SDRF personnel conduct search operations to trace missing trekkers in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, on November 3, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI The search for eight persons missing after an avalanche struck the Kedartal trekking route in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district took a grim turn on Tuesday (November 3, 2026), when rescue teams recovered the bodies of a woman and man.The identities of the deceased are not yet known, and rescuers are racing against time to trace the remaining six persons.The eight persons — two from Uttar Pradesh, five from West Bengal, and one guide — went missing on October 30. Heavy snowfall in the area had hampered the search operations.According to an update from the Uttarkashi District Emergency Operations Centre, the bodies were found during a renewed search by a joint team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM).Search to resume todayThe operation is being carried out at an altitude of around 4,000 metres, where snow blizzards and difficult terrain slowed down the search on the fifth consecutive day.

The search was called off around 3 p.m., and personnel returned to the base camp. Another search operation is scheduled for Wednesday.The group comprising seven trekkers and six support staff left Gangotri on October 27 and was expected to return by October 29.

However, snowfall, adverse weather, and glaciers along the trail disrupted their journey. On October 30, the trekking agency sent porters and guides to clear the route.

They managed to clear around six kilometres of the trail. Five people were later found safe, while eight remained stranded beyond Bhojkhadak following the avalanche.Meanwhile, authorities have suspended permits for treks at altitudes of 4,000 metres and above in view of the adverse weather.

The decision was taken by the Gangotri National Park and the Uttarkashi Forest Division. The Gaumukh-Tapovan route has also been closed following heavy snowfall on October 29.

No fresh permits are being issued for Kedartal, Kalindi Khal, or Udankol routes. Published - November 03, 2026 11:07 pm IST