The Adi Kailash landslide disrupted the pilgrimage route in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, leaving more than 350 pilgrims waiting at the Dharchula base camp after the road towards Gunji was blocked near Mangti nullah.Officials said the landslide occurred overnight, abruptly interrupting movement towards Adi Kailash. The disruption came shortly after the Border Roads Organisation cleared snow from the Kuti-Jolingkong stretch, allowing vehicles to approach the temple area.
Before the fresh landslide, groups of pilgrims had managed to view the sacred peak from near Jolingkong. An eight-kilometre section of the route had remained covered by heavy snow, making travel challenging even before the latest road blockage.Dhan Singh Bisht, in-charge of the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam base camp at Dharchula, said pilgrims remained enthusiastic despite difficult conditions. Authorities have also resumed issuing inner-line permits required for travel in the border region.
Why Were Adi Kailash Pilgrims Stopped In Uttarakhand?
The immediate reason was the landslide at Mangti nullah, which blocked the road connecting Dharchula with Gunji. Pilgrims were held at the base camp rather than being allowed to proceed along an unsafe route.
Weather conditions could influence restoration and pilgrimage movement. The India Meteorological Department said the southwest monsoon was likely to withdraw from Uttarakhand soon, with largely dry weather expected across the state over the weekend.
However, rain activity is forecast to return from Monday. Light showers, thunderstorms and lightning are possible at isolated hill locations, followed by light to moderate rainfall at several places from Tuesday. Wednesday could bring more widespread rainfall, including heavy showers at some locations.For pilgrims, reopening of the route will depend on road clearance and safety assessments. The latest disruption highlights how landslides, snowfall and rapidly changing Himalayan weather can affect access to Adi Kailash, requiring authorities and travellers to respond cautiously to changing conditions locally.
