Mussoorie Tightens Tourist Rules: Hotels, Homestays To Log Guest Details On New Portal

Hotels, guest houses, and homestays in Mussoorie will now have to register their guests on a new tourism portal developed by the Uttarakhand tourism department. The initiative became operational on Wednesday and is part of a broader effort to curb overtourism and traffic chaos in the popular hill station. This comes after tourist footfall nearly doubled between 2022 and 2024, adding pressure to Mussoorie's infrastructure.

As per a Times of India report, the registration process will be done at the time of check-in by the lodging facilities. This step is in line with recent orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which instructed the state to track visitor footfall in the region to better manage tourist inflow and reduce congestion. "Registration of guests will provide data on tourist arrivals in the town," district tourism officer Brijendra Pandey said.

What Hotel Owners Need to Do

Accommodation providers will first need to register their establishment on the portal with the following details:

• Name and contact number of the owner
• Type of facility (hotel, homestay, etc.)
• Name of the property
• Number of rooms and total guest capacity

Once this is completed, guest registration can be carried out by the facility during check-in.

Mixed Reactions From Hoteliers To New Registration Process

Sanjay Aggarwal, president of the Mussoorie Hotels Association, said, "As per the directions of the tourism department, we have requested our fellow hoteliers to comply with the new rules."

However, some hoteliers aren't convinced by this new system. "This could prove burdensome during peak tourist seasons," one hotelier told TOI on condition of anonymity, calling the process a "hindrance."

Authorities To Also Launch Pre-Registration To Be Done By Tourists

In addition to hotel-based registration, tourists may also have to pre-register before entering Mussoorie, especially during high-traffic seasons. The steps are as follows:

1. Fill out an online form with name, contact, vehicle number, stay details, and travel dates.
2. Domestic travellers will receive an OTP on their mobile; international visitors will get it via email.
3. After verification, a QR code will be generated, which needs to be shown at entry points.

Checkpoints like Kimadi, Kempty Falls, and Kuthal Gate will scan the QR code, while ANPR cameras verify vehicle details. As per reports, the system is expected to be enforced only during high-traffic periods, not year-round.

Also Read: Hill Stations Are Choking. Can Mussoorie's New Tourist Check-In System Fix That?

Tackling Overtourism In Mussoorie

Mussoorie has witnessed a sharp rise in tourist numbers, with over 21 lakh visitors recorded in 2024, up from 11 lakh in 2022. This surge has led to severe congestion, especially on the stretch from Gandhi Chowk to Mall Road. 

During peak season, many people are unable to find hotels or guesthouses after reaching Mussoorie and have no option but to spend the night in cars, on the roads, at bus stands, etc. In a tragic incident in June, a tourist from Delhi died after being stuck in traffic and failing to reach medical help in time.

Managing overtourism is essential for a safe and comfortable experience for the tourists, as well as reducing pressure on the mountain towns, especially during peak season.