10 July,2026 02:49 PM IST | Dharamshala | PTI
A view of mountains from the Kangra valley, Himachal Pradesh. Image courtesy: Pexels
In response to the recent increase in incidents involving trekkers who have become stranded, gone missing, or experienced accidents on various routes in the Dhauladhar mountain range of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, the district administration has made registration mandatory for ten trekking routes, officials said on Wednesday.
This requirement is effective immediately and will remain in place until October 15, 2026.
Situated at altitudes ranging from 3,600 to 4,600 metres within the Dhauladhar range, these routes include Baleni, Minkiani, Bhimghasutri, Indrahar, Kundli, Toral, Talang, Singhar, Varu, and Jalsu Pass.
Disaster management check-posts will be established at the starting points of all these routes, operating daily from 5 am to 5 pm, officials said.
While issuing the orders, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kangra, Hemraj Bairwa, emphasised the heightened dangers associated with trekking during the monsoon season, which can bring landslides, dense fog, flash floods, poor visibility, and slippery trails.
"In many instances, search and rescue operations become prolonged, challenging, and resource-intensive because trekkers fail to provide prior notification of their journey or details regarding their intended route. This jeopardises the safety of not only the trekkers but also the members of the rescue teams," he said.
He said that it is mandatory for every individual or group intending to traverse these identified routes to register in person at the respective check-post before commencing the trek. "Additionally, they must provide details of their itinerary, contact information, and the expected time of return," he added.
"If any individual or group engages in trekking without registration, or deviates from the designated route without prior intimation and subsequently falls victim to an accident or disaster, the services of private rescue teams will be engaged for their rescue if necessary. The expenses incurred during such rescue operations will be recovered from the concerned individual or group," he said.
Bairwa said that strict legal action, in accordance with the rules, will be taken against those violating these orders under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
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