Dehradun: Undeterred by high-altitude terrain and unpredictable Himalayan weather, the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand continues to draw an overwhelming number of pilgrims. As of June 16, the total number of devotees visiting the sacred shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib has crossed an impressive 30.5 lakh, marking one of the most robust turnouts in recent years.
The spiritual journey, which began in late April, has seen a surge in pilgrim numbers despite intermittent rain, fog, and logistical challenges. On June 16 alone, 69,767 devotees visited the five shrines, reaffirming the enduring faith and resilience of the yatris.
Kedarnath leads the way
The most visited shrine so far has been Kedarnath Dham, where the doors opened on May 2. Since then, 10,90,975 pilgrims have paid their respects at the temple of Lord Shiva, nestled at an altitude of over 11,700 feet. On June 16, 23,587 devotees reached Kedarnath, braving narrow trails and unpredictable weather to seek blessings.
Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri witnessed a huge turnout
Badrinath Dham, the final stop in the Char Dham circuit, has also witnessed a strong turnout. Since its opening, 8,51,375 devotees have visited the shrine of Lord Badrivishal, with 17,935 pilgrims arriving on June 16 alone. The journey begins at Yamunotri, where 4,89,746 pilgrims have offered prayers to Maa Yamuna since the doors opened on April 30. On June 16, 9,431 devotees visited the shrine. The second stop, Gangotri Dham, has welcomed 4,96,195 pilgrims so far, with 10,730 visitors recorded on the same day.
Hemkund Sahib draws Sikh devotees
The revered Sikh shrine of Hemkund Sahib, which opened on May 25, has already seen 1,22,013 devotees. On June 16, 8,084 pilgrims trekked to the high-altitude gurudwara, reflecting the deep spiritual connection Sikhs hold with the site.
Faith overcomes all odds
Despite the challenging terrain, frequent weather alerts, and the logistical strain on infrastructure, the Char Dham Yatra continues to thrive. The Uttarakhand government has deployed additional personnel, improved registration systems, and issued regular advisories to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims.
With the monsoon expected to arrive soon, authorities are urging caution while also preparing for continued high footfall. The spiritual momentum shows no signs of slowing, as lakhs continue to ascend the Himalayas in search of divine grace
