Char Dham Yatra Halted as Heavy Rains, Landslides Block Kedarnath Highway
Heavy rainfall has brought the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand to a standstill, with rising river levels and landslides blocking the Kedarnath highway at several locations, including the Munkatia Sliding Zone near Sonprayag.
The sacred Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand faced a severe setback as heavy rainfall triggered rising river levels and landslides, disrupting access to the revered Kedarnath shrine. The relentless downpour caused multiple blockages along the Kedarnath highway, halting thousands of pilgrims in their tracks. Authorities have stopped devotees at Sonprayag, a key transit point, to ensure their safety, leaving many stranded. This latest disruption adds to the challenges faced by the yatra during an already turbulent monsoon season.
Char Dham Yatra halted by Heavy Rains
The Kedarnath highway, a vital lifeline for pilgrims, has been severely impacted by landslides at several points, including the Munkatia Sliding Zone near Sonprayag. Torrential rains have swollen rivers like the Mandakini, exacerbating the situation by washing away sections of the road. The Rudraprayag district administration, in coordination with the State Disaster Response Force, is working tirelessly to clear debris and restore access, but ongoing rainfall has slowed efforts. The closures have left the route impassable, forcing pilgrims to wait indefinitely at makeshift shelters in Sonprayag.
Kedarnath Highway Closed amid Heavy Rains
To prioritize safety, authorities have barred pilgrims from proceeding beyond Sonprayag, a decision that has affected thousands of devotees eager to visit Kedarnath. The State Emergency Operations Centre issued high-alert warnings for Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi, urging travelers to avoid the affected routes. Temporary arrangements, including food and medical aid, have been made for stranded pilgrims, but frustration is mounting as many face delays in their spiritual journey. The administration has advised devotees to monitor weather updates before resuming travel.
🚨 Kedarnath Yatra HALTED!
— Mahendra Singh Jat (@iam_Mahendra34) July 7, 2025
Due to relentless rainfall, thousands stranded in Sonprayag & Gaurikund.
Nature shows who's boss. 🙏🌧️#Kedarnath #UttarakhandRain #YatraUpdate pic.twitter.com/eD5uvyK6jJ
Monsoon Fury hits Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra, encompassing Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, has faced repeated disruptions this season due to unpredictable monsoon patterns. With climate challenges intensifying, calls are growing for better infrastructure and disaster preparedness to safeguard pilgrims. As rescue teams work to restore connectivity, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of devotees while navigating the region’s unforgiving terrain and weather.
