shrikhand-mahadev-kinnaur-kailash-yatras-suspended

The district administrations of Kullu and Kinnaur have suspended the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra and Kinnaur Kailash Yatra until further orders. The decision was taken after officials found the trekking routes unsafe because of the risk of landslides, flash floods and unstable glaciers.

 

Shrikhand Mahadev, located at an altitude of 16,900 feet in Kullu, is considered one of the country's most challenging pilgrimages. Devotees undertake a 35-km one-way trek through alpine meadows to reach the 72-foot Shivlinga. Kinnaur Kailash, situated at 19,850 feet in Kinnaur, is believed to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva. Both pilgrimages usually begin in July.

 

The Kullu administration suspended the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra after a joint inspection by experts from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, along with officials from the Revenue and Forest Departments. The team declared both the traditional route and the proposed alternative route unsafe for pilgrims.

 

Inspection reports said the Bhimdwari-Parvati Bagh stretch and the alternative route pass through steep slopes, unstable terrain, slippery paths and several mountain streams. Officials warned that the risk of landslides, rockfalls and flash floods remains high along these routes.

 

They also said carrying out rescue operations in these difficult areas would be extremely challenging in case of an emergency.

 

The Kullu district administration has directed officials to strictly enforce the ban and warned that legal action would be taken against anyone violating the order. 

 

The Kinnaur administration has also suspended the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra after a scouting team found large glaciers between Miling Khata and the Shivling. The team also reported unstable boulders and fresh rockfalls between Gufa and Sorang, making the route unsafe for pilgrims.

 

Officials added that rising temperatures have accelerated snowmelt, increasing the chances of landslides and falling rocks along the route.

 

Also read: Ex-BJP Min hints at 'third front' in Himachal by next Mar-April