Himachal Pradesh Cloudburst: 413 Pilgrims Rescued Via Zipline From Kinnaur Kailash Yatra Route

Just a day after a deadly cloudburst wreaked havoc in Uttarakhand, another disaster struck on Wednesday. A cloudburst in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, led to major disruptions. Pilgrims on their Kinnaur Kailash Yatra were left stranded. However, over 400 pilgrims were rescued from the trek route via zipline.

Himachal Cloudburst Leaves Pilgrims Stranded 

Responding to a requisition from DC Kinnaur, #ITBP has deployed a rescue team under AC/GD Sameer with mountaineering & RRC equipment after two makeshift bridges on the Kinner Kailash Yatra route were washed away due to incessant rains, leaving several yatris stranded.#Himveers pic.twitter.com/rjatUQeTEV

— ITBP (@ITBP_official) August 6, 2025

Flash floods in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur region following heavy rainfall left many pilgrims stranded. They were on the trek to the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra when the overflowing water washed away a large part of the trekking path. The bridge over the Tangling drain was also washed away on Wednesday morning.

As per a report by NDTV, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), along with the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), are now carrying out rescue operations. Thankfully, 413 pilgrims have been rescued via zipline. ITBP shared visuals from the ongoing rescue operations on their official X handle. Pilgrims can be seen ziplining over the river and moving to a safer location where the rescue team is present. This technique is called the ‘Rope Rescue Traverse Crossing Technique’ and is used in situations where access (like a bridge) to cross a river is not possible.

Also Read: Uttarkashi Cloudburst Leaves At Least 4 Dead, Over 50 Missing; Rescue Operations Underway

Heavy Rainfall Is Expected To Continue For Next 3 Days 

As per a report by India TV, the ITBP team from the 17th battalion led the rescue operations using mountaineering, rope rescue, and climbing (RRC) techniques. One gazetted officer, four subordinate officers and 21 other ranks of ITBP led the rescue of 412 pilgrims. They carried out the operation in coordination with the NDRF. 

It should also be noted that Himachal Pradesh is severely affected by the ongoing monsoon. The heavy rainfall has triggered significant damage to lives and infrastructure. As per a report by NDTV, on Tuesday, a total of 309 roads (including NH-305) were blocked due to landslides. Over 180 lives have been lost between June 20 and August 3 due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, and electrocutions.

Furthermore, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also warned that Himachal Pradesh will continue to receive heavy rainfall over the next three days. An orange alert is also in place for districts like Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, and Kangra.

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh Reels Under Monsoon Fury As 383 Roads Blocked And Several Dead

Keeping in mind the current situation, the NDRF has deployed its team for search and rescue operations. 

Cover Image Courtesy: @ITBP_official/ X