Four older pilgrims die on Char Dham routes in three days. How to make the yatra safer

Four pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand died in separate incidents between 1 and 3 October, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre. All were aged 50 or older.

• Sridharan, 63, from Tamil Nadu, collapsed at Bhatwari while returning from Gangotri on 3 October.
• Harivansh Gurudatt Shukla, 68, from Maharashtra, collapsed near Sitapur while returning from Kedarnath on 1 October and died at the health centre in Guptkashi.
• Muddunuri Krishnamurthy Raju, 67, from Andhra Pradesh, fell ill near Agastyamuni on 1 October.
• Gopal Gupta, 50, from Punjab, collapsed near Sonprayag on 1 October.

The causes of death were not given in the report.

Why the yatra is hard on the body

Kedarnath is at about 3,580 metres and Gangotri at about 3,100 metres. At that height there is less oxygen in the air, and nights in October are cold. The Kedarnath trek from Gaurikund is about 16 km uphill. Together, these put extra strain on the heart and lungs, especially for older people and those with blood pressure, heart, lung or diabetes problems.

Before you go

• Get a medical check-up, particularly if you are over 50 or have a chronic illness, and carry your prescriptions.
• Do not rush. Build in a rest day at a lower altitude so your body can adjust.
• Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and dress in warm layers.
• Consider a pony, palki or helicopter for the steepest stretches instead of walking.
• Stop and seek help at the nearest medical post if you feel chest pain, severe breathlessness, dizziness or confusion. Medical relief points are set up along the main routes.

The shrines close for winter after Diwali, so October and early November are busy. Pilgrims should register with the Uttarakhand government before travelling.

Sources: ThePrint (PTI).