District authorities in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh have suspended the issuance of new Inner Line Permits (ILPs) for the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra until further orders due to continuous heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides during the monsoon. The administration said the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure with the safety of pilgrims and tourists as the top priority.
The district administration said persistent heavy rainfall across several parts of Pithoragarh has increased the risk along the pilgrimage routes. During the monsoon, incidents of landslides, falling rocks and road blockages increase significantly in the mountainous region, making travel hazardous. As a result, no new pilgrim or tourist will be issued an Inner Line Permit until further orders.
According to the administration, continuous rainfall over the past several days has heightened the risk on travel routes, particularly in high-altitude areas where roads are vulnerable to damage and sudden landslides. The temporary suspension of the pilgrimage has therefore been considered necessary.
In its order, the district administration said the safety of travellers and vehicles remains its highest priority. Concerned departments are continuously monitoring pilgrimage routes, weather conditions and road status. New Inner Line Permits will not be issued until conditions return to normal and the routes are declared safe.
The administration clarified that the decision has been taken purely as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incidents. It noted that weather conditions in the Himalayan region can change rapidly during the monsoon, making travel risky. Pilgrims have been advised to follow official instructions and not attempt the journey without the required permission.
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat are among Uttarakhand's prominent religious and spiritual destinations. Every year, large numbers of pilgrims and tourists from India and abroad visit Pithoragarh to undertake the pilgrimage. Located amid the Himalayan peaks, both sites are known for their religious significance and natural surroundings.
During the monsoon, however, access routes to these destinations are frequently affected by landslides and heavy rainfall. Road closures can leave travellers stranded for several hours or even days. The administration therefore reviews weather conditions each year before taking decisions related to the operation of the pilgrimage.
The district administration has advised pilgrims planning the journey to postpone their travel for the time being and not rely on rumours. Information regarding the resumption of the pilgrimage and the issuance of new Inner Line Permits will be communicated through official channels.
Pilgrims have also been advised to monitor weather department warnings. Those who have already planned their journey should check road conditions, weather updates and official advisories before departing. Officials said a decision on resuming the pilgrimage will be taken once conditions return to normal, while the current restriction will remain in force until then.
