03.11.2026 17:36
Heavy snowfall and the subsequent avalanche that struck the Himalayas in India left a group of mountaineers stranded. While no news has been received for days from the 8-person team climbing in Uttarakhand state, search and rescue teams dispatched to the region are trying to reach the missing under difficult weather conditions. All routes above 4,000 meters have also been closed.
An avalanche in the Himalayas in northern India hit a group of hikers. Seven mountaineers and a guide who set out to climb in the Kedartal region of Uttarakhand state remain out of contact. Search and rescue operations are continuing with difficulty due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions.
CONTACT LOST WITH 8 PEOPLE
According to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI) agency, the group consisting of 7 mountaineers and a guide began a mountain climb planned to last 3 days on October 27 in the Kedartal region of Uttarakhand state.
After heavy snowfall affecting the region, an avalanche occurred on October 29. Contact with the group was lost after the avalanche, and no further news was received from the 8 people.
SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE WITH DIFFICULTY
A 10-person search and rescue team was dispatched to the region to find the missing mountaineers. However, heavy snowfall, low visibility and the risk of new avalanches are adversely affecting the operations.
Teams searching near the Kedartal region in Uttarkashi district found a tent buried under snow, as well as clothing, slippers and food supplies. Despite searches carried out in an area of approximately 2-3 kilometers, the 8 missing people have not yet been reached.
4 PEOPLE HAD BEEN RESCUED EARLIER
Officials announced that 3 porters and a cook accompanying the hiking group had been rescued 3 days earlier. Meanwhile, after heavy snowfall, high-altitude hiking routes above 4,000 meters in the region were closed for safety reasons.
It was reported that search and rescue efforts to find the missing mountaineers are continuing despite the difficult weather conditions in the region.