Unsafe routes due to risk of landslides, flash floods and unstable glaciers have prompted the Kullu and Kinnaur district administrations in Himachal Pradesh to suspend the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra and Kinnaur Kailash Yatra until further orders, officials said on Monday.
Situated at an altitude of 16,900 feet in Kullu, Shrikhand Mahadev is one of India’s toughest pilgrimages. The 35 km one-way trek passes through alpine meadows to a 72-foot pinnacle known as Shivlinga.
The Kinnaur Kailash located in Kinnaur at an altitude of 19,850 feet, is believed to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva. Both the yatras usually commence in July.
The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra has been suspended after expert teams from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, along with officials from the revenue and forest departments, declared both the traditional and an alternative route unsafe.
According to inspection reports, Bhimdwari-Parvati Bagh stretch and the proposed alternative route pass through steep gradients, unstable terrain, slippery trails, and multiple mountain streams. The threat of landslides, rockfalls, flash floods remains high along these stretches.
Officials also said rescue operations in these areas would be extremely difficult.
The Kullu administration has ordered strict enforcement of the ban and warned of legal action against violators.
The Kinnaur district administration has also suspended the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra after a scouting team reported large glaciers between Miling Khata and the Shivling, unstable boulders and fresh rockfall between Gufa and Sorang, Making route dangerous.
Melting snow due to rising temperatures has further increased the risk of landslides and falling boulders, officials added.
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