Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Uttarakhand Halts Adi Kailash Pilgrimage for Winter
The Uttarakhand government has decided to stop the Adi Kailash pilgrimage for the winter.
This is because the lakes around Adi Kailash are freezing, and the roads are covered in frost, making it hard to travel.
The government will stop giving special permits needed for the pilgrimage starting December 1.
The number of pilgrims has increased a lot since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited in 2023.
Before his visit, about 2,000 people went on the pilgrimage each year.
Last year, 28,000 people visited, and this year, 36,461 people have already gone.
The journey used to take nine days, but now it only takes two days because of a new road.
The Adi Kailash pilgrimage in Uttarakhand will be suspended for the winter season starting December 1.
Inner Line Permits (ILP) for the pilgrimage will be discontinued due to freezing lakes and impassable roads.
The number of pilgrims has significantly increased since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in 2023.
The pilgrimage duration has been reduced from nine days to two days due to a new motorable road.
The host villagers of the Adi Kailash area have begun migrating to lower valleys due to the cold.
- Who
- Uttarakhand Government and pilgrims
- What
- Suspension of Adi Kailash pilgrimage
- When
- From December 1
- Where
- Adi Kailash, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand
- Why
- Due to freezing lakes and impassable roads
- Location
- Adi Kailash, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand
- Reason for Halt
- Freezing lakes and impassable roads due to frost
- ILP Issuance Discontinued
- From December 1
- Pilgrimage Duration
- Nine-day journey reduced to two days
- Pilgrims in 2023
- 36,461