Overview
- A 13-person group that set out from Gangotri on Tuesday, Oct. 27 became trapped when heavy snowfall and glacier movement blocked the Kedartal route and an avalanche left eight people stranded beyond Bhojkharak.
- Rescue efforts have been mobilised by the Uttarkashi district administration with a 10-member NDRF team, SDRF mountaineering units, forest department staff and members of the trekking agency deployed toward Gangotri.
- Four support staff — three porters and a cook — were located safe near Kachi Dhang and escorted to a lower point for care and coordination with rescue teams.
- SDRF teams conducted aerial reconnaissance flights from Harsil and have sent specialised mountaineering teams to the area, while authorities have requested helicopter evacuation but say visibility and glacier instability are preventing safe air lifts.
- Officials report at least one stranded trekker with a head injury and say ongoing search plans depend on improving weather and glacier conditions before ground teams can reach the site and carry out medical evacuation.