Eight Trekkers Stranded Near Kedartal Amid Heavy Snow and Avalanche Threat

Eight trekkers are stranded at an altitude of around 4,000 metres near Kedartal in Uttarkashi district after heavy snow and avalanche conditions blocked their return from Gangotri. The District Emergency Operations Centre shared this update in a report dated November 1.

Search Efforts

Teams from the SDRF, NDRF and an aerial search unit have not yet found the missing group despite multiple rescue tries. The Soul Seeker tracking agency first alerted authorities on October 30 that the trekking team had gone missing on the way back, though four support staff members managed to reach Gangotri safely. A five-member SDRF team searched up to Bhoj Kharak on October 31 without success, and a UCADA helicopter also failed to spot them during an aerial run that same day. On November 1, a UCADA helicopter brought two NDRF personnel from Sahastradhara to Harsil with one of the support staff to help guide the search. The helicopter completed two rounds of aerial checks by 1:30 PM on November 1, but found no sign of the trekkers or their belongings.

Official Response

The District Magistrate and Disaster Management Officer are keeping a close watch on the rescue work from the Emergency Operations Centre. Teams from the Army, police, Gangotri National Park, medical units and revenue departments are stationed at the Harsil helipad to support the mission.

Context

High-altitude trekking routes in Uttarakhand often face sudden weather shifts and heavy snow that make rescue operations difficult. Emergency teams rely heavily on local support staff and aerial support when ground paths get blocked by snow and avalanche risks.