Char Dham Yatra 2026: 91 Deaths Reported as Landslides and Weather Disrupt Pilgrimage

A total of 91 pilgrims have died due to health-related reasons during the first five weeks of the ongoing Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, officials said on Monday, even as the pilgrimage continues amid heavy footfall and multiple safety disruptions.

The pilgrimage began on April 19 with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri , followed by Kedarnath on April 22 and Badrinath on April 23.

According to data from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) , Kedarnath recorded the highest fatalities with 44 deaths, followed by Badrinath with 24, Yamunotri with 13, and Gangotri with 10. Officials said the deaths were mainly due to high-altitude sickness , cardiac arrest, and other pre-existing medical conditions. One additional death at Kedarnath was attributed to non-medical reasons.

Despite the fatalities, pilgrim turnout has remained strong, with total footfall crossing 21 lakh devotees since the start of the Yatra, with Kedarnath accounting for the highest share of visitors.

The pilgrimage has also been affected by recent weather-related disruptions , including a major landslide on the Sonprayag–Gaurikund stretch , which temporarily blocked the Kedarnath route and prompted rescue operations by SDRF and NDRF teams. Officials said more than 10,000 pilgrims were safely evacuated during the overnight operation.

In addition, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the Kedarnath region , warning of thunderstorms, strong winds, and poor visibility. The alert has led to temporary suspension of helicopter services and the activation of traffic management plans in sensitive stretches.

In a separate incident, a helicopter carrying pilgrims made an emergency landing in Tehri Garhwal after reportedly hitting a high-tension wire. Authorities confirmed that no major injuries were reported, but the incident has raised renewed concerns over aviation safety in high-altitude pilgrimage operations.

Officials have also reiterated that the 2026 Yatra is being conducted under a stricter regulated framework , including mandatory registration, health screening, real-time monitoring, and expanded medical infrastructure along the route to improve emergency response in the Himalayan terrain.