Snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on Saturday brought a sharp drop in temperatures, while rain in the lower areas triggered weather alerts in both states. Authorities also suspended the Char Dham Yatra until September 27 amid the deteriorating weather conditions. Scroll down to know more.
Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh Witness Their First Snowfall
In Himachal Pradesh, Kinnaur witnessed its first snowfall of the season in the Kuno Charang area near the Tibet border. Snow was also reported in Chitkul and along the route to Dumti. Several other parts of Kinnaur received rain, while similar conditions were recorded in Shimla and Dharamshala.
According to reports by India Today, the snowfall has made conditions challenging for people living in the higher reaches, particularly those staying with their livestock. Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 5.3 degrees Celsius.
In Uttarakhand, snowfall covered Hemkund Sahib and surrounding areas in Chamoli district. Nearly half a foot of snow accumulated around the shrine. Despite the cold conditions, pilgrims continued to visit the site. The Hemkund Sahib Yatra is scheduled to continue until October 10.
Snowfall was also reported near Chakratirth along the Badrinath-Satopanth trekking route on Friday evening. Trekking groups camping in the area experienced snowfall, while rain was reported in the lower parts of Chamoli.
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Char Dham Yatra Suspended Until Further Notice
Amid forecasts of heavy rainfall, authorities suspended the Char Dham Yatra from Saturday afternoon until September 27. Schools up to Class 12 were also shut in Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital and Rudraprayag. Prajapati Nautiyal, officer on special duty for the Char Dham Yatra, advised pilgrims to remain in safe locations and continue their journey only after weather conditions improve. He also urged them to follow instructions issued by the local administration.
The weather department issued red alerts for several districts in Uttarakhand and forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in various areas on Sunday, with isolated places likely to receive extremely heavy rain. Red alerts were issued for Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri and Haridwar.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel. Officials were directed to keep a close watch on river levels, landslide-prone roads, pilgrimage routes and tourist destinations. No casualties or major damage had been reported immediately. In Himachal Pradesh, the Shimla weather office forecast rainfall until September 29. An orange alert was issued for heavy rain in parts of Sirmaur on Sunday, while yellow alerts were issued for seven districts, including Shimla, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi.
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We hope everyone in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is safe.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/Weatherman Shubham
FAQs
Is Himachal safe for travel now?
Yes, travel to major destinations in Himachal Pradesh is generally safe right now, but you must remain cautious because monsoon rains can still cause localized disruptions. Major roads to popular spots like Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie are open and clear.
What is the Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage circuit in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, covering four holy shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Which Char Dham to visit first?
You should visit Yamunotri first during the Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.
