“Chandrashila ka trek band ho chuka hai, aaplog zabardasti na karen”; local priests request tourists not to undertake the trek after deadly lightning incidents

Chandrashila Trek in Uttarakhand is a dream of almost every trekker and adventure seeker. However, if you have been planning a trip here, you might need to put your plans on hold for sometime. The local authorities and priests have requested trekkers, tourists and pilgrims not to undertake the trek for sometime as it has been temporarily shut down. Access to parts of the trekking route near Tungnath and Chandrashila was restricted following a series of dangerous weather events, including lightning strikes and heavy rainfall.


Here’s what travellers should know:

The video shared on Instagram shows a large number of devotees standing in a queue. Meanwhile a priest with mike is making an announcement requesting people:


“Kyunki mausam kharab hone jaraha hai to aaplog Chandrashila ki na soche. Yahin se darshan karen aur neeche chale jaye. Chandrashila ka trek band hochuka hai. Apne swasthya ka dhyan rakhen. Isliye neeche bachdhe rahe. Kyunki upar aakashiya bijli girne ke karan kai ghatnaye ghat rahi hain, isliye Chandrashila na jaye.”


(As the weather is expected to worsen, we urge everyone not to plan a trip to Chandrashila. Please offer your prayers from here and then head back down. The Chandrashila trek has been closed. Take care of your safety, and remain in safer areas at lower altitudes. Several incidents have occurred due to lightning strikes in the upper regions, so please do not proceed to Chandrashila.)


This is the appeal of local priests of Tungnath Dham who have appealed to pilgrims and tourists not to undertake the Chandrashila trek due to the continuing spell of bad weather in the region. Several incidents of lightning strikes have been reported in recent days.

More about Chandrashila summit and why is it so popular


The Chandrashila summit at an elevation of around 12,110 feet is among Uttarakhand's most visited short Himalayan treks. It is known for offering stunning views of peaks such as Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Kedar Dome. The route attracts thousands of trekkers every year, especially during the summer months.


However, the region is experiencing sudden changes in weather which have also turned fatal in recent weeks.

The recent tragic lighting incident


The closure follows a tragic lightning strike on the Chandrashila-Tungnath route on May 30 where two brothers from Lucknow lost their lives after being struck by lightning. They brothers were trekking in the high-altitude zone close to Tungnath, which is also known as the world's highest Shiva temple.


Then on May 15, two tourists were also injured after lightning struck near Chandrashila Peak.


Bad weather

The closure also comes after the India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for parts of Rudraprayag district for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Kedarnath Yatra too has been stopped as a precautionary measure.


This is not the first time. Weather-related disruptions have become now common in Uttarakhand's trekking destinations. Several trekking organizations have repeatedly advised visitors to monitor forecasts closely because mountain weather can change dramatically within hours.


For travellers planning a trip, authorities recommend postponing summit attempts until weather becomes normal. It is suggested to carry raingear and check local weather forecasts before coming.