The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is not just a journey of temples; it is a sacred pilgrimage—a spiritual dream for almost all Hindu and Sikh devotees across India and the world. Starting with Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and lastly Badrinath, this yatra takes you deep into the Garhwal Himalayas, offering the supreme divine experiences, with the mesmerizing landscapes, and a connection to your inner self.
But due to the high altitude, remote terrain, and unpredictable weather, this yatra opens for 6 months and even in these 6 months remains cold, so medical service is one of the most essential parts that we need to know.
Whether you’re a senior citizen, someone with health issues, or a first-time pilgrim, knowing that help is available around the clock can offer peace of mind.
The Government of Uttarakhand, in collaboration with various health departments, emergency agencies, local hospitals, and NGOs, has taken strong steps to ensure the safety, well-being, and medical preparedness of every yatri.
The Char Dham Yatra, though divine, comes with physical challenges. Here’s why knowing about emergency and medical support is essential:
Harsh Terrain: Narrow, winding mountain roads and trekking paths can be physically demanding.
High Altitude: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are all above 3,000 meters above sea level. This makes some pilgrims prone to altitude sickness.
Sudden Weather Changes: Rain, fog, snow, snowy wind, and snowfall can disrupt the journey and affect health conditions.
Vulnerable Travellers: especially elderly people, heart patients, diabetics, and those with breathing issues need to be extra careful.
Being aware of available emergency services on the Char Dham route helps every pilgrim travel with more confidence and peace.
Toll-Free Number: 108
Availability: 24×7 across the Char Dham Yatra route.
Operated under the Uttarakhand Health Department, this service offers:
Basic Life Support (BLS).
Advanced Life Support (ALS).
Ambulances with trained paramedics and necessary equipment.
Ambulances are stationed at key points like Sonprayag, Joshimath, Barkot, and Harsil.
For critically ill patients or accident victims in remote areas, air ambulance services are available during the yatra season.
Helicopter Evacuation in Char Dham is coordinated through:
The District Administration.
Yatra Control Rooms.
Private helicopter services, especially in the Kedarnath region.
In case of emergency, police posts or health camps assist in arranging quick airlifting.
Uttarakhand Police has set up Yatri Police Help Booths at all major checkpoints.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is deployed during the Yatra season to manage:
Natural disasters.
Road mishaps.
Missing person cases.
SDRF teams are trained in rescue operations, first aid, and quick response in tough Himalayan terrain.
These three cities are the starting points of the Char Dham Yatra and offer the best medical infrastructure.
Major hospitals include:
AIIMS Rishikesh.
District Hospital Dehradun.
District Hospital Haridwar.
Private hospitals and 24×7 pharmacies.
Diagnostic labs, blood banks, and specialist doctors are available.
Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are located at:
Barkot.
Jankichatti.
Harsil.
Mobile health vans and first-aid tents operate during the Yatra season.
Barkot also has emergency aid centres set up by NGOs and government units.
Sonprayag and Gaurikund have fully functional medical bases.
During peak season:
Temporary hospitals are set up at the Kedarnath base camp, and with the active nursing service, you will get emergency service on the trek route.
Oxygen booths are available for those suffering from altitude sickness.
Regular health check-ups are done before trekkers proceed on foot.
The Government Hospital in Joshimath acts as the main centre.
Health centres in Pandukeshwar and Govindghat are operational during the Yatra season.
Emergency medical camps are installed near Mana village and the Badrinath Temple premises.
The Uttarakhand Health Department, with support from NGOs, deploys:
Mobile Medical Vans.
Temporary health tents.
Volunteer medical teams with trained doctors and nurses.
These units move from one point to another and serve areas with limited infrastructure.
Some camps even offer free medicine distribution and minor treatments.
Given the high-altitude regions, especially Kedarnath and Badrinath, oxygen supply is critical:
Oxygen cylinders and portable oxygen cans are available at:
Sonprayag.
Gaurikund.
Kedarnath Base.
Joshimath.
Refill stations and backup supplies are maintained by the District Medical Teams.
First-aid kits and trained personnel are posted at:
Trekking routes.
Police check-posts.
Yatri resting points.
Also, Yatri Help Desks guide pilgrims regarding health support, medicines, and nearby emergency units.
To ensure a safe yatra, here are some health safety tips:
Carry Your Medical Kit:
Common medicines for cold, fever, and pain relief.
Personal medicines with prescriptions from your doctor.
Band-aids, antiseptics, and anti-allergic tablets.
Consult Your Doctor Before the Yatra, especially if you have:
Asthma.
Diabetes.
High blood pressure.
Heart conditions.
Altitude Sickness Signs:
Headache, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea.
In such cases, rest, hydrate, and seek medical help immediately.
Avoid Overexertion: Walk at your own pace, especially on steep climbs. Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Light.
Attend health check-up camps along the way if you feel discomfort.
Service
It’s a good idea to carry a printed version of this contact list or download the Uttarakhand Tourism mobile app.
Contact
Uttarakhand Government has launched multiple initiatives to ensure the Char Dham Yatra is safe and well-organized:
e-Pass System: All pilgrims must register for the Yatra, helping in tracking and emergency management.
Pre-Yatra Health Screening: Many districts now offer free medical check-ups before starting the journey.
Health Awareness Camps: Conducted in major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar for yatris.
Private Partnerships: Tie-ups with reputed hospitals and NGOs for:
On-spot treatments.
Emergency surgeries.
Medical evacuations.
The Char Dham Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey, and every pilgrim deserves to complete it with health, happiness, and peace of mind. Uttarakhand, with its dedicated medical infrastructure and emergency services, is fully prepared to support every traveller.
From 108 ambulance services to helicopter evacuation, from oxygen booths to mobile medical camps, every corner of the Char Dham route is being equipped with facilities that prioritize your safety.
So pack your bags, carry your faith, and begin your journey knowing that Uttarakhand is with you, every step of the way.
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