Chardham Yatra Health Advisory: Safety and Emergency (2026)

Pre-Yatra: Plan, Prepare, Pack (3P)

Focusing on prevention keeps you safe. High altitudes can cause medical issues, so it is critical to get ready before your trip.

Plan

• Plan a trip that lasts at least 7 days to allow your body time to adjust to the high altitude.
• Plan for frequent breaks. Take a 5-10 minute break for every hour of trekking or every 2 hours of driving uphill.

Prepare

• Practise breathing exercises for 5 to 10 minutes every day.
• Walk for 20 to 30 minutes daily to build your strength.
• If you are over 55 years old or have a history of heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, or diabetes, get a medical check-up done to ensure you are fit for the trip.
• Do not start the Yatra if your doctor advises against it.

Pack

• Warm clothes: Pack woollen sweaters, thermals, puffer jackets, gloves, and thick socks. Check the weather report before travelling to ensure you have enough layers for extreme cold.
• Rain gear: Bring raincoats and umbrellas.
• Health tools: Pack a pulse oximeter and a thermometer.
• For existing medical conditions: Bring all your current medications, test devices, and the phone number of your home doctor.

During the Yatra: Safe and Alert

In addition to following the Chardham Yatra Health Advisory, please also adhere to all signs and guidelines posted along the route. To locate official health centres in Uttarakhand, look for clearly displayed nameplates on the buildings.

Available Health Touchpoints

• Medical relief posts
• Primary health centers
• Community health centers
• District hospitals

Emergency Warning Signs

If you or your family members feel any of these symptoms, go to the nearest health centre immediately. Quick action can save your life.

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath or difficulty talking
• Constant coughing
• Dizziness or difficulty walking
• Vomiting
• Icy or cold skin
• Weakness or numbness on one side of your body

High-Risk Pilgrims

Special care must be taken for travellers who are:

• Over 55 years of age
• Pregnant women
• Patients with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, or diabetes
• Obese patients

Important Health Rules

To stay healthy, avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, sleeping pills, and strong painkillers during the Yatra. Instead, keep your energy high by drinking at least 2 litres of water daily and eating nutritious meals.

• Do not smoke.
• Do not drink alcohol, coffee, or caffeinated drinks.
• Do not take sleeping pills or strong painkillers during the Yatra.
• Drink at least 2 litres of fluids and eat nutritious food throughout the journey.

Need Help?  If you feel any discomfort, visit govt’s medical screening kiosks and health facilities. In case of a medical emergency, call the 104 helpline number immediately.