🚨 Monsoon Alert: Trekking in Himachal Pradesh Amid Flash Floods, Cloudbursts & Weather Warnings (June 2025)

By ShepherdTrail – Where Every Trail Tells a Story

As I sit down to write this, it’s been raining steadily for the past three days here in the foothills of the Dhauladhar. Yesterday gave us a short break with a bit of sunshine—just enough to dry things out a little—but by nightfall, the clouds had returned with another round of showers. Today, it’s been on and off again. The kind of weather where the mountains speak in whispers, and the trails hold their breath. Sitting here, watching the mist roll in with a cup of chai in hand, it’s a quiet reminder of just how alive and unpredictable the Himalayas can be—beautiful, but not to be taken lightly.

When the Trails Turn Treacherous

The monsoon, while beautiful and rejuvenating, can also be unpredictable and deadly, especially in the fragile Himalayan ecosystems. Himachal Pradesh, a state blessed with incredible trekking routes and spiritual trails, has in the past week witnessed a wave of weather-related calamities. From flash floods and cloudbursts to stranded trekkers and safety lapses, the current situation demands attention, caution, and immediate action.

This isn’t just a weather report. It’s a trekking bulletin for every explorer, pilgrim, or photographer planning a Himalayan adventure in the days to come.

🌧️ Flash Floods & Cloudbursts Wreak Havoc (June 25–27, 2025)

Over the past week, Himachal Pradesh has experienced a series of devastating cloudbursts and flash floods, primarily in the districts of Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi. In Kangra’s Khaniyara area near Manuni Khad—frequented by trekkers and local hikers—a flash flood swept away sections of the trail and nearby shelters.

Rescue teams have recovered multiple bodies, while several remain missing. The destruction has impacted local villages, roads, and river-crossing paths commonly used by trekkers.

⚠️ Orange Alert Issued: The IMD (India Meteorological Department) has declared an Orange Alert for June 29, covering:

• Kangra
• Kullu
• Mandi
• Chamba
• Una
• Shimla
• Solan
• Sirmaur
• Bilaspur

Recommendation: Avoid trekking near streams, rivers, or unstable slopes. Postpone any non-essential travel to high-altitude zones.

🦘 Trail-Specific Updates

⚠️ Hampta Pass Trek

A rescue operation was conducted earlier this week for 31 trekkers who failed to report at Chhatru. Trails beyond Jobra and Shea Goru have been declared unstable.

• Status: Avoid for now
• Advice: Reassess if weather improves by mid-July; consult ground operators

⚠️ Triund, Kareri Lake, Adi Himani Chamunda (Dhauladhar Region)

Heavy rain and permissions make these treks risky right now.

• Status: Open below 3,000m only with SP Kangra approval
• Advice: Stick to early morning departures and avoid camping during this spell

⚠️ Indrahar Pass

Upper sections are snow-laden and prone to landslides.

• Status: Postponed until mid-July
• Advice: Wait for ground clearance reports

⚠️ Shrikhand Mahadev & Kinner Kailash Yatra Trails

Still scheduled for July starts, but weather monitoring has intensified. These are high-risk monsoon treks due to glacier crossings and narrow ridgelines.

• Status: Scheduled with caution
• Advice: Only proceed with registered operators; monitor daily updates from local authorities

⚠️ Beas Kund and Bhrigu Lake (Near Manali)

Trails have become slippery; river crossings risky beyond Dhundi.

• Status: Use extreme caution
• Advice: Consider postponement if heavy rain is forecast

⚠️ Tirthan Valley – Rolla, Shilt Hut Treks

Moderate rainfall but higher sections have seen minor landslides.

• Status: Open with caution
• Advice: Opt for shorter hikes within the valley

⛔️ Dhauladhar Range – Restrictions & Permissions Still Active

While the Dhauladhar range isn’t the epicentre of the current disaster, ongoing advisories remain in force:

• Ban on treks above 3,000 meters
• Mandatory SP Kangra permission for all lower-altitude treks (including Triund, Kareri, Adi Himani Chamunda)

🎒 At ShepherdTrail, we’re currently rerouting or postponing many of our monsoon-season treks in this region to ensure safety.

⚠️ Adventure Tourism Under Scrutiny – Zipline Mishap Raises Alarms

While not directly connected to trekking, the June 8 zipline accident near Nehru Kund (Manali) raises broader concerns about safety in adventure tourism. The injured tourist had used a service not officially registered with Himachal Tourism. Investigations are underway.

🎒 Takeaway for Trekkers: Always choose certified guides and tour operators. Do not compromise on safety equipment and check operator credentials before any activity.

🧡 What Trekkers Need to Know Right Now

✅ Do’s:

• Check local weather forecasts daily (IMD, local district websites)
• Carry rain gear, extra thermal layers, and water purification tablets
• Register with local police or DDMA when entering high-altitude zones
• Travel in groups
• Hire local guides for updated trail knowledge

❌ Don’ts:

• Do not cross rivers or nullahs during or after rainfall
• Avoid night trekking entirely
• Do not camp near water bodies
• Do not rely solely on GPS—keep a physical map handy
• Avoid non-certified adventure activity providers

🌳 Final Note from ShepherdTrail

This isn’t a call to cancel your dreams of trekking—but a call to pause, plan, and protect.

The Himalayas are alive and breathing—mighty and majestic, but also fragile and fierce. The monsoon teaches us humility and preparedness. Let’s trek with caution, not carelessness.

We’ll continue tracking trail conditions, weather alerts, and government advisories. Stay connected with us on Instagram and our blog for regular field updates.

📌 Stay Updated

If you’re planning to trek in Himachal this monsoon, drop us a message for the latest trail and weather conditions. We’re on-ground and ready to help.

Do you have any news on the trail? Do reach out to share the update.

Call/WhatsApp: 7340973455
🌐 Visit: www.shepherdtrail.in

ShepherdTrail – Where Every Trail Tells a Story