Trek Route to Kedarnath Reopens After 26 Days

The Kedarnath trek route, closed for 26 days due to heavy rainfall damage, has officially reopened for pilgrims. The route, which sustained damage at 29 locations, has also resumed services for horses and mules. A massive rescue operation evacuated over 11,000 people during the closure.

The Kedarnath trek route was reopened on Monday, allowing the movement of pilgrims once again, stated officials.

The route had been shut from Gaurikund to Kedarnath for 26 days following substantial damage caused by heavy rainfall on July 31.

The 19-kilometre path faced extensive damages, blocked by debris at 29 different spots.

The thoroughfare has now been completely cleared, enabling the use of horses and mules to ferry pilgrims to the Himalayan temple, confirmed Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar.

Supply routes for rations and other essential goods via horses and mules have also been reinstated, he added.

Rain-induced landslides left thousands stranded, leading to a massive rescue operation involving IAF Chinook and MI17 helicopters and private choppers.

Over 11,000 people, including pilgrims and locals, were safely evacuated during the week-long rescue effort, closely monitored by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

(With inputs from agencies.)