Mystery in the Mountains: Missing Pilgrim Sparks Concern

A pilgrim named Akash Gupta went missing on a trek to the remote Rudranath temple in Uttarakhand. He was part of a group of over 40 pilgrims from Delhi. Rescue teams are searching the difficult terrain where incidents of separation are common during the challenging 20 km trek.

In a concerning turn of events, a pilgrim from Delhi has gone missing during a challenging trek to Uttarakhand’s Rudranath temple, officials reported on Friday. Akash Gupta was part of a larger group of about 40 pilgrims who embarked on the trek.

According to Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari, Gupta vanished near Pung Padav on Thursday evening while the rest of the group safely completed their journey. In response to his disappearance, forest department personnel and the State Disaster Response Force have begun a search operation.

This arduous trek involves navigating steep slopes and dense forests over a distance of 20 kilometers from Sagar village. Rudranath is one of five holy temples known as 'Panchkedar,' attracting pilgrims from around the world to worship Lord Shiva. Such incidents of pilgrims separating from their groups are not uncommon in these treacherous terrains.

(With inputs from agencies.)