Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra has crossed 50 lakh visitors this season, with the government projecting that the total could reach 60 lakh before the pilgrends in November. The second phase is scheduled to begin on 15 September, bringing renewed attention to the condition of routes affected by landslides.
The Tourism Department recorded more than 50 lakh pilgrim visits by 10 September. That figure is close to the 51 lakh visitors recorded across the full pilgrperiod last year. Officials expect the number to increase sharply after the second phase begins.
Pilgrdates and seasonal trend
The annual journey began on 19 April, when the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri opened. Kedarnath opened on 22 April, followed by Badrinath on 23 April, allowing the pilgrto operate across all 4 shrines.
Although visitor numbers declined during the monsoon period, the journey continued without interruption, according to the available official account. The pilgris expected to continue through November.
Landslide zones remain a route challenge
Several vulnerable stretches lie along the routes from Rishikesh towards Badrinath and Kedarnath. On the Badrinath route, officials have identified major landslide concerns near Kameda, Parthattip, Maithana, Banjpur, Birahi, Bhenarpani and Hathi Pahad.
The administration has begun temporary work and debris removal ahead of the second phase. However, longer-term measures will require more time. A rise in pilgrim traffic after 15 September could increase the risk of congestion near unstable sections.
Public Works Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pandey said the Char Dham routes would remain available for traffic. He said work had started at locations experiencing landslides and that preventing inconvenience to pilgrims was the government’s priority.
The immediate challenge will be to manage traffic while clearing debris and maintaining access on the mountain roads. a separate figure for blocked routes, injuries or damage linked to the landslides is not yet available.
What the second phase means for travellers
The expected increase in visitors makes road conditions especially important for pilgrims travelling during the latter part of the season. Temporary clearance work is under way, but officials have acknowledged that permanent solutions will take longer.
The government’s 60 lakh projection is an expectation rather than a final count. The eventual total will depend on visitor movement through the remaining pilgrperiod, which is scheduled to run until November.
Conclusion
Char Dham visits have already exceeded 50 lakh, and the second phase from 15 September could push the season towards 60 lakh. Landslide-prone stretches and possible traffic congestion remain the main operational concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many pilgrims have visited Char Dham this season?
More than 50 lakh pilgrims had visited the shrines by 10 September, according to Tourism Department figures.
Q. When will the second phase of the pilgrbegin?
The second phase is scheduled to start on 15 September.
Q. What total has the government projected?
The government expects the number of pilgrims to possibly reach 60 lakh during the season.
Q. How many pilgrims visited last year?
A total of 51 lakh pilgrims visited during the entire pilgrperiod last year.
Q. Which routes face landslide concerns?
Landslide-prone stretches have been identified on routes from Rishikesh towards Badrinath and Kedarnath, including several locations on the Badrinath route.
Q. What work is being done on the affected roads?
Temporary measures and debris removal have begun at locations where landslides are occurring. Long-term work is expected to take more time.
Q. How long will the Char Dham Yatra continue?
The pilgris scheduled to continue until November.
