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Weather
Snowfall strands 136 trekkers in Uttarkashi; rescue ops underway
✍️ TOI City
🗓 28 Sep 2026, 05:52 AM
👁 17
Heavy snowfall in Uttarkashi district left 136 trekkers and mountaineers stranded in high-altitude areas. Rescue teams, including Gangotri National Park staff, have evacuated most while continuing operations to bring the rest to safety.
The district administration confirmed that a sudden snowfall trapped 136 individuals, including trekkers, mountaineers and porters, in remote high-altitude zones around Uttarkashi. Immediate alerts were issued and joint rescue teams comprising police, disaster response units and local volunteers were deployed.
Gangotri National Park staff played a key role in the initial evacuation, using their knowledge of the terrain to guide stranded groups to safer lower camps. Officials said that the majority of the tourists have already been brought down and are receiving medical check-ups at temporary shelters.
Efforts are now focused on the remaining trekkers who are still at higher elevations. Rescue helicopters and ground teams are coordinating to move them out as weather conditions permit. Authorities have urged anyone planning treks in the region to monitor weather advisories and avoid high-altitude routes until conditions improve.
Gangotri National Park staff played a key role in the initial evacuation, using their knowledge of the terrain to guide stranded groups to safer lower camps. Officials said that the majority of the tourists have already been brought down and are receiving medical check-ups at temporary shelters.
Efforts are now focused on the remaining trekkers who are still at higher elevations. Rescue helicopters and ground teams are coordinating to move them out as weather conditions permit. Authorities have urged anyone planning treks in the region to monitor weather advisories and avoid high-altitude routes until conditions improve.