Uttarakhand: Winter Char Dham Yatra Breaks Records Despite Biting Cold; Massive Crowds Throng Ukhimath for Baba Kedar’s Darshan

Dehradun/Ukhimath, January 20, 2026: Despite the closure of the main temple portals and heavy snowfall in the Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand, the faith of devotees remains unshaken. This year, the 'Winter Char Dham Yatra' has broken the records of several previous years. According to the latest data, over 27,000 pilgrims have visited the winter abodes of the deities as of January 15, 2026.

Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath: The Main Attraction

The highest footfall during this winter pilgrimage is being witnessed for the darshan of Lord Kedarnath.

• Record Attendance: Out of the total pilgrims, 17,000 devotees alone reached the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. This is the sacred site where the winter worship of Lord Kedarnath is performed.

• Center of Faith: Despite the sub-zero temperatures, devotees are arriving here to witness the Utsav Doli of Baba Kedar and to find spiritual peace in the serene valleys of the Himalayas.

Status of Other Winter Abodes

Apart from Omkareshwar Temple, the winter seats of the other three Dhams are also seeing significant activity:

• Pandukeshwar (Badrinath): The worship of Lord Badrinath is currently being held at the Yogdhyan Badri Temple in Pandukeshwar, where thousands are arriving for blessings.

• Mukhba (Gangotri): The winter rituals for Goddess Ganga are being performed at the Ganga Temple in Mukhba.

• Kharsali (Yamunotri): Pilgrims are paying their respects at the ancient temple in Kharsali, the winter seat of Goddess Yamuna.

Why is the Trend for Winter Pilgrimage Growing?

Experts and local administration attribute this surge to three primary reasons:

1. Avoiding the Summer Rush: To escape the extreme crowds and long queues of the peak summer season, many people are now choosing the winter months for a peaceful darshan.

2. Improved Connectivity: The Uttarakhand government's 'All-Weather Road' project and the maintenance of routes leading to winter abodes have made the journey much smoother.

3. Snowfall Experience: Along with the pilgrimage, travelers are heading to these religious sites to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayan snowfall.

Administrative Preparations

In view of the increasing crowds, the Tourism Department and temple committees have made special arrangements for accommodation and bonfires (Alaav). Pilgrims have been advised to carry heavy woolens as temperatures in Ukhimath and Pandukeshwar are consistently dipping below zero.