Kedarnath, a revered pilgrimage site nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, is experiencing an unusual weather pattern this December. Contrary to the typical winter scenario, where the region is buried under 5 to 8 feet of snow, Kedarnath remains largely snowless as of December 23, 2025. This deviation from the norm is impacting the region and raising concerns about changing weather patterns in the Himalayas.
Typically, Kedarnath sees heavy snowfall in December, which leads to the closure of the Kedarnath Temple and halts all construction work. The deity is usually moved to Ukhimath for the winter months due to the heavy snow. However, this year, the absence of significant snowfall has allowed construction activities to continue uninterrupted.
Around 150 laborers are currently working at the shrine, braving temperatures that drop to -10°C at night. Despite the freezing conditions, the absence of snow has made it possible to continue laying underground pipelines for drinking water and electricity. Cement-related work is still facing hindrances due to the cold, but overall progress is ongoing. Sunlight only reaches the shrine after 10 AM, offering limited respite from the cold.
In addition to the shrine development, reconstruction work is also underway on the Rambada-Garudachatti walking path, which was destroyed in the 2013 disaster. Approximately 80 laborers are engaged in railing and pathway work. Officials anticipate that devotees will be able to use the old route by the 2026 pilgrimage season, which will alleviate some of the difficulties encountered on the current walking path.
Furthermore, large boulders brought to Kedarnath during the 2013 disaster are now being repurposed for artistic installations. Skilled workers are carving images of temples, animals, and birds into these boulders, adding cultural and spiritual value to the area.
Rudraprayag District Magistrate Prateek Jain has confirmed that reconstruction efforts will continue as long as the weather permits. He also noted that the stone artworks behind the Kedarnath Temple are already attracting positive attention from visitors. These engravings on the boulders will be a highlight for pilgrims in the upcoming season, enhancing their spiritual journey.
The lack of snow in Kedarnath this December is a notable departure from historical weather patterns. While the ongoing construction benefits from the mild conditions, it also raises concerns about the long-term implications of these changing weather patterns on the Himalayan region. The last snowfall was recorded on November 20, and the shrine has remained snowless since then.
