Cloudbursts and Landslides Impact Pilgrimage Routes to Himachal’s Sacred Kailash Shrines
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Himachal Pradesh has once again witnessed the fury of the monsoon, as heavy rains, cloudbursts, and landslides have disrupted several parts of the state. Among the affected regions are the revered pilgrimage routes leading to the three sacred Himalayan shrines – Manimahesh Kailash in Chamba, Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash on the Kullu–Shimla border, and Kinner Kailash in Kinnaur. These yatras, which attract thousands of devotees every year, are currently facing challenges due to the unstable weather conditions and damage to the routes.
Himachal Pradesh is often called Devbhoomi – the land of the gods – and for good reason. The state is home to several sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, known collectively as the Kailash peaks. Pilgrims believe these mountain abodes represent different manifestations of Lord Shiva’s energy and presence.
Manimahesh Kailash (Chamba District): Nestled at an altitude of 4,080 meters, Manimahesh is associated with the holy Manimahesh Lake, where thousands of devotees take a dip during the annual Manimahesh Yatra. The snow-clad peak behind the lake is revered as the seat of Lord Shiva.
Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash (Kullu–Shimla Border): A highly challenging trek, Shrikhand stands at 5,227 meters, with a naturally formed Shivling believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. This yatra is considered one of the most difficult pilgrimages in India.
Kinner Kailash (Kinnaur District): Known for its massive 79-foot vertical rock formation that resembles a Shivling, Kinner Kailash holds religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. The trek to this shrine is equally demanding, often undertaken by only the most determined devotees.
These three yatras are not only religiously significant but also play a major role in sustaining local tourism and the economy of remote Himalayan villages.
The onset of August and September usually brings intense rainfall in Himachal Pradesh. This year, heavy downpours have caused multiple cloudbursts in upper Himachal, particularly in Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, and Kinnaur districts. The aftereffects have been equally severe, with landslides blocking key roads, damaging bridges, and washing away sections of trekking trails.
The Manimahesh Yatra, which usually witnesses its peak around the time of Janmashtami and Radha Ashtami, has been disrupted. Roads leading from Chamba to Bharmaur, the base camp of the yatra, have faced multiple blockages. Loose soil and heavy runoff water have made the trek from Hadsar to Manimahesh Lake slippery and risky. Pilgrims have been advised to either postpone their journey or proceed with extreme caution, as authorities work to clear debris and restore safer access.
The Shrikhand Mahadev trek, already known for its difficulty, has become more challenging due to recent landslides. Sections of the trail near Jaon village and Bhim Dwar have been affected by falling rocks and flooding streams. The administration has temporarily restricted movement in some stretches until the weather stabilizes and path clearance work is completed. For many pilgrims who were preparing to undertake the arduous journey, this has come as a major setback. However, officials have clarified that the restrictions are purely precautionary, aimed at avoiding risks in unstable terrain.
In Kinnaur, the situation has been equally concerning. The trek to Kinner Kailash, which passes through Charang, Tangling, and steep rocky ridges, has been hampered by fresh landslides. Heavy rainfall in upper Kinnaur has triggered loose boulders and waterlogging in sections of the trail. Local authorities have advised yatris to remain patient until clearance operations are completed. The National Highways connecting Kinnaur with Shimla have also reported intermittent blockages, delaying travel plans.
The district administrations of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, and Kinnaur have stepped up efforts to manage the situation. Teams of Public Works Department (PWD) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are engaged in road clearance work. Bulldozers and JCB machines are being deployed to remove debris from blocked routes.
Officials have issued advisories asking pilgrims to:
Check weather forecasts before starting their journey.
Avoid night travel in hilly areas due to the risk of sudden landslides.
Follow instructions from local authorities and not venture onto closed trails.
Carry essential supplies, as delays are likely during road clearance.
Local residents and service providers, including homestay owners, porters, and shopkeepers, have expressed concern about the impact of the weather on pilgrim inflow. Many families depend on these yatras for seasonal income. However, they remain hopeful that conditions will improve by mid-September, allowing the smooth continuation of the pilgrimage season.
Several pilgrims who had already reached the base camps reported being stranded temporarily due to road closures. In Bharmaur (base of Manimahesh), groups of yatris had to wait for clearance before proceeding. In Jaon village (Shrikhand), trekkers described the trail as “slippery and unstable,” with makeshift shelters being used while waiting for safer passage. In Kinnaur, pilgrims expressed both disappointment and patience, acknowledging that weather challenges are part of high-altitude journeys.
One pilgrim said, “We came with strong faith to have darshan of Lord Shiva at Manimahesh. Though the weather delayed our plans, we believe it is His will, and we will wait until the route is safe.” Such sentiments reflect the deep spiritual commitment of devotees undertaking these yatras.
Himachal Pradesh has been experiencing extreme weather events more frequently in recent years, raising concerns about the safety of high-altitude pilgrimages. Experts suggest the need for:
Better forecasting and early warning systems to alert pilgrims of sudden weather changes.
Strengthening of trails and roads with improved drainage and slope stabilization.
Dedicated shelters and emergency facilities along yatra routes.
Awareness campaigns for yatris about safety protocols during monsoon season.
Despite the current disruptions, authorities and locals remain optimistic. If weather conditions stabilize, the yatras are expected to resume smoothly by mid to late September, ensuring that devotees can complete their spiritual journeys.
The recent cloudbursts and landslides in Himachal Pradesh serve as a reminder of the challenges posed by the fragile Himalayan terrain, especially during the monsoon season. While the Manimahesh Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash, and Kinner Kailash yatras have been temporarily affected, efforts are underway to restore connectivity and ensure the safety of pilgrims.
For devotees, these journeys are more than just treks – they are acts of faith and devotion, often undertaken with immense physical and mental endurance. Though nature’s obstacles may delay the path, the spiritual bond with the sacred Kailash peaks remains unshaken. With the combined efforts of authorities, locals, and the resilient spirit of the yatris, Himachal’s revered Kailash shrines are expected to welcome devotees again soon.