The Kedarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended on Thursday after heavy rain triggered a landslide near Gaurikund, blocking the trekking route to the shrine. Debris and large rocks also affected traffic on the Kedarnath Highway near Munkatiya.
The landslide took place about 200 metres beyond the Gaurikund Gate. A large quantity of mud, stones and boulders came down from the hillside, completely obstructing the pilgrimage track.
As a safety measure, the administration immediately stopped the yatra and moved pilgrims stranded in the area to safer locations.
Personnel from the police, district administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies reached the site to review the situation and begin clearance work.
Officials said restoration efforts were being slowed by continuous rainfall and occasional rockfalls from the surrounding hills. Heavy rain has also caused landslides and erosion at several points along the Kedarnath Highway in Rudraprayag district, affecting road connectivity and disrupting traffic movement.
Authorities have started restoration work at the affected locations. Traffic on the Kedarnath Highway near Munkatiya was also hit after rocks and debris fell onto the road, blocking the route for vehicles.
The district administration has advised pilgrims not to travel towards Kedarnath until further instructions are issued. People have been asked to follow official advisories and safety guidelines.
Officials said the pilgrimage will resume only after the trekking route is fully cleared and declared safe for visitors.
District Magistrate Vishal Mishra visited the affected areas to review the damage and directed officials to restore connectivity as quickly as possible. He said information about landslides at several locations was received late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. Some of the affected spots were on the Kedarnath Highway, an important route for Char Dham pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath.
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