Kedarnath Yatra Resumes After Short Suspension Due to Heavy Rainfall

May 31, 2026

Rudraprayag: The Kedarnath Yatra resumed on Sunday after a brief suspension due to heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand.

Movement of pilgrims restarted as the weather cleared up and operations were restored on the Kedarnath trekking route after rainfall ceased. However, if the weather deteriorates later in the day, the pilgrims will again be asked to take shelter at the nearest safe locations till the conditions improve.

Yatra Halted After Orange Alert and Heavy Rainfall

The Kedarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended earlier in the day, after the weather department issued an orange alert amid extreme rainfall.

Speaking to reporters, Rudraprayag District Magistrate (DM) Vishal Mishra said the region experienced overnight rainfall. “We have been informed by the weather department that an orange alert will be in place today, and a yellow alert has been announced for tomorrow due to the prevailing weather conditions.”

“We have requested people who are currently enroute to the pilgrimage sites to take shelter at the nearest holding areas and safe locations. Our teams are monitoring the situation from the control room as well as on the field,” he said.

“All our efforts are to ensure that no pilgrim faces any adverse situation,” he added.

Pilgrim Safety Measures and Crowd Management

Officials deployed in Sonprayag, Gaurikund, and other landslide-prone sectors were instructed not to allow any pilgrim to proceed further until weather conditions improve. However, as soon as the weather conditions improved, the pilgrims who had halted at safe locations were sent forward.

Meanwhile, helicopter services have been temporarily stalled due to heavy rainfall and fog.

Due to the heavy rainfall in the state for the past two days, Mishra noted that holding areas have been created in plains such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, where devotees are being provided basic amenities.

Administration Monitoring and Security Arrangements

Mishra also said feedback from pilgrims has been taken for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

“Some issues have come to light. We are trying our best to facilitate the pilgrims so that they can complete the ‘darshan’ as quickly as possible,” he said.

He added that the administration is focusing on crowd management at the temple premises and ensuring the token system is properly followed.

“We have got to know that some anti-social elements are creating trouble, including robbing pilgrims. Police have been informed, and they are taking action,” he said.

Inspections are also being conducted, and several pony operators have been blacklisted for violating norms.

“We are making arrangements for pilgrims to sit and also creating holding areas for those who are coming via helicopters,” the DM said.