Given the extreme conditions in the region, authorities have not issued permits to run certain groups. In light of this, the Hampta Pass 1st September group has been called off.

With the same conditions affecting the Beas Kund region, we are relocating the Beas teams scheduled for 6th and 7th September to Bhrigu Lake. 

Our Experience Coordinators are in direct touch with all trekkers from these groups, updating them over email and WhatsApp group.

At every step, safety remains the principle guiding our decisions. And each of these decisions has been made with trekker safety at the core.

On-going Treks:

Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek:
Three teams—one from 23rd August and two from 24th August—that started from Darcha today have now reached Old Manali. They will head to the Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus for dinner and stay.

Further updates will follow as soon as we have them.

Pin Bhaba Pass:

• The 23rd August team is staying at Mudh.
• The 24th August team is at Bwalder.
• The 25th August team is acclimatising at Phutsirang.
• The 26th August team reached Phutsirang today.

Kanamo Peak Trek:
The 24th August pilot group is on its way to Shimla.

They will reach tonight and exit Himachal tomorrow via the Shimla route.

Hampta Pass – Evacuated Team
Relief for the 21st August group. The evacuated Hampta Pass team has reached Chandigarh this evening, and trekkers are now on their way to their home cities.

Valley of Flowers Trek

• The team leaving Dhak this morning for Rishikesh is stuck at Karnaprayag due to a landslide.
• The team stationed at Karchi also left for Rishikesh in the afternoon. They, too, are stuck in a traffic jam at Karnaprayag.
• The team travelling from Rishikesh to Karchi is also caught in the same traffic jam, but on the opposite side.

If the road is properly restored in time, all teams are likely to move forward. Otherwise, trekkers will be accommodated at Karnaprayag for the night.

We’ll keep you updated with more information as soon as we have it.

Hampta Pass – 21st August Group:
The 21st August team departed Jungle Line Campus, Manali, early this morning.

They are heading to Chandigarh and are expected to cross Mandi by 1:00 PM if road conditions remain stable.

If all goes as planned, they should reach Chandigarh between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.

Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek:
Three teams—one from 23rd August and two from 24th August—have started from Darcha.

Our Plan of Evacuation:
We are evacuating them via Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel. Our evacuation team left for Sissu this morning.

Multiple roadblocks were reported, but vehicles are positioned at key points to ensure safe evacuation. If the weather holds and no major disruptions occur, all three teams are expected to reach Manali today.

Alternate plans are in place in case of rain. Teams may stay at Sissu temporarily for the night and continue to Manali tomorrow morning.

Valley of Flowers Trek:
Persistent rainfall has caused five fresh landslides on the Rishikesh–Karchi route at Nandprayag, Kameda, Banerpani, Pagalnala, and Gulabkoti.

The 24th August return team is temporarily stuck, while another 24th August team remains stationed at Karchi. They wre waiting for the landslidesto get cleared.

The 29th August team traveling from Rishikesh to Karchi has encountered minor roadblocks but continues on its way.

Clearance operations are underway, and roads are expected to reopen soon.

On the ground, the trek is running on schedule.

Kanmo Peak Trek:
The pilot group is scheduled to return to Kibber today. They are expected to reach Shimla today and exit Himachal via the Shimla route tomorrow.

We’ll keep you updated with more information as soon as we have it.

We just received word from our evacuation team — the Chhatru team (21st August Hampta group) has safely reached Koksar and is now on their way back to Manali via Rohtang Pass.

The big relief is that Rohtang Pass has reopened, and our Head of Safety, Ravi Ranjan, is on the ground, personally coordinating every step. All trekkers are safe, in good health, and there are no concerns to report.

We’ll keep you posted with more updates as soon as we have them.

This morning, 45 trekkers from the Hampta and Chandrakhani teams, who had been stationed at Manali for the past few days, finally moved out towards Mandi. They have now reached Mandi and are en route to Chandigarh and Delhi. Our ground teams travelled alongside them, ensuring that trekkers were moved out safely.

Yesterday, the Mandi–Kullu Highway via Pandoh was opened for traffic. But this morning, a landslide near Pandoh has been reported. As a result, traffic was now diverted through the Mandi–Kullu Highway via Kamand–Katuala. 

For the rest of the trekkers who were waiting in Manali, vehicles have been arranged. A few trekkers have also chosen to travel independently. This means all trekkers (Hampta, Chandrakhani, and Bhrigu) who had been stationed at the Manali campus have now left.

Latest From Hampta Pass – 21st August Group

We are also in action to evacuate the team currently holding at Chatru. To rescue them our strategy is divided into three operations:

• One team started early this morning, trekking towards Hampta Pass to reach the group and brief them about the situation in Manali.
• A second team is moving on foot towards Chatru, inspecting road blockages and landslides firsthand.
• A third team has set out in vehicles from Kaza. If they reach Chatru on schedule today, trekkers will be evacuated to Kaza, stay overnight, and move towards Shimla early tomorrow. We remain alert to possible roadblocks but are pushing to ensure a safe and timely evacuation.

We will share more on this group the moment our ground teams report in.

Pin Bhaba Pass

The trek is progressing:

• 23rd August group has crossed the pass.
• 24th August group is acclimatising at Phutsirang.
• 25th August group is on the way to Phutsirang.
• 26th August group is advancing towards Karah.

Kanamo Peak

A big day for our Kanamo Pilot Team – they successfully summited Kanamo Peak this morning and are now returning to base camp. The skies were clear, and the sun is out bright.

Chandrabhaga Glaciers

Teams remain stationed at Darcha, waiting for roads and weather to clear. They will be evacuated and moved to Manali as soon as conditions allow.

Valley of Flowers

The trek continues as planned. Though it rained this morning, skies have since opened up, and the weather is improving. Roads remain stable with no major disruptions reported.

We continue to monitor the ground situation closely. Every step we take is guided first and foremost by safety. 

Further updates will follow as soon as they come in.

Weather and Road Disruptions Force Suspension of Certain Chandrakhani, Hampta, and Chandrabhaga Groups

In the wake of rainfall and widespread disruptions, we are suspending the following groups. 

Suspended Groups:

• Chandrakhani Pass: 31st August group suspended.
• Hampta Pass: 30th and 31st August groups suspended.
• Chandrabhaga Glaciers: 30th and 31st August groups suspended.

This is not just about blocked highways—our trails themselves have been hit hard by the weather. 

Earlier, we had extended trekkers the option to reschedule (for Chandrakhani and Hampta groups).Given the ground reality, moving forward with these groups is neither safe nor responsible..

The latest update from Mandi Police confirms that the Mandi–Kullu National Highway, blocked since 4:00 PM on 25.08.2025, has been restored for vehicular movement. However, only one-sided traffic from Kullu towards Mandi is being regulated first.

Manali is beginning to see clearer skies, a sign of some relief. But let’s be clear—the trails remain impacted, the travel routes remain fragile, and safety continues to be our highest, non-negotiable priority. Every single decision we take is rooted in this principle.

Our Experience Coordinators are in constant touch with trekkers from these groups, ensuring they are updated promptly over email and WhatsApp.

Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek Ongoing Groups:

• The 23rd and 24th August teams remain at Darcha due to extreme weather and heavy snow. If conditions permit, they may take a short hike in the region. Both teams will return to Manali as soon as road conditions allow safe movement.
• For the September Chandrabhaga Glaciers group, we are yet to take a call. Decisions will be guided entirely by safety and the evolving road situation.

Our team members are on the ground, accompanying trekkers, and ensuring their safety and comfort.

We continue to closely monitor developments and will keep you informed of every move we take.

Pin Bhaba Pass
The trek is progressing.

• The 23rd and 24th August teams have begun their trek towards Phutsirang.
• The 25th August team has started for Karah.
• The 26th August team is on its way to Mulling.
• The 19th August team has completed their trek and returned to Shimla.

No major road disruptions have been reported on NH-5 (Shimla to Yangpa via Wangtu).

Given the disruption of roads around Manali due to rainfall and landslides, the plan is to bring teams back to Shimla after they complete their treks. This will remain the course of action unless conditions in Manali improve.

Kanamo Peak

• The Kanamo Peak trek is also progressing as planned. The 24th August team is currently at the Kanamo base camp, where they are having their acclimatisation day.

Valley of Flowers

• The trek continues on schedule. No major disruptions have been reported on the road from Rishikesh to Karchi.

Road Updates — Himachal Pradesh

• The Mandi–Kullu highway via Pandoh is blocked at multiple points. The Beas River, swollen due to heavy rainfall, has damaged sections of the highway at several locations. Restoration timelines cannot be confirmed at this stage. 
• The alternate route via Kataula is also closed, with the road currently unfit for travel.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will share further verified updates as they come in.

Hampta Pass:

• All teams — 23rd August, 24th August, 25th August, and 26th August— are safely stationed at our Jungle Line Campus in Manali. 
• The 21st August team is staying put at Chatru. We are awaiting updates and will move them as soon as the road conditions improve..

Chandrakhani Pass:

• The 24th August Chandrakhani Pass team has also returned safely to Manali. They are staying in a homestay near our Jungle Line Campus, with our team present to ensure their safety and comfort.

All teams are safe and sound. Our team members are on the ground, ensuring that all trekkers are safe and well taken care of. Safety remains the principle guiding every decision..

Mobile connectivity in Manali is very limited, with VI (Vodafone–Idea) currently functional.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will share further updates as soon as we have them.

The rain has stopped in Sarsai, where the Manali Jungle Line Campus is located. 

Mobile connectivity in Manali is very limited, with VI (Vodafone–Idea) currently functional.

Hampta Pass:

The 24th August team has reached back in Manali safely and is accommodated at a homestay near our Jungle Line Campus. The 23rd August team, which was travelling just behind them, is also on its way and expected to reach shortly. 

The 21st August group is currently holding at Chatru with adequate ration supplies. They will return to Manali as soon as the road access is restored.

Our team members are on the ground, ensuring that all trekkers are safe and well taken care of. Safety remains the principle guiding every decision..

Pin Bhaba Pass

The 26th August team has reached Yangpa safely from Shimla, without any major disruptions on the route.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will share further updates as soon as we have them.

The rains across Himachal over the past 48 hours have inevitably affected trekking schedules. Some trails are being closed temporarily, and a few teams have turned back where required. These steps are not optional — they are mandatory precautions to keep everyone safe. Treks continue on routes where conditions allow, with safety as the first priority.

Hampta Pass 

The Hampta Pass trail has taken the brunt of the bad weather. Continuous rain and deteriorating road conditions have made it increasingly unsafe to continue.

The 24th August team is at Jobra, the first campsite, where they stopped for lunch. The team will reach the Jobra road head in about half an hour. The 23rd August team, which had moved up to Balu ka Ghera yesterday, is now descending and is crossing Jobra. Meanwhile, the 21st August team, which had crossed the pass earlier, we are yet to hear from them.

The road from Chatru to Manali, via the Atal Tunnel, is severely affected and blocked near Koksar. Similar blockages are also reported in Solang.

Looking ahead: With blocked routes, unsuitable roads, and severe weather on the trail, the 27th and 28th August Hampta Pass groups have been called off entirely. Our Experience Coordinators are in direct touch with all trekkers from the groups, updating them over email and WhatsApp groups.

For the 30th and 31st August Hampta Pass groups, Indiahikes is offering a free reschedule option, since conditions continue to remain unstable and are being closely monitored. The same update has also been shared on the respective trek WhatsApp groups to keep everyone informed

Chandrakhani Pass

On the Chandrakhani Pass trail, the 24th August team ended their trek early due to heavy rain and returned safely to Manali. They are accommodated in a homestay near Jungle Line Campus.

For the 31st August group, Indiahikes is offering a free reschedule option, since conditions continue to remain unstable and are being closely monitored. The same update has also been shared on the respective trek WhatsApp groups to keep everyone informed

Bhrigu Lake & Beas Kund

The bad weather has also disrupted groups for both Bhrigu Lake and Beas Kund.

At Bhrigu Lake, the 24th August team had to cut their trek short and descend early. They are now back safely at our Jungle Line Base Camp. The upcoming 31st August group has been cancelled altogether, with persistent bad weather making the trail unsafe.The Palchan road has been severely damaged and is currently unsafe for any travel. Our Experience Coordinators are in direct touch with all trekkers from the group, updating them over email and WhatsApp group.

Similarly, the 30th August Beas Kund trek has been called off. Our Experience Coordinators are in direct touch with all trekkers from the group, updating them over email and WhatsApp group.

Pin Bhaba Pass

There is some positive progress from the Pin Bhaba trail despite the ongoing rains.

The 23rd August group is holding a buffer day at Karah. With the rains easing slightly, the team will review conditions tomorrow morning before deciding on further movement.

Meanwhile, the 24th August team has successfully moved from Mulling to Karah and continues to remain on schedule. The 25th August group, which started from Yangpa this morning, is expected to reach Mulling by evening. Following close behind, the 26th August team is also on its way to Yangpa and should be arriving tonight. No major road disruptions reported on NH-5 (Shimla to Yangpa via Wangtu).

Kanamo Peak

A note of relief comes from Kanamo Peak Trek. 

The 24th August group, which reached Kibber yesterday, began their trek this morning. Despite a heavy downpour early in the day delaying their start, the team has moved as planned. The rains have slowed, allowing the trek to continue on schedule.

Road Update for Himachal:

As reported, the Mandi–Kullu highway via Pandoh is blocked at multiple points — Banala, Dwada, and Jhalogi — due to continuous shooting stones and landslides. Restoration efforts remain dependent on the weather and the possibility of further landslides. 

The alternate route via Kataula is also closed, with the road currently unsafe for vehicle movement. At present, connectivity between Mandi and Kullu stands disrupted until conditions improve.

We are closely monitoring the situation and will share further updates as soon as reliable information is available.

Valley of Flowers: Roads are operational. The trek is moving as planned, with teams progressing on schedule without any major disruptions.

The 21st August Hampta Pass team has reached the Chatru campsite as planned. They are expected to return to Manali tomorrow.

For the 23rd August group (at Balu ka Ghera campsite), plans are being made to bring them back in view of weather alerts. The concern is that if they cross the pass, communication and evacuation from Chatru could become difficult due to roadblocks.

The 24th August team (at Jwara) will stay put tonight. The situation will be reviewed tomorrow at 11:00 am before taking a call on their descent.

Meanwhile, the 24th August Chandrakhani Pass team has decided to return to Manali after continuous rain and bad weather. They are expected to descend from the trek tomorrow morning.

We will share further updates as the situation develops.

Road Update
As reported this afternoon, the Mandi–Kullu highway via Pandoh is currently blocked due to a landslide at Jhalogi. Restoration work is in progress, though it will depend on further landslides and weather conditions.

The Mandi–Kullu highway via Kataula also remains closed, with the road unsuitable for vehicle movement.

Trek Update
The 24th August Chandrakhani Pass team has decided to return to Manali after continuous rain and bad weather. They are expected to descend from the trek tomorrow morning.

All other treks continue as reported in the morning update.

It has been raining continuously at our Jungle Line campus in Manali since yesterday. The rain has affected some teams, while others continue on schedule.

Bhrigu Lake Trek

• 24th August Group: The team is descending today due to continuous rain and bad weather. The trekkers will be safely moved to the basecamp in Manali.

Hampta Pass Trek

• 24th August Group: The team moved up from Jobra as planned, despite the rain.
• 25th August Group: The team is on hold at the Jungle Line Campus due to the weather. They are likely to begin their trek tomorrow if conditions improve.

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

• 24th August Group: The team has moved up as planned. Chandrakhani Pass is running on schedule.

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

• The 19th August group has crossed the pass.
• The 23rd, 24th, and 25th August groups are running on schedule.
• The 25th August group is on the way to Yangpa.

Kanamo Peak Trek: The trek is running on schedule.

Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek

• The 23rd August group reached Darcha at 1 PM yesterday. Today is their acclimatisation day, and the trek is progressing as per schedule. The team experienced rain yesterday, and snowfall has been reported in the upper stretches.
• The 24th August groups have also moved as planned, with both teams on schedule.

Road Update in Himachal

• Mandi–Kullu via Pandoh: The highway was blocked this morning but has now been opened. Traffic is moving, although very slowly,
• Mandi–Kullu via Kataula: Vehicle movement remains blocked due to unsuitable road conditions.

Valley of Flowers Trek: All groups are running on schedule.

Advisory for Trekkers

Based on current road and weather conditions, we recommend:

• Keeping a minimum buffer of 1-2 days while planning journeys to or from Manali.
• Carrying essentials — water, dry snacks, and basic medicines — in case of long halts on highways.

On the Mandi–Kullu Highway via Pandoh and the Aut Tunnel — the primary route for travellers from Delhi, Chandigarh and other cities — a landslide occurred last night, leading to a closure near Jogni Road and Hotel Moon. The relief is that the roads have started opening up, with restoration work currently in progress.

Meanwhile, on the Mandi–Kullu Highway via the Kamand–Kataula route, the road continues to remain blocked near Kanauj and is unsuitable for vehicle movement.

Advisory for Trekkers

Based on current road and weather conditions, we recommend:

• Keeping a minimum buffer of 2 days while planning journeys to or from Manali.
• Carrying essentials — water, dry snacks, and basic medicines — in case of long halts on highways.

Valley of Flowers:

There was continuous rain in the region through the night, but the intensity reduced this morning. The Valley of Flowers trail has not been affected and is running smoothly, with no disruptions to trekking.

Route from Rishikesh to Karchi

A roadblock near Pipalkoti has been reported. It is expected to be cleared in a few hours. No major disruptions have been reported along the rest of the route.

Roads in Himachal

• Mandi–Kullu Highway via Pandoh: Open for traffic, but movement is slow at landslide-affected stretches due to narrow roads.
• Mandi–Kullu via Kataula: Road continues to remain blocked and unsuitable for vehicle movement.

Treks in Himachal

All treks in Himachal are running smoothly. It rained in this region as well, but the treks are running on schedule with no major disruptions reported.

• Chandrabhaga Glaciers: Running on schedule
• Hampta Pass: Running on schedule
• Bhrigu Lake: Running on schedule
• Chandrakhani Pass: Running on schedule
• Pin Bhaba Pass: Running on schedule
• Kanamo Peak: Running on schedule

Advisory for Trekkers:

• Keep a minimum buffer of 2 days while planning journeys to or from Manali.
• Carry essentials such as water, food, and medicines in case of long halts.

Chandrabhaga Groups

• The August 16th Chandrabhaga group (diverted from Miyar Valley due to unstable weather and landslides) is on its way to Manali. More updates on that soon.
• The August 17th group (diverted from Miyar Valley) will also return to Manali tomorrow.

Trekkers on the August 23rd and 24th Chandrabhaga groups (diverted from Miyar Valley), have started reaching the Manali basecamp to begin their trek.

A Q&A session is being organised today at 5:30 pm for trekkers of the Miyar groups diverted to the Chandrabhaga trek (Aug 30, 31 and Sept 6, 7)

Other Himachal Treks

• Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake and Chandrakhani Pass are running on schedule. Nothing to be concerned about on these trails.
• Pin Bhaba Pass: The trek is running on schedule. The Shimla–Yangpa road is also clear.
• Kanamo Peak: We are preparing for the first pilot group on 23rd August for our newly reopened Kanamo Peak Trek. The route from Manali to Kibber is clear with no issues reported.

Himachal Road Update

• Mandi–Kullu Highway via Pandoh: Traffic is through, but moving very slowly at the landslide-affected stretches due to narrow roads.
• Mandi–Kullu via Kataula: Road continues to remain blocked, unsuitable for vehicle movement.

Valley of Flowers: All landslides on the Rishikesh–Karchi route have been cleared. The road is open, and the trek is running smoothly.

Most trekkers make a mistake about Ranthan Kharak. 

They think of it only as a spring trek. 

Forget what you’ve heard—It’s in autumn, between mid-September and November, that Ranthan Kharak really comes into its own. And the reasons are unmistakable.

First, it is one of the rare treks with a true summit climb. From the top, you see an extraordinary sweep of mountains — Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Sunanda Devi, and the Panchachuli peaks — the biggest names of Kumaon and Garhwal.

Second, autumn transforms the landscape. The forests burn bright in oranges and reds, grasslands glow golden, and skies are at their clearest. It’s the season when mountain views are the sharpest you’ll ever see.

Third, the trek introduces you to Kumaon’s culture. Villages like Gogina and Namik show you a side of the Himalayas most trekkers have never experienced.

And perhaps most importantly, the trek still sees very few people—Ranthan Kharak remains untouched.

If you’ve been thinking of doing an autumn trek, Ranthan Kharak should change the way you look at this season altogether. 

Head to the full story to see why it’s the trek that nobody should overlook.

At Indiahikes, we don’t look at cleaning the mountains as a one-time activity. It is not about charity or good deeds. It is about responsibility. Every green sweep we do is meant to push for something larger — awareness, systems, and lasting change.

Recently, this came into sharp focus at our Manali base. A short walk into the forest near campus revealed what we had seen far too often — piles of waste scattered in the forest. Beer bottles, sanitary waste, diapers, non-recyclables. We had cleared the same forest before, in 2023 and earlier this year. But the trash kept returning. It was evident — another clean-up was not enough. 

Partnering With the Mahila Mandal

The very next morning, we joined hands with the Mahila Mandal. Around 15 women from the local village, along with our team, came together for the clean-up. For the women, this was not new — on the 10th of every month, they take turns cleaning the village. But this time, the focus was not only on cleaning. It was on finding ways to manage waste sustainably.

Rahul and Hira ji laid out a clear plan. We divided into two mixed groups — Indiahikes teammates and Mahila Mandal members. For an hour, we combed the forest, clearing everything we found. The forest looked cleaner. But the real impact began afterwards.

Conversations Beyond Clean-Up

Back at the base, we spoke about what happens after the waste is picked up. The women shared that while they now keep dry and wet waste separately, segregation is not being done properly. Many expected Indiahikes to collect it from their homes. Earlier, a vehicle collected waste weekly, but that had stopped. The only option left was burning it. They knew it was harmful, but without alternatives, they had little choice.

That is when Alveera talked about composting — turning wet waste into compost for their farms. It was a small but practical shift. Yet, it was also clear that 15–20 women cannot change the waste practices of an entire village. To bring accountability, Akshay and Archna suggested involving the Pradhan in the next clean-up. Leadership had to be part of the solution.

The women also joined us in practising segregation right there. It was a start — small, but significant.

Looking Ahead

The clean-up underlined an important truth. This is not just about litter lying in the forest. It is about bigger consequences — changing weather patterns, a degrading forest, and the stress on natural resources. To address this, awareness has to spread wider. Involving the youth and children is critical — they will carry these practices forward.

The road ahead is long, but the process has begun. And that in itself is a reason for hope.

A Larger Effort at Indiahikes

What happened in Manali is not an isolated effort. Similar outreach initiatives are happening across Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Himachal. And we know this for certain — one-off clean-ups don’t create change. Sustainable change happens only when communities take ownership, when systems are built, and when behaviour slowly shifts. 

This is what we are working towards at Indiahikes. Because what we do off the trail is just as important as what we do on it. 

The Indiahikes Green Dhaba project has caught national attention—recently featured by Outlook Traveller and The Better India.

It’s not something that’s been done before. And it’s heartening to see how much appreciation it’s receiving—from local communities, from trekkers, and now from national media too.

But this recognition isn’t a finish line. It’s a checkpoint.

There’s still a high demand from trekkers for packaged food—something we’re consciously trying to move away from. So this is also a reminder: the next time you’re on a trek, ask for non-packaged food when you visit a local dhaba. Every time we do that, we take a step towards long-term change.

Because real change doesn’t come from projects alone. It comes from our behaviour.