- The Char Dham Yatra 2026 has begun. Kedarnath Temple opened on April 22 in Uttarakhand
- Thousands visited on day one, despite a tough 22-km trek and limited helicopter access
- Crowd management was difficult as large numbers gathered near the temple complex
The Char Dham Yatra for 2026 has officially begun in Uttarakhand, and the doors of the Kedarnath Temple opened to devotees on April 22. Located high in the Garhwal Himalayas, the shrine witnessed an overwhelming turnout on the very first day, despite the difficult 22-kilometre trek and limited helicopter access. As thousands arrived simultaneously, crowd management proved challenging in several areas around the temple complex. Videos circulating online show moments of disorder near the shrine.
Video Shows Heavy Crowd, People Jumping Barricades
A video that has gone viral on X captures scenes of congestion near entrances decorated with marigold garlands. The clip, posted by user @Wellutwt, shows people packed tightly between barricaded gates, with no visible queues.
Several people are seen climbing over the barricades to move ahead, adding pressure to the crowd. The footage also shows people fighting and arguing, adding to the disorder.
Watch the clip below:
The visuals have sparked strong reactions on social media, with many users expressing dismay over the situation. Take a look:
One user wrote, "No place is left where people can go with family."
Another commented, "Ever since this started running reels on TikTok and Insta, all this has been happening; before that, those who had done the Kedarnath pilgrimage knew well and would say that there was so much peace there."
Also Read: Kedarnath Yatra 2026 Guide: Registration Rules And How Pilgrims Reach The Temple
A third added, "They made places of worship into a tourist spot. Now, anyone can walk in."
Another user questioned, "Why do you people go when you don't have any patience in you?"
One comment read, "It's useless to go there when the situation is so crowded."
The Kedarnath Temple will remain open for devotees until November 11, after which it will close for the winter due to extreme weather conditions in the region.
