Adi Kailash, Om Parvat Yatra Suspended Amid Monsoon, Landslide Threat

The Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district has been suspended until further orders due to the ongoing monsoon, heightened landslide risk, and concerns over pilgrims' safety , officials said on Friday.

Dharchula Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ashish Joshi said that Inner Line Permits , mandatory for undertaking the pilgrimage, will no longer be issued until weather conditions improve and authorities deem the route safe.

According to the administration, 52,441 pilgrims visited the revered Himalayan shrines within two months of the yatra's commencement on May 1 this year. Joshi said 103 pilgrims were the last to receive permits on July 1 , before the suspension came into effect.

The decision comes as the monsoon season increases the likelihood of landslides and road disruptions in the region, prompting authorities to prioritize the safety of devotees and local residents.

The Adi Kailash Yatra , located near the India-China border in Pithoragarh, has been conducted since 1981 , alongside the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet. The pilgrimage has witnessed a significant rise in footfall in recent years, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Adi Kailash on October 12, 2023 , which drew nationwide attention to the spiritual destination.

Officials said the issuance of permits will resume only after a review of weather conditions and road safety, urging pilgrims to follow official advisories before planning their journey.