Massive Landslide Halts Kedarnath Trek, Triggers Large-Scale Rescue

On September 27 2026 a landslide struck the Chirbasa area, about 3 km from Gaurikund, blocking the Kedarnath trek route. Joint teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and District Disaster Response Force (DDRF) arrived after the Sonprayag police reported the incident. Led by Sub-Inspector Ashish Dimri, the SDRF guided roughly 1,500 pilgrims across the debris zone and escorted them safely to Gaurikund on September 28 2026.

The Hindu1,500 stranded pilgrims on Kedarnath trek route rescued after landslide Hindustan TimesWatch: Landslide blocks Kedarnath route in Rudraprayag’s Chirbasa, over 1,500 pilgrims evacuated Char Dham Yatra, Rishikesh rafting suspended; 136 mountaineers stranded across Uttarakhand New Indian Express179 trekkers stranded in Uttarakhand as rain disrupts roads CNN-News18

Continuous heavy rain since September 27 2026 has produced landslides and road blockages throughout the state. The Char Dham Yatra was suspended for a second day, and the Badrinath National Highway remained blocked at Sirobagad, leaving an estimated 4,000 pilgrims stranded. The National Highways Department deployed machines to clear the site, but fresh rockfall continued to impede progress. Over 80 roads across the hill districts were reported closed, with the Badrinath highway and several connecting routes in Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Pauri among the worst-affected.

New Indian Express

179 trekkers—including six foreign nationals—were marooned on high-altitude routes. The groups comprised 136 people in Uttarkashi (89 expedition members, 18 at Kalindi Pass base camp, 29 at Auden’s Col base camp) and 43 in Bageshwar (23 near Pindari Glacier, 20 near Khathi village). Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan ordered helicopter sorties to begin at 6 a.m. on Monday, subject to weather, and instructed the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority to keep aircraft on standby.

CNN-News18179 trekkers stranded in Uttarakhand as rain disrupts roads Hindustan TimesChar Dham Yatra, Rishikesh rafting suspended; 136 mountaineers stranded across Uttarakhand New Indian Express1,500 stranded pilgrims on Kedarnath trek route rescued after landslide The HinduWatch: Landslide blocks Kedarnath route in Rudraprayag’s Chirbasa, over 1,500 pilgrims evacuated

The State Emergency Operation Centre reported two rain-related deaths—a child in the Chirbasa area and an adult, Balveer Singh, buried under debris in Thalisain, Pauri district—and one injury in the same Chirbasa incident.

Char Dham Yatra, Rishikesh rafting suspended; 136 mountaineers stranded across Uttarakhand

• Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan emphasized a “war-footing” evacuation and directed authorities to prioritize safety.

179 trekkers stranded in Uttarakhand as rain disrupts roads

• District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar confirmed that National Highways Department machines were on site clearing debris at Sirobagad.

New Indian Express

• Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said all evacuees would undergo medical screening and that AIIMS Rishikesh and Srinagar Medical College were on alert.

CNN-News18

• 1,500 pilgrims evacuated from Kedarnath route.

Hindustan Times

• 4,000 pilgrims stranded on Badrinath highway.

New Indian Express

• 179 trekkers stranded; 6 foreign nationals.

CNN-News18

• 2 deaths and 1 injury reported.

Char Dham Yatra, Rishikesh rafting suspended; 136 mountaineers stranded across Uttarakhand

• 80+ roads blocked; 150 mm of rain recorded in parts of Kumaon within 24 hours.

CNN-News18

Sources differ on the number of pilgrims affected by the Badrinath highway landslide—some report 4,000 stranded, while the Kedarnath rescue operation cites 1,500 pilgrims. No official timeline has been provided for reopening the highways, and casualty figures for the Kedarnath pilgrims themselves have not been disclosed.

Hindustan Times

• “All those evacuated will undergo medical screening. AIIMS Rishikesh and Srinagar Medical College have been kept on alert to provide treatment if required.” — Chief Secretary

179 trekkers stranded in Uttarakhand as rain disrupts roads

Helicopter rescue sorties are slated to commence on Monday, weather permitting, with additional aircraft to be mobilized if needed. Authorities will continue to monitor the monsoon-driven system and reassess the suspension of the Char Dham Yatra after the next day's weather briefing.

CNN-News18