SHIMLA/RECKONG PEO: The sacred Kinner Kailash Yatra in Himachal Pradesh turned tragic on Tuesday after three pilgrims lost their lives and over 100 had to be rescued in a daring operation following sudden flash floods near Tangling.
Acting swiftly, the Kinnaur district administration has now suspended the Yatra as a precautionary measure, citing continuous rains, rising water levels in the Sutlej, and warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
So far, over 716 yatris have been evacuated from Kinnaur, including 413 pilgrims evacuated using the risky rope "crossing" technique — a rope-assisted method employed in high-risk terrain.
Most were stranded near the Tangling hut route, which was battered by cloudbursts and gushing nalas (streams), yatris ignored weather warning.
A Journey of Faith and Danger
The Kinner Kailash Yatra is one of the toughest pilgrimages in Himachal Pradesh, second only to the Manimahesh Yatra.
It involves a grueling 17,000-ft trek to the sacred Shivling perched on the Kinnaur Kailash peak, believed to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva.
Thousands of devotees undertake this Yatra every year, especially during the monsoon, despite its high-altitude terrain, unpredictable weather, and difficult river crossings.
The pilgrimage starts from Tangling village near Powari, ascending through rocky cliffs, glaciers, and narrow ridges. The final climb to the Shivling is considered a test of both physical endurance and spiritual devotion.
Another Tragedy in Pabbar
In another rain-related incident, three people died when their car skidded off the road and plunged into the swollen Pabbar River near Chirgaon in neighbouring Shimla district.
Yatra on Hold Until Further Orders
Kinnaur administration has stopped the Kinner Kailash Yatra until weather conditions improve. Local authorities are monitoring water levels in the Sutlej and tributaries like the Tangling Nala and are coordinating with the SDRF, IMD for daily updates.
“Safety of pilgrims is our top priority. No fresh movement is being allowed,” said a district official.