DEHRADUN: In a significant milestone, the Char Dham Yatra for 2025 has set a new record with more than 51 lakh pilgrims visiting the four revered Himalayan shrines before their closure for the winter season. The final closure took place at Badrinath on Wednesday, marking the end of this year’s pilgrimage cycle.
The pilgrimage, which began on April 30 with the opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri, witnessed a steady increase in footfall despite interruptions caused by adverse weather and natural hazards. The state government confirmed that a total of 51,04,975 pilgrims visited the shrines this year, which is 4,35,901 more than last year’s figure.
Our correspondent reports that Kedarnath received the maximum number of visitors with 17,68,795 pilgrims, followed by Badrinath with 16,60,224, Gangotri with 7,57,010 and Yamunotri with 6,44,505 devotees. This year also marked the highest-ever footfall at Hemkund Sahib, where 2,74,441 pilgrims offered prayers.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the increase in pilgrim numbers reflected improved facilities and the state’s commitment to safe travel arrangements. “This year was full of difficult challenges, yet more pilgrims arrived compared to the last season. The safety of every visitor has always been our top priority,” he said.
He added that several steps taken by the administration helped ensure a smoother experience. “We strengthened health centres along the routes, improved road connectivity, ensured better traffic management and enhanced communication facilities. Earlier these services were limited, but now we have expanded them across all major points,” the Chief Minister said.
Our correspondent adds that the closure of the Badrinath temple has paved the way for the commencement of the winter pilgrimage season, for which preparations have already intensified. During the winter months, the deities are worshipped at traditional winter seats: Kedarnath at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, Badrinath at Pandukeshwar and Narsingh Temple in Jyotirmath, Gangotri at Mukhba and Yamunotri at Kharsali.
The Chief Minister emphasised that winter tourism is now a key focus for the state. “We are working to strengthen the winter pilgrimage and develop it into a major attraction. Last year the Prime Minister visited the winter seat of Goddess Ganga in Mukhba, and we received national attention. This momentum must continue,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that officials have been directed to enhance accommodation, transport and security arrangements at all winter pilgrimage sites. The Chief Minister said that tourism potential must be projected across the country through both traditional and modern forms of outreach.
He added: “We are linking winter pilgrimage with adventure tourism to create a comprehensive circuit. This will help visitors experience spirituality and nature together, and will also increase local employment opportunities.”
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Minister highlighted the transformational work completed under the Kedarnath redevelopment project. He said that the pedestrian route had been strengthened, new facilities added and safety systems upgraded in line with the Prime Minister’s vision. “After the reconstruction work in Kedarnath, facilities for pilgrims have improved significantly. Similar planned development is underway at Badrinath as part of the master plan,” he noted.
Officials said that the rise in footfall, even during a year marked by natural disruptions, demonstrated the trust of pilgrims and the efficiency of the state’s management systems. The administration is also preparing detailed winter travel advisories and safety protocols for the upcoming season.
The state government expects that the winter pilgrimage will attract a higher number of visitors this year due to heightened promotion, better facilities and increasing interest in year-round spiritual tourism.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
