The doors of the Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines in Uttarakhand will open for pilgrims on Friday with preparations for the same going on in full swing.

Devotees have gathered in large numbers for the first darshan.

The gates of Badrinath will open on May 12.

The gates will be open at 7 am on Friday.

Last year, the Kedarnath shrine opened on April 25, with thousands of pilgrims braving sub-zero temperatures in the snow-covered town to offer prayers at the temple.

The Gangotri and Yamunotri temples were opened on April 22 last year, while Badrinath opened for devotees on April 27.

The online reservation for this year's Char Dham Yatra started on April 15. Devotees have been asked to register online to have a hassle-free pilgrimage.

Situated at an elevation of over 11,000 feet above sea level, the Kedarnath shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a part of the Uttarakhand Char Dham and the 11th Jyotirlinga.

The Kedarnath temple is decorated with 40 quintals of flowers this year.

Earlier in the day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to his X handle and welcomed the devotees to Kedarnath Dham.

"Hearty welcome and greetings to all the devotees in Shri Kedarnath Dham in Chardham Yatra-2024... Hail Lord Kedar!" the Chief Minister wrote.