Landslide Halts Adi Kailash Pilgrimage Route in Uttarakhand

A significant landslide has brought pilgrim traffic to a halt along the Adi Kailash route in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district. The geological event blocked the crucial mountain passage leading to Gunji, leaving more than 350 devotees stranded at Dharchula, the nearest settlement on the pilgrimage trail.

Adi Kailash, located at an elevation of approximately 5,945 metres, attracts thousands of pilgrims annually who undertake the challenging trek through the Himalayas. The Gunji route represents one of the primary access points for visitors attempting the sacred journey in the remote eastern reaches of Uttarakhand.

Local authorities have been notified of the disruption, though details regarding recovery timelines and the extent of the landslide damage remain limited. The blockage coincides with the pilgrimage season, when the high-altitude region typically experiences increased foot traffic.

Road conditions in Pithoragarh district remain precarious during monsoon months and winter periods, with landslides and rockfalls posing recurring hazards to travellers. Stranded pilgrims are being advised to await clearance of the route before proceeding toward Gunji and the mountain shrine beyond.