Watch: Massive Crowds Choke Kedarnath Route As Devotees Struggle To Reach Shrine

Watch: Massive Crowds Choke Kedarnath Route As Devotees Struggle To Reach Shrine Published By, Last Updated: May 31, 2026, 07:46 IST Kedarnath is among the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in the country and attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Pilgrims on Kedarnath Yatra route (Screengrab of video) The Kedarnath pilgrimage route is witnessing an unprecedented rush of devotees, with thousands arriving each day for darshan at the revered shrine of Lord Shiva. The surge in footfall has led to heavy congestion along the trekking path, resulting in long waits and slow movement for pilgrims. Visuals from the route show dense crowds stretching across the narrow mountain trail. In several sections, devotees can be seen moving at a snail’s pace as crowd build-up continues to create bottlenecks on the way to the temple. The situation has become more challenging due to the movement of horses and mules on the same route. With animals and pilgrims sharing limited space, overcrowding has intensified, and some devotees have reportedly suffered minor injuries amid the rush. Police personnel and officials have been deployed at multiple points to regulate movement and assist pilgrims. However, congestion continues to be reported frequently during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra season. Kedarnath is among the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in the country and attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is also a key part of the Char Dham Yatra. Nestled at an altitude of around 3,583 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas, the temple remains open only for a limited period each year due to extreme weather conditions. Most pilgrims begin their journey from Gaurikund and undertake a nearly 16-kilometre trek to reach the shrine. The annual yatra generally begins in April or May and continues until October or November. During this period, thousands of devotees visit the temple daily to offer prayers and seek blessings. Owing to its deep religious significance and spiritual importance, Kedarnath remains one of the holiest destinations for followers of Lord Shiva. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 31, 2026, 07:46 IST News india Watch: Massive Crowds Choke Kedarnath Route As Devotees Struggle To Reach Shrine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...