Dehradun: In Uttarakhand, the weather has turned sharply wintry just when many had expected an early cold snap. While lower districts remain dry and clear,
light rain or thundershowers are likely today over parts of Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh.
In contrast, the high Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib are buried under heavy snowfall, bringing a December‑like chill in mid‑October.
दिनांक 09.10.2025 को जारी उत्तराखंड राज्य हेतु मौसम पूर्वानुमान एवं चेतावनी pic.twitter.com/uaReZsYvCg
— Meteorological Centre Dehradun (@mcdehradun) October 9, 2025
5-6 inches snow in Kedarnath
The Meteorological Department reports that after three straight rainy days in the mountain zones, conditions cleared Thursday, offering a brief respite. However, in the upper reaches, the snowfall has persisted, piling up 5 to 6 inches in the Kedarnath valley. This is unusual for October—snow typically hauls off before becoming lasting. But this time, the blanket of white has settled on hills, paths, and the helipad itself. Machines were deployed to clear snow so that helicopter services could continue ferrying pilgrims.
Snowfall at Kedarnath… Heaven touches earth – every flake feels like Mahadev’s blessing descending from the skies… A sight so divine, even silence chants Har Har Mahadev…! 🔱❣️🔥 pic.twitter.com/lrME5nn22f
— Sumita Shrivastava (@Sumita327) October 9, 2025
Temp has dipped below freezing in Kedarnath
In Kedarnath, the temperature has dipped below freezing, forcing the region into subzero conditions. The drop is drastic for October, when frost is rare at these altitudes. Forecasters warn that the chill will deepen across higher slopes in coming days, turning the trekking routes slippery and hazardous.
Uttarakhand: Kedarnath receives fresh snowfall. Devotees continue to arrive at Kedarnath Dham despite a drop in temperatures. pic.twitter.com/37e6NzHUK7
— Rakesh Kumar (@RiCkY_847) October 9, 2025
Doors of Hemkund Sahib and Lokpal Laxman Temple will be formally closed for winter at 1 pm
Hemkund Sahib has seen more dramatic accumulation—over two feet of snow at the temple complex itself, and heavy coverage along the path from Hemkund to Atlakoti (3 km stretch). Today, the doors of Hemkund Sahib and Lokpal Laxman Temple will be formally closed for winter at 1 pm. Pilgrim activity had already surged: this season, over two lakh devotees made the trek to Hemkund, setting a new record. Badrinath and Kedarnath, too, are seeing record footfalls even as nature conspires to shut down access.
Weather may remain clear for the next two weeks in Uttarakhand
The meteorological forecast suggests that in other parts of Uttarakhand, the weather may remain clear for the next two weeks. But in the higher reaches, the cold grip has already set in. Road connectivity is under strain, and landslides or rockfall triggered from freeze-thaw cycles may disrupt routes further. Pilgrims and tourists are being urged to hasten their return or complete their journeys before worsening weather closes off high passes.
Snowfall adds both challenges and awe for pilgrims
For pilgrims in Kedarnath and Hemkund, the snowfall adds both challenges and awe. While the valley of Kedarnath wears a pristine white cover, paths are slick, and the cold is biting. Despite that, many trekkers spoke about the surreal beauty of walking under snow-laden trees and through quiet slopes. But the warning is clear: finishing the sacred journey before the snow deepens is now essential.
Administrators have repeatedly advised travelers to avoid moving during night or peak cold hours
Authorities have stepped up measures to manage the sudden chill. Security and rescue teams remain on alert. Routes to shrines are being monitored, avalanche risk zones are watched closely, and emergency shelters are being prepared along mountain stretches. Administrators have repeatedly advised travelers to avoid moving during night or peak cold hours, to carry warm clothing, and to keep an eye on weather updates.
