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Char Dham Yatra Sees 32 Pilgrim Deaths In 19 Days, Kedarnath Worst Hit
The Char Dham Yatra began on April 19 with Gangotri and Yamunotri opening, Kedarnath on April 22, and Badrinath on April 23. By May 7, 2026, 32 pilgrims had died in the first 19 days, with Kedarnath worst hit. Officials reported substantial pilgrim attendance and mobilized medical resources and health advisories to safeguard participants.
Why It Matters
The deaths and the scale of pilgrim attendance underscore health and safety challenges in high-altitude religious journeys and the government's response to protect devotees.
Timeline
8 Events
Medical infrastructure for Char Dham routes announced
May 7, 2026
Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal stated that 47 dedicated hospitals have been established along the Char Dham routes, with 28 specialist doctors and around 400 doctors deployed for the pilgrimage season, and that all necessary medical and emergency arrangements are in place.
Health advisory issued for pilgrims
May 7, 2026
The Uttarakhand Health Department had issued a health advisory urging elderly pilgrims and those with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or high-altitude sickness to undergo medical check-ups before starting the yatra; the advisory also asks packing basic health check equipment such as a pulse oximeter and a thermometer.
Visitor counts at other shrines
May 7, 2026
Nearly two lakh devotees have visited Badrinath, and over one lakh pilgrims have visited Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Kedarnath records highest visitor count
May 7, 2026
Kedarnath has recorded the highest number of visitors, with over 3.44 lakh pilgrims visiting the shrine so far.
First 19 days yield 32 pilgrim deaths
May 7, 2026
In the first 19 days of the pilgrimage season, at least 32 pilgrims died due to health-related complications. The deaths are distributed as follows: 17 at Kedarnath, 7 at Badrinath, 4 at Yamunotri, and 4 at Gangotri.
Badrinath temple opens for the yatra
April 23, 2026
Badrinath Temple opened on April 23 for devotees as part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
Kedarnath temple opens for the yatra
April 22, 2026
Kedarnath Temple opened for pilgrims on April 22, becoming the third shrine to begin operations for the season.
Char Dham Yatra begins with Gangotri and Yamunotri openings
April 19, 2026
The Char Dham Yatra commenced as the portals of Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple opened, marking the start of the pilgrimage season.