Drawing lessons from the devastating floods during the 2025 Manimahesh Yatra, which led to one of the largest rescue operations in the pilgrimage's history, the Chamba administration has introduced a series of new safety measures for this year's yatra.
The key changes include mandatory online registration, a daily limit on the number of pilgrims, drone surveillance and restrictions on the traditional parikrama trek through Kugti village. The measures are aimed at ensuring safer and better-managed pilgrimages.
The annual Manimahesh Yatra will begin on August 25. Online registration and slot booking will open on August 1 through its official website, www.manimaheshyatra.hp.gov.in.
For the first time, pilgrims will have to obtain an e-pass, similar to the system used for the Amarnath Yatra. Initially, around 5,000 devotees will be allowed each day. The administration may increase the daily limit during Krishna Janmashtami and Radhashtami, depending on weather conditions, security arrangements and the route's carrying capacity.
The new system comes after last year's disaster, when continuous rainfall triggered flash floods that damaged several stretches of the Chamba-Bharmour highway, the main route to the shrine. Over 15,000 pilgrims were stranded after road links were cut off, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving the district administration, the Army, the Air Force, the NDRF, the SDRF and local volunteers.
Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal said mandatory registration and advance slot booking would help regulate the movement of pilgrims, avoid overcrowding and enable authorities to respond quickly in case of emergencies.
He said the new system is intended to make the pilgrimage safer and more organised. According to him, the administration is focusing on improving crowd management, strengthening safety measures and protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Repaswal also said the administration would strictly enforce the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines during the yatra. Special attention will be given to scientific disposal of plastic waste, reducing the use of single-use plastics and maintaining an effective waste management system to keep the pilgrimage route clean.
Meanwhile, Bharmour SDM Vikas Sharma said the Kugti trekking route will remain closed to most pilgrims this year due to safety concerns. However, devotees approaching from the Lahaul-Spiti side, for whom the route holds religious significance, will be allowed to use it.
Of the nearly two dozen deaths reported during last year's pilgrimage, 17 occurred along the Kugti route. The Manimahesh Yatra via Kugti is a demanding high-altitude circular trek of around 38 to 45 km. It begins from Bharmour, passes through Kugti village, crosses the 4,748-metre Jotnu Pass and then descends to the sacred Manimahesh Lake.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Manimahesh Yatra is among the most revered Himalayan pilgrimages in North India and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. They undertake a 14-km trek from Hadsar to the 4,080-metre-high Manimahesh Lake, located in the Pir Panjal range.
Also read: IAF airlifts 350 Manimahesh pilgrims in Himachal
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