‘Adi Kailash Yatra’ after heavy snowfall

‘Adi Kailash Yatra’ after heavy snowfall

B.D.Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, Sept 29

The ‘Adi Kailash yatra’ resumed on Monday after remaining suspended for three days due to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of the yatra route. However, some pilgrims were unable to have darshan of the ‘Adi Kailash’ peak as the road remained blocked at Kuti on the route to Jolingkong, according to KMVN and administration sources.

“According to the BRO, both routes to the ‘Adi Kailash’ peak are expected to be opened by this evening. One of the routes has already been opened,” said Ashish Joshi, SDM, Dharchula.

More than five feet of snowfall was recorded in Gunji and adjoining areas over the past three days, disrupting road connectivity to the ‘Adi Kailash’ region.

“Some of the more than 400 pilgrims who were stranded in the high Himalayan region while seeking darshan of ‘Adi Kailash’ have returned after having darshan, while those still waiting to proceed to the shrine are staying at the Gunji camp,” said Dhan Singh, camp in-charge at Dharchula.

The snowfall was reported in Gunji, Kuti and Kalapani over the past three days, the SDM said.

According to local villagers, the villages of Kuti and Nabi in the Vyans Valley, along with the ‘Adi Kailash’ region, were covered in snow on Monday after the skies cleared.

“Our villagers who were travelling from Kuti towards the ‘Adi Kailash’ region had to negotiate thick layers of snow to reach Jolingkong. More than 100 mules were also involved in transporting essential supplies,” said Nagendra Singh Kutiyal, Gram Pradhan of Kuti village.