Himachal Pradesh has put a freeze on trekking adventures above 3,000 meters in Kangra, Kullu, and Kinnaur districts due to the onset of winter. Both district administrations have issued orders to this effect, requiring prior permission for treks below 3,000 meters. Popular treks like Triund, Kareri Lake, and Himani Chamnuda are affected.
Officials warn that permissions won’t be granted during weather alerts, and violating these orders could lead to legal consequences under the IPC and National Disaster Management Act. Paragliding near Dhauladhar mountains in Kangra is also prohibited. In Kinnaur, a similar ban on trekking above 3,000 meters is in place.
These districts are known for trekking, but winter conditions make it risky, with several trekkers reported missing in recent years. Last January, two teenagers lost their lives in heavy snowfall in Kangra. Notably, a trekker named Ashutosh went missing in Kullu after an avalanche last November, highlighting the dangers.
Suggesting safety measures, D R Suman, President of the Parvati Valley Adventure Tour Operators’ Association, advocates for police and forest check posts on trekking routes. These check posts, he says, would ensure that only those with prior permissions venture on treks, aiding timely rescue efforts for stranded trekkers.