For eight years, Hemant Mali, a seasoned tour operator from Baroda, has guided thousands of pilgrims through the Char Dham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. This year, for the first time, he brought his parents along for the yatra, fulfilling their long-held wish.

However, on Wednesday morning, as Kedarnath temple gates were opened for the first time this season, his 78-year-old father, Dilip Mali, collapsed near the shrine and thus began his ordeal, which Mr. Hemant says is far from over.