With the Char Dham Yatra season in full swing, the number of pilgrims visiting Kedarnath Temple has crossed the five lakh mark. Amid the rising footfall, the Health Department has been placed on high alert, while at least 38 pilgrims have died due to health-related reasons since the yatra began.
Kedarnath Pilgrim Count Cross 5 Lakh Mark
According to Hindustan Times, the Health Department in Rudraprayag is on high alert as the number of pilgrims visiting Kedarnath Temple crossed five lakh in the last 22 days. With the surge in footfall, officials are operating in full alert mode and continuously providing medical services to pilgrims.
According to official data, around 52,000 pilgrims have undergone health screening at Primary Health Centres, while more than 62,000 patients have received examination and treatment through OPD services, Rudraprayag Chief Medical Officer Dr Ram Prakash told the publication.
Local authorities have also deployed medical teams along the yatra route, while healthcare facilities near the shrine are providing immediate treatment to sick and injured devotees.
Also Read: Char Dham Yatra 2026: Uttarakhand Introduces New Health & Travel Guidelines For Pilgrims
38 Pilgrims Die Due To Health Issues During Char Dham
The Char Dham Yatra began on April 19 with the opening of the Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple shrines. The doors of Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple were opened a few days later on April 22 and 23, respectively. According to Daily Excelsior, at least 38 pilgrims have died due to health-related reasons during the first 26 days of the ongoing yatra in Uttarakhand.
Kedarnath Temple reported the highest number of fatalities, with 21 deaths. Reports also stated that Badrinath Temple recorded seven deaths, while Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple witnessed five deaths each. The fatalities were reportedly caused by various health complications, including altitude-related illnesses and cardiac arrests.
Also Read: What Is Green Card System For Char Dham Yatra 2026? How To Apply For It?
If you’re planning the Char Dham Yatra, make sure to prioritise your health and take the necessary precautions before and during the pilgrimage.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Piyush Bhardwaj
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Why is Kedarnath Temple significant?
Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is also part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra.
How can pilgrims reach Kedarnath Temple?
Pilgrims usually travel by road till Gaurikund and then undertake a trek of around 16-18 km to reach the temple. Helicopter and pony services are also available during the yatra season.
Is health screening mandatory during the yatra?
Authorities strongly advise pilgrims, especially senior citizens and those with existing medical conditions, to undergo health check-ups before undertaking the journey due to high altitude and difficult terrain.