A sharp weather transition gripped Uttarakhand on Thursday morning, bringing fresh snowfall to high-altitude Himalayan ranges and steady rainfall across lower valleys and plains. The sudden atmospheric shift has triggered an intense cold wave across the entire state. High-altitude destinations including Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Auli recorded notable snowfall accumulation, while surrounding mountain peaks near Badrinath, such as Neelkanth and the Nar-Narayan ranges, were also blanketed in fresh snow. Chilly gusts descending from these snow-covered heights have significantly dragged down temperatures across the plains.
Conditions Across Chardham Sites and Badrinath Outlook
While snowfall remains highly likely in the main Badrinath shrine area, Kedarnath Dham in Rudraprayag district experienced steady snowfall starting early in the morning. The resulting dip in mercury levels has heightened the chill across the pilgrimage route. In response to changing weather conditions, local administrative units and police personnel were deployed to oversee safety arrangements and ensure that essential public amenities remain operational for visiting devotees.
Safety Guidelines Issued by Rudraprayag Administration
Rudraprayag police urged all travelers heading toward Kedarnath to monitor weather forecasts carefully and adopt necessary health precautions against the harsh cold. The district administration circulated a formal advisory directing visitors to wear heavy woolen layers, consume warm drinks regularly, and minimize unnecessary prolonged exposure to the freezing open air.
The health guidance further advised travelers to seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell during their journey. Pilgrims accompanied by young children or senior citizens have been asked to take extra care. Officials strongly urged travelers not to take unwarranted risks in adverse weather and to comply strictly with safety notices issued by the authorities.
Gangotri Snow Carpet and Showers in Dehradun
In Uttarkashi district, heavy snowfall blanketed Gangotri Dham in a thick layer of white snow. Despite the severe cold, devotees continued to visit the shrine to offer prayers to Goddess Ganga. Ravindra Semwal, a priest at Gangotri Temple, said, "If the weather pattern continues like this, a significant amount of snow will accumulate in the shrine by evening."
Devotees from across India and abroad continue to arrive in Gangotri to witness the scenic snowy landscape alongside their pilgrimage. Meanwhile, lower elevations of the state, including the state capital Dehradun, have been witnessing non-stop rain showers since morning, creating damp conditions and a noticeable chill throughout the plains.
