kedarnath yatra

A flu-like outbreak has led to the quarantine of over 1,000 mules and horses, suspending equine services on the kedarnath yatra route for a third day. Following the deaths of 15 animals and detection of equine influenza symptoms, authorities have isolated affected animals and initiated widespread screening and treatment.

Over 1,000 mules and horses are quarantined, and equine services are suspended on the kedarnath yatra route due to a flu-like outbreak. Fifteen animals have died, with symptoms of equine influenza detected, prompting concerns. Veterinary teams are screening animals, providing treatment, and advising handlers on quarantine measures to control the spread.

Helicopter services have commenced from Sonprayag for the 2025 Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra, offering a convenient alternative to the arduous trek. With daily flights accommodating five to six passengers, pilgrims can now access the shrine more easily, weather permitting. Safety is paramount, with thorough briefings and strict adherence to weather conditions, ensuring a smooth and remarkable pilgrimage experience for all.

Kedarnath Dham's portals opened on Friday, marking a key event in the Char Dham Yatra 2025, drawing thousands with vedic chants and floral decorations. Security is a priority, with deployed forces ensuring devotee safety. Helicopter services from Sonprayag have commenced, offering convenient access, while Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham opened earlier, launching the yatra with festive rituals and holy dips.

Uttarakhand experienced an alarming surge in rainfall, exceeding normal levels by 490% in the last 24 hours, with some areas surpassing 1,000%. The excessive rain caused Kempty Falls to swell, triggering landslides that blocked highways and damaged property. Authorities have issued red and orange alerts for several districts, prompting disaster management to prepare for potential emergencies and halt pilgrimages.

The Uttarakhand government, under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has established the "District Disaster Resource Network" to enhance the Char Dham Yatra experience. Rudraprayag is the first district to have its own mobile network, offering free WiFi to devotees. This network proved crucial during a disaster in July 2024, aiding rescue efforts and communication when other networks failed.

Pilgrims planning the kedarnath yatra in 2025 can rejoice as IRCTC introduces helicopter services for a more convenient journey. Operating daily from May 2 to May 31, these services will be available from Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi. Devotees must register for the Yatra and book their helicopter rides through the dedicated Heliyatra portal, promising a scenic and time-saving experience.

The Amarnath Yatra 2025 is set from July 3 to August 9. Registration started on April 14, 2025. Pilgrims can register online via the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board website or offline at authorized bank branches. A Compulsory Health Certificate is needed. An RFID card is mandatory for all. Follow the guidelines for a safe and successful pilgrimage.

kedarnath yatra helicopter bookings for 2025 opened on April 8th via the IRCTC website, coinciding with the temple's May 2nd opening. Early booking is advised due to high demand. One-way fares range from INR 6,072 to INR 8,426, depending on the helipad. Luxury packages are also available.

The Kedarnath Temple Committee has banned mobile phones and cameras within a 30-meter radius of the temple to maintain its sanctity and prevent incidents similar to last year. Strict security measures and thorough checks will be enforced, with police, ITBP personnel, and temple staff ensuring compliance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a campaign to rehabilitate two Uttarkashi villages evacuated during the 1962 India-China war, aiming to transform them into tourist attractions. He emphasized the importance of border villages and mentioned ongoing infrastructure projects in Uttarakhand to boost tourism and development.

The kedarnath yatra was halted by the Rudraprayag District Administration due to continuous landslides on the Kedarnath-Gaurikund walkway.

The yatra to the Kedarnath shrine in Rudraprayag will remain suspended on May 3 (Wednesday) due to inclement weather and the ongoing spell of heavy snowfall, the district police announced on Tuesday.

Uttarakhand government, which had stopped kedarnath yatra registrations till April 30, has now issued an alert to pilgrims to plan their trips after May 4 or strictly follow instructions of district authorities if they still choose to travel before that

The cost of helicopter services provided at Sirsi and Phata has increased ahead of the kedarnath yatra commencing on April 25. The chopper service to the Kedarnath shrine is provided from -- Sirsi, Phata, and Guptkashi helipads.

Kedarnath Dham is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the doors of this holy shrine have been opened today at 06:30 AM in the morning after completing the opening ceremony puja rituals and thousand of devotees visited the temple. Kedarnath temple holds a great significance among Hindus and large number of devotees across the world visit the shrine every year.

In the limelight recently for being subjected to cruelty by owners, mules have outperformed helicopters in terms of generating revenue during the ongoing kedarnath yatra, doing a business of Rs 82.4 crore, around 46% more than the revenue netted by choppers, which have earned Rs 56.4 crore. It was the same story last year too, when mules earned Rs 101 crore and chopper firms Rs 75 crore during the kedarnath yatra.