TNR News Network
CHAMBA: Two 18-year-old devotees from Pathankot in Punjab lost their lives during the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh due to lack of oxygen at high altitude.
The victims, Aman and Rohit, were trekking in difficult terrain when they succumbed to the conditions.
Aman was rescued from the Kamal Kund area but passed away at Gaurikund. Rohit died on the Kugti trail. Their bodies are currently being transported to Bharmour with the help of teams from the Mountaineering Training Institute and the NDRF.
Bharmour’s Additional District Magistrate Kulbir Singh Rana confirmed the fatalities.
Following these incidents and ongoing weather concerns, the district administration has temporarily halted the Manimahesh Yatra. Pilgrims have been advised to stay in secure locations for their safety.
Landslides have disrupted the Pathankot-Bharmour highway at Kalsuni Jangi and Durgethi, suspending vehicle movement entirely.
Despite heavy rain and fresh snowfall, around 250 pilgrims reportedly began their journey toward Manimahesh Lake from the Lahaul side on Monday. The final call on resuming the yatra will depend on the outcome of the traditional “Dev Khel” ritual in Jobrang village. With around six inches of snow reported at Kugti Pass, the route poses serious challenges for the Shiva devotees.
