Uttarakhand Weather News, 03 November 2026: Fresh snowfall covered Kedarnath and Gangotri on Thursday, 29 October, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures across Uttarakhand’s higher Himalayan regions. Rainfall also affected several lower-altitude areas, making conditions colder and more challenging for pilgrims visiting Char Dham temples.
The snowfall comes as the 2026 Char Dham Yatra is nearing the winter closing period. Devotees kept coming to the temples, but authorities have asked travellers to take precautions against freezing temperatures, slippery surfaces and unpredictable mountainous conditions.
Kedarnath Receives Fresh Snowfall as Temperatures Fall Below Freezing
Kedarnath Dham, situated at approximately 3,583 metres in Rudraprayag district, witnessed fresh snowfall on 29 October, covering the temple surroundings and nearby Himalayan slopes.
According to The Times of India, Kedarnath recorded approximately 0.4 cm of snowfall between 8 PM on 28 October and 8 AM on 29 October.
Temperatures dropped below freezing, while cloudy conditions and rainfall affected lower areas of Rudraprayag district.
Places including Guptkashi, Ukhimath and the district headquarters experienced unsettled weather.
Despite the cold, pilgrims continued visiting Kedarnath Temple. However, the snowfall increased concerns about exposure to low temperatures, particularly for elderly devotees and those undertaking the trek from Gaurikund.
Gangotri Witnesses Fresh Snowfall in Uttarkashi District
Gangotri Dham, one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage destinations, also experienced significant snowfall on Thursday morning.
According to DD India, Gangotri received heavy snowfall, covering the area in a thick layer of snow.
Persistent rainfall in lower parts of Uttarkashi district contributed to falling temperatures. The changing weather is particularly important for travellers approaching Gangotri through Uttarkashi and Harsil, where mountain roads can become slippery during rainfall and snowfall.
Visitors should prepare for freezing conditions around the shrine and avoid assuming that weather conditions in Uttarkashi town will be similar to those at Gangotri.
Snowfall and Rain Affect Other Char Dham Destinations
The weather disturbance was not limited to Kedarnath and Gangotri.
According to reports published by ThePrint Hindi, citing PTI/Bhasha, snowfall was also reported at Yamunotri and Auli.
Snowfall was reported on high altitude mountains including Neelkanth and Nar-Narayan ranges at Badrinath. Several places at lower altitude like Dehradun, Haridwar and parts of Garhwal received rain.
The widespread rain cooled things down considerably across the state.
According to The Times of India, on Thursday, the maximum temperature recorded in Dehradun was 20.1 °C, which is around eight degrees below normal.
Authorities Issue Cold-Weather Advisory for Pilgrims
Following the snowfall, the Rudraprayag district administration and police advised pilgrims to take additional precautions.
According to NDTV Profit, District Magistrate Vishal Mishra urged devotees to check weather conditions, carry warm clothing and keep essential medicines and supplies available.
Travellers should:
- Carry thermal clothing, jackets, gloves and woollen caps.
- Wear waterproof footwear with good grip.
- Keep essential medicines, drinking water and snacks.
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to freezing temperatures.
- Exercise additional caution when travelling with children or elderly family members.
- Follow instructions from police, temple authorities and district officials.
Pilgrims experiencing unusual weakness, breathing difficulties or symptoms of cold-related illness should seek medical assistance promptly.
Char Dham Yatra Approaches Winter Closure
The snowfall comes during the final weeks of the 2026 pilgrimage season.
Gangotri Temple is scheduled to close for winter on 10 November 2026 and Kedarnath Temple is scheduled 11 November 2026, according to reports published by NDTV Profit.
With winter approaching, pilgrimage sites at high altitudes are more likely to experience snow, freezing temperatures and changing road conditions.
Pilgrims planning a late season trip should check individual temple closing dates and current darshan arrangements.
What Should Travellers Do Now?
The snowfall has transformed Kedarnath and Gangotri into striking winter landscapes, but visiting these destinations requires careful preparation.
Pilgrims are advised to check official weather forecasts, check road access and be flexible with their schedules.
If you are already travelling in Uttarakhand, it is important to follow instructions of local administration.
The latest snowfall is a reminder that Himalayan weather can change rapidly, particularly during the closing weeks of the Char Dham Yatra.
