Char Dham Yatra News: 80 people have died so far in Chardham Yatra, why do people stop breathing on the mountains? Know full details
Char Dham Yatra is considered one of the holiest pilgrimages in India. Every year lakhs of devotees visit the high hills of Uttarakhand to see God. But this time the char dham yatra news is very worrying. So far more than 80 people have died, and the main reason for these deaths is believed to be lack of oxygen at high altitude, cold, heart attack and fatigue.
So the question arises - why are so many deaths happening? Are the government's preparations inadequate? And if you are planning to visit Chardham, then what things are very important to keep in mind?
About Char Dham Yatra and its importance
Char Dham Yatra is called the journey to the four major religious places of Uttarakhand - Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. This journey usually starts from April-May and lasts till October-November. In Hinduism, it is considered the path of salvation and it is considered virtuous to visit Chardham once in life.
Char Dham Yatra News: 80 devotees died so far, why?
The biggest concern so far in the 2025 char dham yatra news is the increasing deaths of devotees. According to media reports and health department data, more than 80 devotees have lost their lives this time. Most of these deaths have occurred due to heart attack, difficulty in breathing, and high altitude sickness.
Main reasons:
Lack of oxygen (Hypoxia):
The sites of Chardham are located at an altitude of 3000 meters or more above sea level. The oxygen level decreases at such a height. This causes lack of oxygen in the body, which is called hypoxia in medical language.
Heart Attack and AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness):
The body is unable to adjust to the sudden rise in altitude, which causes symptoms of AMS such as headache, vomiting, fatigue, and shortness of breath. This increases the risk of heart attack.
Starting the journey without preparation:
Many people set out on the journey without medical checkup, without training and without necessary medicines, which can prove to be dangerous.
Who is most at risk?
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People over 60 years of age
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People suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory disease, or heart disease
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People who are not accustomed to mountainous areas
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People who are extremely tired or stressed
How strong is the preparation of the government and administration?
The Uttarakhand government has made many arrangements for the Chardham Yatra, such as:
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Medical checkup camps on travel routes
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Oxygen cylinders and emergency vehicles
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Continuous weather monitoring
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Controlling the journey through the registration system
But these preparations still seem inadequate in the face of the huge number of devotees, bad weather, and cases of sudden health deterioration. The local administration has limited resources and the uncertainty of the weather is also a big challenge.
Char Dham Yatra Safety Tips: These measures can save lives
If you are planning a Char Dham Yatra, then definitely follow the tips given below:
✅ Get a medical checkup before the journey
Get your complete health checkup done and consult a doctor, especially if you already have any disease.
✅ Travel patiently, do not rush
Instead of suddenly going to a high altitude, first stay in low altitude areas and give the body time to adjust.
✅ Keep essential medicines and warm clothes with you
To avoid cold, keep good quality warm clothes, gloves, socks and caps to cover the head. Also, carry medicines prescribed by your doctor.
✅ Stay hydrated and rest
Drink plenty of water during the journey. This keeps the flow of oxygen in the body better. It is important to rest in between.
✅ Keep an eye on oxygen level
Nowadays portable pulse oximeters are available in the market. With this, you can monitor your oxygen level yourself.
Role of weather during Chardham Yatra
Chardham Yatra takes place at high altitude, where the weather can change suddenly. Conditions like rain, cold and snowfall can be very dangerous for the devotees. Therefore, keep getting information about the weather for the journey and keep checking the updates on the IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) website.
Government's new guidelines
According to the recent char dham yatra news, the Uttarakhand government has issued some new guidelines:
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No one is allowed to travel without registration
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Medical certificate required for every devotee
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People above 55 years of age advised to take special precautions
Conclusion: Safety is also important along with devotion
Chardham Yatra is a sacred and spiritual experience, but its journey is full of challenges. Every devotee should not only be immersed in the devotion of God, but also take full care of his health and safety.
If you are also planning to go on this holy journey, then adopt the above suggestions and follow the government guidelines. This will make your journey not only safe but also memorable.