In brief
Seven bodies of trekkers who disappeared on Oct. 29 in Uttarakhand’s Kedartal trek have been brought back, but one member of the party is still missing. A multi‑agency search encountered heavy snowfall and avalanches, and authorities have air‑lifted the bodies to Matli Helipad, preparing to hand them to families. The search for the missing trekker continues.
Seven bodies of trekkers who vanished on the Kedartal trail in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, were recovered, while one is still missing after the group of eight went missing on Oct. 29 and was found amid heavy snowfall and avalanches. The bodies were brought to Matli Helipad by air and officials are arranging the handover to the families.
According to a local government official speaking to Xinhua on Friday, the recovery operation took place over the past couple of days. The seven deceased trekkers had been missing since the night of Oct. 29, when the party of eight was caught in an avalanche while trekking from the source of the Kedartal stream.
The group, which included a trekking guide, had mostly comprised of trekkers from the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. They were last seen passing the Kedartal Gorge, a popular high‑altitude trekking route that cross‑passes the Himalayas near Lake Valley in Uttarkashi.
The storm that hit the region on Oct. 29 brought heavy snowfall and uneven terrain, which made mountain rescue difficult. The search and rescue mission was repeatedly hampered by “harsh weather” conditions. Resorting to helicopters, the authorities were able to air‑lift the recovered bodies to the Matli Helipad for transport to the families.
With a multi‑agency team, including the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority, the Indian Army, and local civilian volunteers, a comprehensive search has been underway. Despite the logistical challenges, the recovered remains were identified and processed for transport to the families.
The recovery of the bodies represents a grim milestone for the families and the local community but also highlights how the trek can often bring unexpected dangers to the Himalayan foothills.
While the bodies of the seven are now in state hands, the last remaining trekker was still missing as of the latest update. Search crews continue to comb the terrain for that individual. The authorities are keeping the public informed of any progress and express that “the search operation will remain active until the missing trekker is found or the circumstances are clarified.”
The incident has prompted officials to urge trekkers to be better prepared with assessment of weather and path conditions. The Government of Uttarakhand has also announced a review of the trekking guidelines for the Kedartal trail, including stricter monitoring of snowfall reports and better coordination between rescue teams.
In the days after the avalanche, families have been waiting for the arrival of the bodies. The local government is working to facilitate prompt flag‑off ceremonies and ensure that the families receive the bodies in a dignified manner.
While the recovery operation has concluded for the seven, the focus now shifts to the missing member and the possibility of further discoveries at higher altitudes. Rumors of additional casualties or hidden hazards remain, but no new details have been verified by the authorities at this point.
The ongoing rescue teams have requested support from national and international rescue agencies in case of escalated weather conditions. The Hyderabad forestry department has also expressed its willingness to send trained rescuers to Uttarakhand.
The terrain outside the Kedartal trail remains treacherous with the potential of early snowmelt, which may influence the outcome of the search. The Uttarakhand Police remain on standby to carry out any rescue operations, as directed by the state security officials.
At present, the Dhonsk Martale has announced that the missing trekkers’ families have gathered for the handover ceremony. The bodies will be delivered by the local Union minister of Tourism. Officials are ensuring that all laws and customs for funeral rites are complied with, while also highlighting that the recovered bodies would be handed over for proper burial or cremation according to the families’ choice.
In this bleak, heavy snowfall‑ridden week, Uttarakhand continues to grapple with high‑altitude disasters while hoping for the salvation of the last missing trekker. The authorities remain committed to thorough, fully coordinated search and rescue operations while taking into account the devastating weather that led to this avalanche.
