Char Dham Yatra 2026 Set to Create New Record as Pilgrim Footfall Crosses 47 Lakh
Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra is on course to create a new record this year, with the number of pilgrims visiting the four Himalayan shrines crossing the 47-lakh mark within 114 days of the pilgrimage season. According to state government data, 47,02,703 pilgrims had visited Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri by August 10.
The figure is already 4.68 lakh higher than the number of pilgrims recorded during the corresponding period last year. By August 10, 2025, a total of 42,34,147 pilgrims had undertaken the Char Dham pilgrimage.
More than 51 lakh pilgrims visited Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra during the entire pilgrimage season last year. With the current pace of pilgrimage, the state is now expected to surpass that figure and establish a new annual record, despite challenging monsoon conditions in the Himalayan region.
Badrinath records highest footfall
Among the four shrines, Badrinath Dham has recorded the highest number of pilgrims so far this season. As of August 10, a total of 16,12,112 pilgrims had paid obeisance at Badrinath.
Kedarnath Dham has witnessed 14,50,116 pilgrims, while 7,37,629 devotees have visited Gangotri and 6,62,347 have undertaken the pilgrimage to Yamunotri.
In addition to the four Char Dham shrines, 2,40,499 pilgrims have visited Hemkund Sahib during the same period.
Pilgrims continue to arrive despite monsoon challenges
The continuing monsoon activity and adverse weather conditions have not significantly reduced the enthusiasm of pilgrims. On August 10, despite weather-related alerts and advisories issued by the authorities, more than 15,000 pilgrims visited the Char Dham shrines.
Badrinath recorded the highest footfall on the day, with 9,559 pilgrims, followed by Kedarnath with 4,170, Gangotri with 1,204 and Yamunotri with 43 pilgrims.
The continued movement of pilgrims amid difficult weather conditions highlights the strong religious significance of the Char Dham pilgrimage, while also placing greater emphasis on safety, weather monitoring and disaster preparedness.
Government keeping close watch on monsoon situation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the safety and well-being of Char Dham pilgrims remains the state government’s foremost priority.
He said that in view of increased monsoon activity, the Disaster Management Department has been kept on alert and District Magistrates have been instructed to maintain constant vigilance in their respective districts. Authorities have also been directed to ensure that relief and rescue operations can be launched immediately in the event of an emergency.
The Chief Minister said arrangements are also being made to provide safe accommodation and necessary assistance to pilgrims in case landslides, road blockages or other weather-related incidents disrupt the journey.
CM Dhami urged pilgrims to carefully monitor weather conditions and undertake the pilgrimage only after assessing the prevailing situation. He stressed that the government is committed to facilitating the pilgrimage while ensuring that the safety of devotees remains the highest priority.
With pilgrim footfall already crossing 47 lakh and the season still underway, Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra is steadily moving towards a new milestone. The rising numbers also underline the need for continued coordination among the administration, disaster management agencies, police, health services and other departments to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage during the remaining season.
