Jammu Tawi, March 28 -- The Uttarakhand government has issued a health advisory for Chardham Yatra pilgrims, asking them to get a health checkup done before they start their journey.

The advisory also asks them to practice walking, do 'pranayama' and heart-related exercises well before the journey.

Every year hundreds of pilgrims die due to health-related issues during the Chardham Yatra. High-altitude sickness, oxygen deficiency and cardiac arrest are the most common reasons behind the death of pilgrims.

According to official records, 246 pilgrims died due to health reasons during the yatra last year and 242 in 2023.

The advisory issued in 12 languages asks devotees to keep adequate quantity of essential medicines with them.

Prepar...