Char Dham Yatra resumes after 2-day halt as Uttarakhand landslides persist
Synopsis
After a two-day safety shutdown triggered by landslides and heavy rain alerts, the Char Dham Yatra restarted at 6 a.m. on Thursday — but blocked highways near Rudraprayag and Chamoli mean the route is still far from clear. With over 45 lakh pilgrims already through the gates this season, the pilgrimage's resilience is being tested by an unusually disruptive monsoon.
Key Takeaways
The Char Dham Yatra resumed on 31 July 2025 at 6:00 a.m. after a two-day suspension on 28–29 July due to heavy rain and landslides.
The Pokhari-Rudraprayag motor road remains blocked near Guniyala Khal ; the Badrinath National Highway is blocked near Bhanerpani in Chamoli.
Over 45 lakh (45,23,412) pilgrims had visited the four shrines by 25 July 2025 .
Badrinath leads with 15,53,525 visitors, followed by Kedarnath ( 14,14,590 ), Gangotri ( 7,09,418 ), and Yamunotri ( 6,49,957 ).
Pilgrims have been advised to follow administration instructions as landslide risks persist across Uttarakhand.
The Char Dham Yatra resumed on Thursday, 31 July 2025, following a two-day suspension as authorities lifted the hold after prioritising pilgrim safety amid relentless rainfall and worsening weather across Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage to four of Hinduism's holiest Himalayan shrines had been halted on 28 and 29 July after landslides blocked key access roads and the meteorological department issued heavy-rain alerts for the region.
Resumption and Administration Response
Prajapati Nautiyal, Special Officer on Duty (SOD) for the pilgrimage administration, confirmed the restart, saying: 'In accordance with directives from the administration and the Garhwal Commissioner, the pilgrimage resumed smoothly at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday.' He added that any fresh instructions from the administration or state government would be relayed to pilgrims through the media so they could make informed decisions about their journey.
Road Blockages and Ongoing Disruptions
Despite the resumption, conditions on the ground remain challenging. The Pokhari-Rudraprayag motor road is blocked approximately one kilometre ahead of Guniyala Khal, where large rocks and substantial debris cascaded from a hillside, cutting off movement along the route.
In Chamoli district, heavy rainfall continues to disrupt normal life. The Badrinath National Highway remains blocked near Bhanerpani in the Pipalkoti area, creating difficulties for pilgrims and other travellers. Falling rocks, debris flows, and minor road blockages are being reported at multiple points across the state.
Pilgrim Footfall This Season
The cumulative impact of continuous rainfall, repeated landslides, and route closures has visibly dampened daily pilgrim numbers this season. Yet the overall tally remains substantial: according to government figures, 45,23,412 pilgrims had visited the four shrines by 25 July.
Badrinath recorded the highest footfall at 15,53,525 pilgrims, followed by Kedarnath with 14,14,590. Gangotri received 7,09,418 devotees, while Yamunotri drew 6,49,957 pilgrims. In total, more than 45 lakh pilgrims have completed the yatra so far this season despite the weather-related setbacks.
About the Char Dham Pilgrimage
The Char Dham Yatra covers four revered high-altitude temples in Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — traditionally undertaken in that clockwise sequence. The shrines attract millions of devotees from across India and abroad each year but remain inaccessible for roughly six months annually due to extreme Himalayan winter conditions. They typically open in April or May and close again around October or November.
What Authorities Are Watching
Officials continue to monitor weather conditions, road connectivity, and pilgrim movement across all four routes. Pilgrims have been advised to stay alert and follow administration instructions as landslide and rainfall risks persist across several parts of the state. This is the second major disruption to the yatra this season, underlining the growing vulnerability of high-altitude pilgrimage infrastructure to intensifying monsoon conditions.
Point of View
Not alongside, ground-level safety. With over 45 lakh pilgrims already through and daily counts declining, the state faces a familiar dilemma: the economic and religious stakes of closure versus the liability of a disaster on an active pilgrimage route. Until all-weather road alternatives or real-time landslide monitoring are built into the corridor, these disruptions will recur every monsoon.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Char Dham Yatra suspended?
The Char Dham Yatra was suspended on 28 and 29 July 2025 after landslides blocked key access roads and the meteorological department issued heavy-rain alerts across Uttarakhand. Authorities halted the pilgrimage to prioritise the safety of pilgrims.
When did the Char Dham Yatra resume?
The yatra resumed on Thursday, 31 July 2025, at 6:00 a.m., following directives from the administration and the Garhwal Commissioner, as confirmed by Special Officer on Duty Prajapati Nautiyal.
Are roads still blocked on the Char Dham route?
Yes. As of 31 July, the Pokhari-Rudraprayag motor road remains blocked approximately one kilometre ahead of Guniyala Khal due to falling rocks and debris. The Badrinath National Highway is also blocked near Bhanerpani in Chamoli's Pipalkoti area.
How many pilgrims have completed the Char Dham Yatra in 2025?
According to government figures, 45,23,412 pilgrims had visited the four shrines by 25 July 2025. Badrinath led with 15,53,525 visitors, followed by Kedarnath (14,14,590), Gangotri (7,09,418), and Yamunotri (6,49,957).
What precautions should Char Dham pilgrims take during the monsoon?
Authorities have advised pilgrims to remain alert and follow all instructions issued by the administration. Updates on road conditions and route changes will be communicated through the media. Pilgrims are urged to check route status before setting out, given ongoing landslide and rainfall risks.
