. Confirm through OTP. You'll be sent a one-time password (OTP) to verify your identity: Indian nationals will get the OTP via SMS and International tourists will receive it in their email inbox. 4. Receive and Use Your QR Code. Once the details are confirmed, the system will generate a personalized QR code. You'll need to present this code at entry points and during hotel check-ins to validate your registration. Earlier in May, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had directed the Uttarakhand government to begin tourist registration in the hill station and provide data routinely. 'Earlier in May, the NGT had asked the state government to initiate tourist registration in the hill station and submit data regularly,' the New Indian Express quoted Sanjay Agarwal, President of the Mussoorie Hotel Association, as saying. President of the Nainital Hotel Association, Digvijay Singh Bisht showcased disagreements with the initiative and said, "Thousands come daily to the District Court, High Court, and other government offices. Besides, Nainital has a resident population of 7,000 households. How will we differentiate daily commuters from tourists? This will only introduce unnecessary complexity."
New Indian Express
31-07-2025
- New Indian Express
In a first, Mussoorie to launch mandatory online registration for tourists from August 1
DEHRADUN: In a historic first for the 'Queen of Hills,' Mussoorie is set to introduce mandatory online registration for all visiting tourists starting August 1. The pioneering move, announced by the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, aims to better manage the burgeoning tourist influx and alleviate severe traffic congestion during peak seasons. Under the new regulations, visitors planning a trip to Mussoorie will be required to register on the tourism department's official website using their Aadhaar card before their arrival. While the department intends to maintain some flexibility in the initial phase to ensure a smooth transition for tourists, the long-term goal is a more regulated system. According to the official sources, the decision comes in response to directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), pushing for a more structured approach to tourism in popular destinations. Similar to the well-established Chardham pilgrimage registration system, this framework will also assign responsibility to hotel and homestay operators, who will need to ensure their guests comply with the new registration rules. "This system is not intended to deter tourists from visiting Mussoorie," stated Dhiraj Garbyal, Secretary of the Tourism Department. "Instead, it's a step towards promoting more organized and sustainable tourism." He added that this registration model could potentially be rolled out across other high-pressure hill stations in the state in the future.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Time of India
Planning a trip to Mussoorie? These new tourist rules every traveller must know
If you're planning a long weekend getaway to Mussoorie from 15th to 17th August, there are some important new rules you should know. Mussoorie, the picturesque 'Queen of the Hills,' continues to attract travellers year-round with its cool climate and scenic beauty. However, the sharp rise in tourist numbers has begun to overwhelm the town's infrastructure, leading to traffic snarls, water shortages, and environmental stress. In an effort to manage this surge responsibly, the Uttarakhand government has introduced new digital regulations for both tourists and accommodation providers. From mandatory online guest registration to proposed pre-arrival QR codes, these measures aim to streamline crowd control and protect Mussoorie's fragile ecosystem while ensuring a smoother, safer experience for visitors. Digital guest registration now mandatory in Mussoorie To streamline tourist monitoring, all hotels, guest houses, and homestays in Mussoorie must now register on a new digital portal developed by the Uttarakhand Tourism Department. Accommodation providers are required to log guest details in real time at check-in through the platform. Key details required from accommodation providers: Property name and type (hotel, homestay, etc.) Total number of rooms and guest capacity Owner's name and contact information Once registered, establishments must regularly update guest check-in data on the portal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experience next-level CPAP comfort with Resmed AirSense 11 ResMed Enquire Now Undo The goal is to build a centralised, transparent database to support better crowd and infrastructure management. Tourist pre-registration may soon be required in Mussoorie Beyond regulating accommodations, authorities are considering a mandatory tourist pre-registration system during peak seasons. Visitors may soon need to register online before travelling to Mussoorie. The proposed system would include: OTP-based online registration Submission of traveller and vehicle details Generation of a QR code upon registration Visitors would need to present this QR code at one of Mussoorie's main entry points: Kimadi, Kempty Fall, or Kuthal Gate, each equipped with Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems for verification. Why Mussoorie is introducing these new measures Tourist numbers to Mussoorie reportedly doubled between 2022 and 2024, boosting local businesses but also placing immense pressure on the town's infrastructure. The surge in visitors has led to frequent traffic jams, a shortage of parking space, mismanagement of solid waste, and a noticeable decline in water availability. Environmental concerns have become so serious that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttarakhand government to regulate tourist footfall in ecologically sensitive areas. These new measures are part of a broader effort to strike a sustainable balance, encouraging tourism while protecting Mussoorie's natural environment for future generations. What Mussoorie's new rules mean for travellers If you're planning a visit to Mussoorie, here's how you can stay prepared under the new guidelines: Book accommodation that is officially registered with the Uttarakhand Tourism portal. Ask about digital check-in procedures when making your reservation. Stay updated on whether tourist pre-registration becomes mandatory, and complete the process in advance if required. Carry your QR code and ensure your vehicle details are accurate for hassle-free entry through checkpoints. As Mussoorie embraces a more digitised and sustainable tourism model, travellers are encouraged to do their part by following these new regulations. These steps aim to ensure that the hill station remains as welcoming and beautiful for future visitors as it is today.
