From the 2026 Char Dham pilgrimage season, women and children of Nepali origin will not be allowed to work on the Kedarnath shrine route. The Gaurikund Panchayat has passed a resolution citing alleged involvement of some women in illegal activities, which, it claimed, were hurting the sanctity of the pilgrimage area. Nepali men, however, will continue to be permitted for employment.
According to Panchayat office bearers, the move aims to safeguard the holiness and dignity of Gaurikund, considered a sacred starting point for the Kedarnath trek. Panchayat head Kusum Devi said: “In recent years, several Nepali women were found engaged in illegal sale of liquor and meat. Despite repeated complaints, the administration took only token action, which failed to stop the activities. The Panchayat was compelled to take this strict step to preserve the sanctity of the shrine route.”
She clarified that men from Nepal can still work in the area, but they cannot bring their female partners or children along.
Local businessman and Gaurikund Traders’ Association president Ramchandra Goswami supported the resolution, stating villagers were left with no option due to administrative inaction. Meanwhile, the local administration in Gaurikund and Guptkashi block has not yet issued an official response.