Kedarnath Yatra Resumes As Sonprayag to Gaurikund Road Reopens Pilgrims Walk 22 Km
Kedarnath Yatra resumed from Sonprayag on 2 August after administration cleared debris blocking the pedestrian route between Gaurikund and Sonprayag. Authorities warned that the national highway remains closed and pilgrims must now walk approximately 22 kilometres to reach Kedarnath. Rescue teams, including SDRF and NDRF, managed evacuation of over 2 000 pilgrims. The India Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next five days across Uttarakhand, compelling officials to regulate movement.Â
In a demonstration of both logistical agility and concern for pilgrim well being, the Rudraprayag district administration halted vehicular movement between Sonprayag and Gaurikund following a landslide that rendered a 50–70 metre stretch of the road impassable. Restoration is expected to take two to three days given the severity of the debris dump and the unstable slope conditions contributing to secondary slide risk. ThePrint Meanwhile, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) coordinated rapidly to evacuate over 2 000 stranded pilgrims to Sonprayag using alternate forest tracks and portable trollies. With the regular national highway still closed, these relief measures reversed potential chaos and reduced further risk along the fragile mountain corridor.
The extended 22 kilometre pedestrian detour—via Gaurikund, Lincholi and Rambada—places significant physical strain on older participants. District officials suggest steady pacing, sufficient hydration, and avoidance of travel during evening hours to mitigate fatigue and altitude stress. Pilgrims are also urged to carry rain proof and insulated gear on account of the persistent showers. Eco management teams set up bamboo and tarpaulin shelters near key sinter check points to reduce crowding and help maintain a carbon neutral footprint throughout the journey. These measures aim to align the pilgrimage infrastructure with sustainable, inclusive practices while upholding the dignity and safety of all devotees. For the remainder of this week, the IMD has issued an orange alert for several districts in Uttarakhand, forecasting sustained downpours, thunderstorms and possible floods in valley terrain. Authorities are prepared to suspend or stagger further advance movement into Kedarnath if conditions deteriorate.
The narrative of this year’s Yatra season is evolving into one of resilience and adaptation. With rising travel demand from tier 2 cities and ongoing climate sensitivities, local administrations are now planning further cushioned pathways, permanent rainsheltered zones and community led water management teams to foster equitable and eco friendly pilgrimage infrastructure in future years.
