At least 38 pilgrims have reportedly died due to health-related complications during the first 26 days of the ongoing Char Dham Yatra in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, according to government officials overseeing the annual pilgrimage.
Authorities said the majority of the deaths were reported near the Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath Temple, where 21 pilgrims lost their lives. Another seven deaths were recorded at Badrinath Temple, while five deaths each were reported along the routes to Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple.
The Char Dham Yatra is one of Hinduism’s most important religious pilgrimages and attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees every year. Pilgrims travel through steep Himalayan terrain to visit four sacred shrines — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — located at high altitudes in Uttarakhand.
Officials stated that most of the deaths were linked to pre-existing medical conditions, including heart attacks, breathing difficulties, high blood pressure complications, and altitude-related health issues. Elderly pilgrims and people with chronic illnesses are considered especially vulnerable during the demanding journey through mountainous regions with thin oxygen levels and unpredictable weather conditions.
The pilgrimage officially began after the reopening of the Kedarnath Temple on April 22 and the Badrinath Temple on April 23 for the 2026 season. Since then, large crowds of devotees from across India have continued arriving despite warnings about physical fitness and changing weather in the Himalayan region.
State authorities have increased medical surveillance along the pilgrimage routes and established emergency health camps, ambulance services, oxygen centers, and screening checkpoints to assist travelers. Officials are also urging pilgrims above a certain age and those with serious medical histories to undergo health examinations before undertaking the journey.
The deaths have once again highlighted the challenges associated with the Char Dham Yatra, particularly the risks posed by high-altitude travel and overcrowding during peak pilgrimage season. In previous years, authorities have faced criticism over infrastructure limitations, emergency response preparedness, and crowd management in the mountainous areas.
Despite the fatalities, the pilgrimage continues under tight security and health monitoring, with officials emphasizing that devotees should strictly follow medical guidelines, stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and seek immediate help if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or breathing problems.
The Uttarakhand government is expected to review safety arrangements and health protocols as the pilgrimage season progresses in the coming weeks.
