Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Over 6,500 Pilgrims Evacuated After Landslide Blocks Kedarnath Trek
A landslide blocked part of the trek to Kedarnath.
It happened near the Chirbasa helipad, above Gaurikund.
More than 6,500 pilgrims were safely moved away from the blocked area.
Between 600 and 700 horses and mules were also rescued.
A local person died after a boulder hit them.
Falling stones made it difficult to repair the route.
On Monday, the weather became better and the landslide activity stopped.
Officials then helped returning pilgrims cross the dangerous section in groups.
Workers began removing rocks and debris to reopen the path.
More than 6,500 pilgrims were evacuated from the landslide-hit Chirbasa helipad area on Monday.
The rescued group included between 600 and 700 horses and mules.
A Sunday landslide partially damaged the Gaurikund-Kedarnath route and made it inaccessible to trekkers.
A local person died after being struck by a boulder during the landslide.
Pilgrims were guided across the area after conditions improved, while the Public Works Department began clearing debris.
- Who
- More than 6,500 pilgrims, along with 600 to 700 horses and mules, were evacuated; a local person died.
- What
- A landslide blocked and partially damaged the Gaurikund-Kedarnath trek route.
- When
- The landslide occurred on Sunday, and the evacuation and guided crossing took place on Monday.
- Where
- Near the Chirbasa helipad, about 2.5 kilometers above Gaurikund on the Kedarnath trek.
- Why
- The route became inaccessible because of the landslide and continued falling stones.
- Evacuated pilgrims
- More than 6,500
- Animals rescued
- 600 to 700 horses and mules
- Incident location
- Chirbasa helipad on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath route
- Distance above Gaurikund
- About 2.5 kilometers
- Landslide timing
- Sunday
- Reported death
- A local person was struck by a boulder
- Restoration agency
- Public Works Department