Trekup India, Dehradun | August 29, 2025 – Continuous heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand, particularly in the districts of Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi, has disrupted connectivity and raised serious safety concerns for trekkers, pilgrims, and local communities. The state administration has issued Yellow and Orange alerts, cautioning of further rain, landslides, and flash floods in the coming days.
River and Flood Situation
The Alaknanda River is currently flowing above the danger mark, with water levels rising alarmingly close to highways and nearby settlements. Several stretches of the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway are witnessing waterlogging, slope erosion, and traffic delays, making road travel increasingly unsafe.
Authorities have urged locals and travelers to avoid riverbanks, restrict unnecessary travel after dark, and strictly follow district advisories.
Cloudburst in Rudraprayag District
A sudden cloudburst in the Basukedar region of Rudraprayag triggered flash floods and debris flow in adjoining streams. Unfortunately, the disaster has resulted in loss of life, with several people still reported missing. Search and rescue operations led by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and district authorities are underway. However, continuous rainfall and high water levels are hampering efforts.
Connectivity to multiple interior villages has been completely cut off, leaving residents dependent on emergency relief supplies. Teams are working to restore access roads and communication lines, while evacuation units remain on alert in vulnerable zones.
Landslide in Uttarkashi – Gangotri National Highway
In Uttarkashi district, a massive landslide at Naluna blocked the Gangotri National Highway, halting movement towards the Gangotri shrine and nearby trekking routes.
The route remained blocked for several hours, leaving pilgrims and trekkers stranded. BRO and PWD teams are on-site, but unstable slopes and recurring rain are slowing clearance work. Travelers headed towards Gangotri and Yamunotri are strongly advised to check real-time road updates before starting their journey.
Road Connectivity – Valley of Flowers Region
The Rishikesh–Joshimath–Govindghat highway continues to face repeated blockages from landslides at Gauchar, Sirobgad, Nandaprayag, Bhanerpani (near Pipalkoti), Thirpak, and Parthadeep (near Nandnagar).
The Govindghat–Pulna road, which connects trekkers to the Valley of Flowers trailhead, remains unstable due to debris flow, with movement restricted and subject to sudden closures.
Trek Route Conditions – Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib
The Pulna–Ghangaria trail is extremely slippery and prone to rockfalls. Several bridges and walkways over the Pushpawati River have been affected, with safety inspections underway.
Trekkers are advised to carry rain protection, sturdy footwear, walking poles, and to proceed only under the guidance of certified trek leaders.
Trekup India – Valley of Flowers Safety Update
Thanks to advance planning, weather monitoring, and close coordination with local authorities, Trekup India successfully ensured that:
All trekkers on the Valley of Flowers trek were safely escorted back to Ghangaria and Govindghat before conditions deteriorated. As of August 29, 2025, no Trekup India trekkers are stranded.
Our ground support teams remain stationed at Govindghat and Joshimath to monitor conditions and assist if needed.
This proactive approach has enabled Trekup India to maintain the safety and security of all participants, even as other operators have faced disruptions.
Advisory for Upcoming Treks
With heavy rainfall expected until September 2, 2025, Trekup India advises trekkers and pilgrims to:
– Stay updated via official weather bulletins and Trekup India advisories.
– Prepare for delays on the Rishikesh–Joshimath and Gangotri routes.
– Avoid riverbanks, unstable slopes, and night travel, especially in flood-prone areas.
Trekkers are encouraged to reschedule Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib treks to mid-September, when conditions are expected to stabilize.
Alternative treks recommended for mid-September:
– Har Ki Dun Trek – A cultural and scenic journey in the Valley of Gods.
– Rupin Pass Trek – A challenging high-altitude adventure.
– Bali Pass Trek – Demanding yet rewarding, with spectacular Himalayan views.
At Trekup India, safety is our top priority. We remain in close contact with ground teams, local authorities, and weather agencies, and will continue to share timely updates to support trekkers and ensure secure experiences in the Himalayas.
About Author
Nanda Rawat (Operation Manager)
Nanda Rawat holds a Master’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality and is a seasoned professional specializing in Adventure and Leisure Travel. As a travel specialist and consultant, his core mission has always been to deliver exceptional service by sharing the full breadth of his experience, ensuring client satisfaction on a global scale.
With over 16 years of experience, Nanda has worked with three well-established tourism companies, gaining deep insight into both inbound and domestic travel operations. He has contributed directly and indirectly to the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) and has participated in multiple Immediate First Aid Training programs at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
In addition to his fieldwork, Nanda has shared his expertise through guest lectures in tourism and hospitality at various universities. He has independently led numerous expeditions across the Indian Himalayas and was actively involved in the rescue operations during the 2010 Ladakh flash floods.
In recognition of his outstanding coordination skills, he was honored with the Best Travel Coordinator Award by Joy James Educational Trust in 2012. A strong advocate of ethics, sustainability, and eco-tourism, Nanda takes great pride in being an integral part of Trekup India.
Write to him at: nanda@trekupindia.com
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