Trek News: Trekking Safety Tightened on Triund, Kareri & Adi Himani Chamunda Trails After Disturbing Incidents
By ShepherdTrail – Where Every Trail Tells a Story
🗕️ Updated: July 2025
When Adventure Meets Urgency
Himachal’s pristine trails have always drawn trekkers, storytellers, and seekers. But nature, as always, demands respect. In recent weeks, the majestic trails of Triund, Kareri Lake, and Adi Himani Chamunda have found themselves at the centre of an important reckoning, not because of their beauty, but because of the urgent need for safer trekking practices.
Two heart-wrenching incidents in June 2025 brought this to light:
- A trekker from Una, Nitin Sharma, went missing on the Adi Himani Chamunda trail and has remained untraceable despite over eight days of intense search operations.
- In a separate incident, an Israeli national was rescued after being lost for nine days near the Triund trail.
These incidents have shaken the trekking community and prompted the Kangra district administration to finally act with clarity and strength.
🚨 The Tragic Disappearance of Nitin Sharma
On June 13, 2025, Nitin Sharma, a 27-year-old from Una district, embarked on a solo trek toward the Adi Himani Chamunda Devi temple. The route, though popular, is known for its steep climbs and tricky terrain above 2800m. Source
Since then:
- No trace of him has been found.
- Ground teams, including Kangra police, local guides, and SDRF, have combed the area.
- Drone units were deployed, and coordination extended to Chamba authorities, in case he ventured too far or got disoriented.
- Harsh terrain and unpredictable weather—including heavy rain and dense fog—hindered rescue operations.
This is not just a local tragedy; it’s a wake-up call.
👝 Other Incidents Raising Alarms
In June 2025 alone:
- A foreign trekker (Israeli) was reported missing for nine days on the Triund trail before being located and rescued.
- Local rescue services have had to respond to multiple SOS calls from lost or injured hikers.
Even experienced trekkers are getting caught off-guard by fast-changing weather, poor trail conditions, and lack of proper safety support.
🧭 New Safety Protocols Rolled Out by Kangra Administration
In response, District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa has taken strong steps:
🔐 1. Mandatory Trekker Registration
- Every trekker must now register before heading out.
- Registration is being integrated into both online portals and physical checkpoints at base villages like Ghera (Kareri), Gallu (Triund), and Jia (Himani).
📍 2. GPS Tracking Devices Required
- Groups must now carry at least one GPS tracker.
- In high-risk areas, real-time monitoring will be implemented via rescue stations.
🢑 3. Group Size Limits
- One guide per 10 trekkers is now mandatory.
- This replaces the earlier practice of having one guide manage 40–50 people, clearly unsafe in rugged terrain.
🎓 4. Certified Guides & Agencies Only
- Tour operators must ensure their guides are certified in wilderness first aid, navigation, and weather response.
- Surprise audits will be conducted by the Forest Department.
📣 5. Public Awareness Campaigns
- Leaflets, QR-code posters, and digital campaigns will educate trekkers about:
- Trail difficulty levels
- Weather hazards
- Emergency protocols
These are not restrictions—they are lifelines. The mountain doesn’t bend to us; we must prepare to walk with it.
🏖️ Trail-Specific Impacts
🪶 1. Adi Himani Chamunda Trail
- Official Warning Issued: Avoid until further notice.
- Registration Mandatory: Through SP Office Kangra.
🪶 2. Kareri Lake Trail
- Popular among solo and weekend trekkers.
- Patrol teams now stationed at Kareri village checkpoint.
- Campsites to be inspected regularly.
🪶 3. Triund Trek
- Daily trekker cap introduced.
- Local guides required for overnight camping.
- Travel agencies must now submit a route plan before starting.
These are some of the most scenic, spiritually rich trails in Himachal. But without structure, they become dangerous. Safety is the first step to real freedom in the mountains.
☁️ Weather: The Unseen Hazard
The monsoon arrived early and hard in 2025. Himachal has seen:
- Flash floods in Kangra and Kullu
- Landslides cutting off remote hamlets
- 31 trekkers rescued from Hampta Pass last week
Trekkers often underestimate how fast conditions can change. You start under clear skies, but by noon, clouds roll in, trails become slippery, and orientation is lost.
Acclimatization isn’t just about altitude—it’s about understanding the rhythm of the hills.
📋 November 2024 Guidelines Reinforced
Back in November 2024, the Kangra DC had already issued:
- Bans on treks above 3000m without permission
- Mandatory GPS for organized groups
- Limits on group sizes
These guidelines were lightly enforced until the June 2025 tragedies. Now, they are being implemented in full force.
🧭 What Trekkers Should Do Now
- Register before your trek
- Hire certified local guides
- Limit your group size
- Carry GPS / Offline Maps
- Check weather forecasts every 6 hours
- Avoid solo trekking in the monsoon
- Leave your itinerary with a friend/family contact
🙏 Final Word: Respect the Trail, Earn Its Trust
Every trek comes with stories. But no story should end in silence.
We stand with the families of those missing and the rescue teams working tirelessly. We hope for Nitin Sharma’s safe return and call upon every trekker to take personal responsibility.
The mountains will always be there. Your life is more precious than any summit.
For verified updates on trail safety, follow your local tourism department and weather advisories regularly. Shepherdtrail also has a dedicated section for the same. You can visit it here.
ShepherdTrail – Where Every Trail Tells a Story.
