Landslide blocks Adi Kailash route, stopping over 350 pilgrims
Bharatmorning.com – Over 350 pilgrims stopped as landslide blocks the Adi Kailash route in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. The pilgrims were halted at the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam base camp in Dharchula after an overnight landslide disrupted the road towards Gunji.
The landslide occurred at Mangti nullah, cutting off the route used by pilgrims travelling towards the sacred Adi Kailash area. The blockage came just as access had improved on another high-altitude stretch of the journey.
Snow clearance had briefly improved access
Dhan Singh Bisht, who oversees the KMVN base camp at Dharchula, said the Border Roads Organisation had cleared snow between Kuti and Jolingkong two days earlier. The work had allowed vehicles to move closer towards the Adi Kailash temple.
“However, the fresh landslide last night suddenly disrupted the pilgrimage,” Bisht said.
Although the snow-clearance operation improved road access, heavy snow continued to cover around eight kilometres of the route. Some pilgrims had recently been able to view the sacred peak from near Jolingkong, but travel remained restricted by difficult conditions.
The latest disruption means that over 350 pilgrims stopped as landslide affected the approach road at Mangti nullah. They remain at Dharchula while authorities assess conditions and work towards restoring connectivity.
Permits resume as pilgrims await road reopening
Despite the road blockage, interest in the pilgrimage has remained strong. The inner-line permit process has resumed, allowing visitors to complete required travel formalities while waiting for safe movement towards Gunji and Jolingkong.
Mountain travel in the region is highly dependent on weather and road conditions. Snow accumulation, landslides and rainfall can alter access quickly, especially along remote roads in the higher reaches of Pithoragarh district.
For pilgrims, the reopening of the road at Mangti nullah is now the main concern. The route must be restored before groups can continue their journey from Dharchula towards the Adi Kailash temple area.
Uttarakhand weather outlook may offer a short dry window
The India Meteorological Department’s Dehradun office said the southwest monsoon was likely to withdraw from Uttarakhand within 24 hours as rainfall retreated across northwestern India. Most of the state remained dry during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Friday.
Twelve of Uttarakhand’s 13 districts recorded no rainfall during that period. Bageshwar received 0.8 mm of rain, close to its normal level of 0.7 mm.
The seven-day forecast indicated dry weather across the state through the weekend, though isolated morning fog could occur in the plains. A dry spell may help authorities inspect affected hill roads, but the Adi Kailash route will reopen only when conditions at the landslide site are considered safe.
Light rain, thunderstorms and lightning are possible at isolated hill locations from Monday. Light to moderate rainfall may affect several parts of Uttarakhand from Tuesday, while Wednesday could bring more widespread rain and heavy showers in some areas before activity gradually eases on Thursday.
FAQ: Adi Kailash route disruption in Uttarakhand
Where were the pilgrims stopped?
The pilgrims were stopped at the KMVN base camp in Dharchula after a landslide at Mangti nullah blocked the road towards Gunji.
What caused the disruption on the Adi Kailash route?
An overnight landslide blocked the approach road, while heavy snow was already restricting movement on parts of the route between Kuti and Jolingkong.
Can pilgrims still apply for the Adi Kailash inner-line permit?
Yes. The inner-line permit process has resumed, though onward travel depends on the restoration of safe road access.
When will the Adi Kailash road reopen?
No reopening time was stated. Access will depend on road restoration work and safety conditions at the Mangti nullah landslide site.