The Gangotri National Park has imposed an indefinite temporary restriction on the Gaumukh trek after heavy snowfall increased the risk of avalanches and damaged the route at several points in Uttarkashi district.

Officials said access will remain suspended until weather conditions and movement along the trail return to normal. Tourists and other visitors will not be allowed to enter the trek route during the restriction.

7 trekkers reported safe

According to the park authorities, 7 trekkers were stranded in the Bhojbasa and Tapovan areas after heavy snowfall on Thursday and Friday. Officials have established contact with all of them and said they are in safe locations.

The Forest Department is making efforts to bring the trekkers back to Gangotri. The authorities have not reported any injury among the 7 people in the available information.

The snowfall has also affected the physical condition of the trail. Several sections have been damaged, adding to the danger from possible avalanches and making movement more difficult.

Officials cite safety concerns

Range Officer Pradeep Bisht said the temporary, indefinite closure was ordered because of the avalanche threat and other risks along the route. He said no one would be permitted to proceed towards Gaumukh until conditions become suitable for safe travel.

The decision affects access to a high-altitude trekking area connected with Gaumukh and the Gangotri Glacier. The restriction is intended to prevent visitors from entering sections where heavy snow and route damage have made travel unsafe.

Earlier rescue operation

The latest closure follows an earlier incident in late September, when more than 200 mountaineers became stranded at different locations in the higher areas around Gaumukh and the Gangotri Glacier after heavy snowfall.

A coordinated rescue operation involving helicopter services, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the State Disaster Response Force and the Forest Department safely evacuated all those affected at that time.

The current decision means visitors will have to wait for an official assessment before the trek reopens. No reopening date has been announced.

Conclusion

The Gaumukh trek will remain closed indefinitely because of avalanche danger, heavy snow and damage to the trail. 7 trekkers in Bhojbasa and Tapovan have been contacted and are safe, while officials are working to return them to Gangotri.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why has the Gaumukh trek been closed?

The trek was closed after heavy snowfall created an avalanche threat and damaged the route at several locations.

Q. How long will the closure continue?

The restriction is indefinite and will remain until weather and trail conditions become suitable for movement.

Q. Can tourists currently enter the trek route?

No. Officials said no one will be allowed to proceed on the Gaumukh trek during the restriction.

Q. How many trekkers were stranded?

7 trekkers were stranded in the Bhojbasa and Tapovan areas. Officials said they had contacted all of them and that they were safe.

Q. What is being done for the stranded trekkers?

The Forest Department is making efforts to bring them back to Gangotri.

Q. When did a similar major rescue take place?

In late September, more than 200 mountaineers were stranded in higher areas around Gaumukh and the Gangotri Glacier after heavy snowfall.

Q. Which agencies helped in that earlier rescue?

Helicopter services, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the State Disaster Response Force and the Forest Department took part in the rescue.