Avalanche Strands Trekkers on Kedartal Route in Uttarkashi, Rescue Operation Underway
An avalanche blocked the Kedartal trekking route beyond Bhojkharak in Uttarkashi, stranding members of a 13-person trekking group. Four have been found safe; NDRF and SDRF teams are working to reach the rest.
Current Summary
A group of 13 people — seven trekkers and six support staff — began a Kedartal trek from Gangotri on October 27, with a scheduled return on October 29. Heavy snowfall, glacier movement and deteriorating weather disrupted their return, and an avalanche subsequently blocked the trekking route beyond Bhojkharak, stranding members of the group. Officials now say eight members — seven trekkers and one support staff member — remain trapped beyond Bhojkharak, while four others, including three porters and a cook, have been located near Kachi Dhang and are safe. A 10-member NDRF team and six SDRF personnel left Uttarakashi for Gangotri early on October 31, and the Forest Department and the trekking agency are also engaged in the ongoing rescue operation.
What We Know
- A 13-person group (7 trekkers, 6 support staff) began a Kedartal trek from Gangotri on October 27, due back October 29.
- Heavy snowfall and an avalanche blocked the trekking route beyond Bhojkharak.
- Telephone contact confirmed some group members were safe near Kachi Dhang on October 30.
- Four members, including three porters and a cook, have been found safe near Kachi Dhang as of October 31.
- NDRF (10-member team) and SDRF (6 personnel) have been deployed from Uttarkashi toward Gangotri to reach the remaining stranded members.
- Eight members of the trekking group — seven trekkers and one support staff — remain trapped beyond Bhojkharak.
- Four members, including three porters and a cook, have been located and are safe.
- The Forest Department and the trekking agency are also engaged in the rescue operation alongside NDRF and SDRF.
What Is Still Unclear
- The exact current location and condition of the remaining stranded group members.
- When the rescue operation is expected to reach and evacuate the rest of the group.
- Whether any injuries have occurred.
Trekking groups in the Gangotri-Kedartal region should avoid the route until authorities confirm conditions have stabilised.
What Changed
- 31 Oct, 11:22 amOfficials say eight members of the trekking group — seven trekkers and one support staff member — remain trapped beyond Bhojkharak. Four others, including three porters and a cook, have been located and are safe. NDRF, SDRF, the Forest Department and the trekking agency are engaged in the rescue operation.
- 31 Oct, 10:40 amSignal detected: Avalanche Strands Trekkers on Kedartal Route in Uttarkashi, Rescue Operation Underway