Char Dham Yatra 2025: 12.62 lakh pilgrims in under a month, 80,000 daily
Synopsis
In under a month, the Char Dham Yatra 2025 has already drawn 12.62 lakh pilgrims — with daily peaks touching 80,000. A new non-Hindu entry restriction at three shrines adds a policy dimension to what is already shaping up as one of the busiest yatra seasons in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
12.62 lakh pilgrims visited the Char Dham shrines through 14 May 2025 , with daily footfall between 70,000 and 80,000 .
Kedarnath recorded the highest share — over five lakh visitors — followed by Badrinath (over three lakh ) and Gangotri and Yamunotri (over two lakh each).
40 pilgrim deaths reported so far, all due to health-related causes; no fatalities from natural disasters.
Over 1.21 lakh vehicles have entered the shrine zones, reflecting high private-transport pilgrimage traffic.
For the first time, non-Hindus face entry restrictions at Badrinath , Kedarnath , and Gangotri ; an affidavit affirming faith in Sanatan Dharma is required for access.
Last year's full-season count stood at over 50 lakh pilgrims ; the 2025 yatra season is far from over.
The Char Dham Yatra 2025 has recorded an extraordinary surge in devotees, with 12.62 lakh pilgrims visiting the four sacred shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand in less than a month since the portals opened. Daily footfall has been hovering between 70,000 and 80,000, with a single-day peak of 80,405 pilgrims recorded on 13 May.
How the Numbers Break Down
The four shrines opened in quick succession — Gangotri and Yamunotri portals were unlocked on 19 April amid Vedic chanting, followed by Kedarnath on 22 April and Badrinath on 23 April. Since then, the pilgrimage committee has tracked a cumulative footfall of 12.62 lakh through 14 May.
Shrine-wise, Kedarnath drew the highest share with over five lakh visitors, followed by Badrinath at over three lakh. Yamunotri and Gangotri each registered over two lakh devotees. On 13 May alone, Kedarnath saw more than 32,000 worshippers, Badrinath over 21,000, and Yamunotri and Gangotri over 13,000 each.
Vehicle movement has also been significant, with over 1.21 lakh vehicles recorded at entry points, reflecting the large proportion of pilgrims arriving in private transport.
Pilgrim Deaths and Health Concerns
A total of 40 pilgrim deaths have been reported since the yatra commenced, all attributed to health-related causes. Kedarnath accounts for the highest share at 22 fatalities, followed by Badrinath (7), Yamunotri (6), and Gangotri (5). Authorities have confirmed that no deaths from natural disasters or other external causes have occurred so far.
The high altitude and strenuous trek conditions at these shrines — particularly at Kedarnath, situated at approximately 3,583 metres — have historically posed cardiac and respiratory risks for elderly and unfit pilgrims. Health advisories have been issued by the state administration urging medical screening before undertaking the yatra.
Entry Restrictions for Non-Hindus
This year marks a significant policy shift: for the first time, restrictions have been imposed on the entry of non-Hindus to three of the four shrines — Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri. The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has, however, provided a conditional pathway, stating that non-Hindus may enter upon submitting an affidavit affirming faith in Sanatan Dharma. The move has drawn both support from religious bodies and scrutiny from civil liberties observers.
Context and What Lies Ahead
The current pace, if sustained, puts the 2025 Char Dham Yatra on track to rival or exceed recent records. Last year, the yatra drew more than 50 lakh pilgrims over its full season. With the bulk of the season still remaining, authorities are managing crowd flow, medical infrastructure, and road connectivity to handle the surge. The Uttarakhand government has deployed additional personnel and medical teams at all four dhams to mitigate risk.
Point of View
But the more consequential story is the new non-Hindu entry restriction — a first for these shrines and one that sets a precedent with implications beyond Uttarakhand. The affidavit mechanism is legally untested and will almost certainly face judicial scrutiny. Meanwhile, the 40 health-related deaths underscore a structural gap: the state's medical infrastructure at high-altitude pilgrimage sites has not kept pace with the surge in footfall. If the 2025 season approaches last year's 50-lakh total, crowd management and emergency response capacity will be under serious stress.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pilgrims have visited Char Dham in 2025 so far?
As of 14 May 2025, a total of 12.62 lakh pilgrims have undertaken the Char Dham Yatra, with daily footfall peaking at over 80,000. The four shrines — Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri — opened between 19 and 23 April 2025.
Which Char Dham shrine has received the most pilgrims in 2025?
Kedarnath has drawn the highest footfall, with over five lakh visitors through 14 May 2025. Badrinath follows with over three lakh, while Gangotri and Yamunotri have each received over two lakh devotees.
How many deaths have occurred during Char Dham Yatra 2025?
A total of 40 pilgrim deaths have been reported, all attributed to health-related causes. Kedarnath accounts for 22 of these, followed by Badrinath (7), Yamunotri (6), and Gangotri (5). No deaths from natural disasters have been recorded.
What is the new non-Hindu entry restriction at Char Dham 2025?
For the first time, non-Hindus have been barred from entering Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri. The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has allowed a conditional exception: non-Hindus may enter by submitting an affidavit affirming faith in Sanatan Dharma.
How does the 2025 Char Dham Yatra compare to last year?
Last year's full-season Char Dham Yatra drew over 50 lakh pilgrims in total. The 2025 edition has already recorded 12.62 lakh in under a month, suggesting the season could approach or rival that figure if the current pace is maintained.
