The Uttarakhand government last year issued a health advisory for Chardham pilgrims in 11 languages asking them to follow guidelines like acclimatizing themselves and having themselves medically examined before embarking on the journey to the Himalayan temples. It said acclimatization before starting the journey is a must as the Himalayan temples in Chardham Yatra are located at a height of more than 2,700 metres. Travellers in these places can be affected by extreme cold, low humidity, extreme ultraviolet radiation, low air pressure and low oxygen.

Hence, pilgrims must ensure medical and trek preparedness before they travel. High altitude can cause medical issues - it is critical to plan, prepare and pack for the same, the advisory said. They should plan a trip for at least seven days, and allow time to acclimatize. They must plan for frequent breaks and take 5-10 min breaks every one hour of trek or every two hours of automobile ascent, it said.