Heavy Rains and Landslides Force Two-Day Suspension of Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra, one of India's most revered pilgrimage circuits, has been suspended for two days — Tuesday and Wednesday (July 28–29, 2026) — due to landslides blocking key routes and a heavy rainfall alert issued by the weather department, officials said.
Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop announced the suspension, citing safety concerns for pilgrims. Several sections of the pilgrimage routes have been blocked by landslides, and the India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region over the next 48 hours.
The yatra, which draws lakhs of devotees to the shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, will resume only after weather conditions improve and the routes are deemed safe for travel, the commissioner added.
Authorities have advised pilgrims currently en route to stay at safe locations and follow instructions from local administration. Relief camps and medical facilities have been set up at key halting points. The decision to suspend the yatra was taken to prevent any untoward incident and to ensure the well-being of all devotees.
The Char Dham Yatra typically runs from April/May to October/November each year, but the monsoon season often brings challenges like landslides and flash floods. This year, the yatra began in early May, and authorities have been closely monitoring weather patterns to ensure pilgrim safety.
