The ongoing Char Dham Yatra has crossed the 4 million pilgrim mark this season, with over 40,000 devotees visiting the Himalayan shrines so far, though the number of deaths linked to health-related diseases during the pilgrimage has risen to 201, according to official data.
According to data compiled by the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), a total of 4,003,158 pilgrims had visited Char Dham shrines and associated pilgrimage destinations as of June 25.
On Wednesday alone, 37,617 pilgrims arrived safely at the four shrines, officials said. Badrinath Dham recorded the highest single-day footfall with 17,332 devotees, followed by Kedarnath Dham with 8,618 arrivals. Gangotri Dham received 3,674 pilgrims, while 3,098 devotees visited Yamunotri Dham despite occasional weather-related disturbances in the hill areas.
Meanwhile, data shows that the number of deaths attributed to health-related illnesses during the yatra has reached 201 so far (67 days, April 19-June 25). Of these, 94 deaths were reported in Kedarnath Dham, 63 in Badrinath Dham, 26 in Yamunotri Dham and 18 in Gangotri Dham. Last year, the number of deaths attributed to health-related diseases during the first 67 days (April 30 – July 6) was 142. Of these, 68 were reported in Kedarnath Dham, 40 in Badrinath Dham, 18 in Yamunotri Dham, and 16 in Gangotri Dham.
Kedarnath Dham emerged as the most visited shrine this season, recording a total of 1,321,067 pilgrims. Badrinath Dham followed closely with 1,285,167 visitors. Gangotri Dham and Yamunotri Dham recorded 650,294 and 609,382 pilgrims respectively.
Suresh Semwal, secretary of the Shree Panch Gangotri Temple Committee, said that although the number of pilgrims arriving at Gangotri was lower compared to earlier in the week, the flow of devotees remained steady.
He added: “Currently, between 3,000 and 4,000 pilgrims visit the shrine daily. The pilgrimage has remained smooth this season due to improved administrative management.”
The Uttarakhand government has implemented a large-scale healthcare plan for the yatra, officials said. A total of 414 paramedics, 178 doctors and 25 specialist doctors were deployed along the Hajj route.
The 47 permanent healthcare facilities in Char Dham districts of Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi have been strengthened and modernised, while 25 medical relief centers have been fully operational along the route.
Medical assistance has also been arranged at major stopping points and important locations to ensure that pilgrims receive timely treatment in case of illness or emergencies.
To identify health risks before pilgrims move to higher altitudes, the government has set up 57 health screening booths in Dehradun, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts. In these kiosks, pilgrims are screened for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
To respond to emergencies, 177 ambulances were stationed along the Yatra route. Helicopter rescue services have been streamlined in coordination with Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), while ambulance helicopter services are operated by All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh.
Officials said health advisories have been prepared in 13 languages for pilgrims coming from different parts of the country. Informational signs bearing “Do’s and Don’ts” have been installed at important locations, and awareness brochures are being distributed.
The Char Dham Yatra officially began this year with the opening of Yamunotri Dham and Gangotri Dham on April 19, followed by the opening of Kedarnath Dham on April 22 and Badrinath Dham on April 24.
Last year, more than 5.1 million registrations were registered for the Char Dham Yatra, and the number is expected to rise further this year, officials said. In 2024, around 4.8 million pilgrims visited the shrines of Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib, while in 2023, the pilgrimage broke all previous records, with the influx of pilgrims crossing the 5.6 million mark, according to tourism ministry officials.
