New Delhi: The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, one of Asia’s most challenging pilgrimages, has been postponed once again. The yatra, which was scheduled for
2026, will now be held in 2027. The Raj Jat Committee has said that the final date will be announced on January 23 during the vow ceremony at Nauti village.
हिमालयी महाकुंभ कही जाने वाली श्री नंदा देवी राजजात यात्रा अब 2026 में नहीं होगी। राजजात समिति के अध्यक्ष डॉ. राकेश कुंवर ने कर्णप्रयाग में बताया कि हिमालयी क्षेत्र में जरूरी काम समय पर पूरे नहीं होने के चलते यात्रा स्थगित कर 2027 में आयोजित करने का निर्णय लिया गया है।
:- नंदा… pic.twitter.com/Ju3YLk6ZLf
— Ajit Singh Rathi (@AjitSinghRathi) January 18, 2026
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is often called the “Himalayan Mahakumbh.” It is Uttarakhand’s longest and most arduous pilgrimage, held once every 12 years. Covering nearly 280 kilometers on foot, the journey begins from Nauti village in Chamoli and ends at Homkund, passing through high Himalayan regions. The yatra is not only a religious event but also considered the cultural soul of Uttarakhand.
Important preparations could not be completed on time
Committee President Rakesh Kunwar and General Secretary Bhuvan Nautiyal explained that important preparations in the Himalayan region could not be completed on time. Heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions were expected in September 2026, when the yatra would have reached the higher Himalayan areas. Organizing the pilgrimage under such conditions would have been risky for devotees.
Rakesh Kunwar said, “Necessary work in the Himalayan region has not been completed on time. Therefore, the committee has decided to postpone the Raj Jat Yatra in 2026. This historic and religious pilgrimage will now be held in 2027.” He added that the vow ceremony will be formally concluded in Nauti on January 23, after which the new date will be announced.
The yatra has never been held at exactly 12‑year
Bhuvan Nautiyal explained that this is the first time a formal resolution has been taken in accordance with the auspicious time for the Raj Jat Yatra. He said, “The proposed Raj Jat Yatra in 2026 was a matter of concern from a management perspective. The yatra has never been held at exactly 12‑year intervals, and conducting it under adverse conditions would have been risky.”
One of the most distinctive traditions of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat is the Chausingha, or four‑horned Khadu. It is believed that the birth of this special animal determines the timing of the yatra. The Khadu leads the way and is considered a representative of Goddess Nanda. Thousands of devotees from Uttarakhand and other parts of India take part in the pilgrimage, which is seen as a symbol of faith, culture, and unity.
Decision is made through the Raj Jat Committee
Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said, “This decision is made through the Raj Jat Committee. We have not yet been formally informed by the committee. The district administration’s job is to ensure the safe and convenient completion of the pilgrimage, for which we are fully prepared.” The administration has also written to the committee, asking it to finalize the date of the yatra considering the current disaster situation in the region.
The postponement has disappointed many devotees, but officials say safety and proper arrangements are most important. The final announcement will be made on January 23, and preparations will continue so that the 2027 yatra can be organized smoothly.
One of Asia’s most challenging pilgrimages
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra remains one of Asia’s most challenging pilgrimages. Its postponement highlights the difficulties of organizing such a massive event in the fragile Himalayan environment. When it finally takes place in 2027, it will once again bring together faith, tradition, and the spirit of Uttarakhand.
