Uttarkashi, May 1, 2025 – The sacred Char Dham Yatra began today with the ceremonial opening of the portals at Gangotri and Yamunotri temples in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The revered Hindu pilgrimage includes visits to four high-altitude shrines in the Garhwal Himalayas — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Kedarnath’s doors will open on May 2, followed by Badrinath on May 4.
The Char Dham circuit holds immense spiritual significance for devotees. During winter, due to heavy snowfall and road inaccessibility, the deities are moved to their winter seats at lower altitudes: Mukhba (Gangotri), Kharsali (Yamunotri), Omkareshwar (Kedarnath), and Pandukeshwar (Badrinath).
To improve connectivity, the Centre launched the Char Dham Project in 2016 — a ₹12,000 crore initiative to widen 889 km of hilly roads for all-weather access. Despite the project’s progress — now 75% complete — environmentalists have raised alarms. The Ravi Chopra-led committee flagged ecological risks like increased landslide vulnerability, wildlife disruption, and threats to fragile Himalayan slopes.
The Supreme Court eventually permitted the expansion with strategic modifications after the Ministry of Defence underscored the project’s military significance, especially near the China border.
Meanwhile, the government has issued health advisories for pilgrims due to the region’s challenging climate marked by high UV exposure and low oxygen. In 2024 alone, 246 pilgrims reportedly lost their lives during the yatra.
The Yamunotri Highway’s Silkyara Tunnel, a key feature of the route, is now operational after a tragic collapse in November 2023 trapped 41 workers for 17 days before a successful rescue operation.
As the Char Dham Yatra resumes, the Uttarakhand government is emphasizing safety, preparedness, and responsible pilgrimage.
Char Dham Yatra Begins with Portals Opened at Gangotri and Yamunotri; Kedarnath and Badrinath to Follow
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