Back-to-back landslides have thrown the Char Dham Yatra into disarray, with routes to both Kedarnath and Badrinath facing severe disruptions due to heavy rainfall and falling debris.
In Kedarnath, a massive landslide near Munkatiya on the Sonprayag–Gaurikund stretch has brought traffic to a complete standstill. Tons of debris and large boulders tumbling down the hillside have blocked the route, halting the movement of thousands of pilgrims at Sonprayag.
National Highways machinery has been deployed to clear the road, but authorities have confirmed that movement toward Kedarnath will resume only after full restoration of the route. Meanwhile, continuous rainfall and fresh landslides along the pedestrian trek routes are making relief efforts more difficult.
Just days earlier, a similar incident occurred on the Badrinath National Highway, where landslides near Bhanerpani, Pipalkoti in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district caused a major blockage. Pilgrims and travelers continue to face long delays, as recurring stonefalls from the hillside are hampering the debris-clearing process.
According to the Chamoli Police and Chardham Police Control Room, the route had been briefly cleared on June 23, following the initial landslide on June 22. However, fresh slides have once again made the highway impassable. Despite ongoing operations, the risk of further landslides remains high, and the road is yet to be fully reopened.
Chamoli district has witnessed intense rainfall in the past 24 hours, with Chamoli Tehsil recording 93.66 mm, the highest in the region. Other areas like Narayanbagad, Karnaprayag, and Gairsain also reported significant rain, worsening the situation.
Road Block In Sonprayag
Due to the rain at night, the road has been blocked at many places in the Sonprayag area due to debris and stones. The road is blocked near the Hanuman temple in Sonprayag market, near the shuttle bridge and near Munkatiya. Efforts to clear the road are underway by the concerned agencies: Rudraprayag Police
Advisory for Devotees and Travelers
Authorities strongly urge all pilgrims and tourists traveling toward Kedarnath or Badrinath to stay updated with real-time alerts and avoid non-essential travel until the routes are officially deemed safe.
Travelers are advised to carry emergency supplies, including food, water, warm clothing, and essential medicines, as prolonged delays are expected. Follow Chamoli Police and Uttarakhand SDRF on their official social media handles for the latest updates.