AVALANCHE CUTS OFF KEDARTAL TRAIL, EIGHT TREKKERS AND SUPPORT STAFF STRANDED IN UTTARAKHAND

October 31, 2026

An avalanche has blocked the Kedartal trekking route in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, leaving eight members of a trekking expedition stranded beyond Bhojkharak. Rescue operations were launched on Saturday, October 31, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Forest Department and the trekking agency deployed to evacuate those trapped in the high-altitude region.

The 13-member expedition, comprising seven trekkers and six support personnel, had departed from Gangotri on October 27 and was scheduled to return on October 29. However, heavy snowfall, deteriorating weather conditions and glacier movement obstructed the trekking route, preventing the group from completing its return journey. Telephone contact was established through the trekking agency on October 30, when members reported their situation near Kachi Dhang and requested assistance.

According to the latest information from the rescue operation, four members, including three porters and a cook, were found safe near Kachi Dhang, while the remaining eight continued to be stranded beyond Bhojkharak. A 10-member NDRF team, six SDRF personnel, Forest Department officials and trekking agency representatives were mobilised to reach the affected group. Rescue efforts have been complicated by the avalanche-blocked pathway and difficult mountainous terrain. The authorities are also exploring helicopter assistance to facilitate evacuation. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya has directed the participating agencies to coordinate their efforts and accelerate the operation, with the immediate priority being the safe recovery of everyone stranded along the Kedartal route.