Dehradun, July 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Char Dham Yatra resumed in Uttarakhand on Thursday after a two-day suspension, with authorities allowing pilgrims to continue their journey after reviewing weather conditions and road safety concerns triggered by heavy rainfall across the state.
Prajapati Nautiyal, Special Officer on Duty (SOD) for pilgrimage administration, said the yatra restarted at 6 a.m. following directions from the administration and the Garhwal Commissioner.
He said any further advisories or changes in arrangements would be communicated to pilgrims through official channels and the media to help them take informed decisions during their journey.
However, challenges remain as several routes continue to face disruptions due to landslides, falling rocks and debris caused by incessant rain. The Pokhari-Rudraprayag motor road has been blocked around one kilometre ahead of Guniyala Khal after large rocks and debris fell from a hillside.
In Chamoli district, the Badrinath National Highway remains affected near Bhanerpani in the Pipalkoti area, impacting movement of pilgrims and other travellers.
Authorities had suspended the Char Dham Yatra on July 28 and 29 after weather alerts and multiple road blockages raised safety concerns for devotees travelling to the Himalayan shrines.
Despite repeated weather-related disruptions, over 45 lakh pilgrims have completed the pilgrimage this season. Government data showed that 45,23,412 devotees had visited the four shrines till July 25.
Badrinath recorded the highest number of visitors with 15,53,525 pilgrims, followed by Kedarnath with 14,14,590, Gangotri with 7,09,418 and Yamunotri with 6,49,957 devotees.
The Char Dham pilgrimage covers Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, four revered shrines located in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan region. The temples remain closed during the winter months due to extreme weather conditions and reopen during summer.
With the yatra restored, authorities continue to monitor rainfall, road conditions and pilgrim movement while advising devotees to remain cautious and follow administrative guidelines.
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