Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand, April 5: A joint team of Indian Army personnel and Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust sevadars evaluated the high-altitude trek from Govindghat to Sri Hemkund Sahib on April 5. The reconnaissance mission identified several critical points along the route, including the Atlakoti Glacier, where heavy snow remains a challenge for pedestrian movement.
The survey team affirmed that while five to six feet of snow currently blankets the shrine area, the fresh nature of the recent falls may allow for faster melting. Military teams are slated to mobilize in the third week of April to perform the specialized task of carving a path through the accumulated drifts.
“This mission marks the beginning of the seasonal effort to make the path completely safe and pilgrim-friendly,” officials from the Management Trust declared.
The portals of the sacred shrine are scheduled to open for devotees on May 23, 2026. Organizers stated that the inaugural jatha will begin its journey from Rishikesh three days prior to the opening. Known for its spiritual energy and natural splendor, the shrine sits surrounded by dense forests and glacial peaks.
Personnel involved in the survey asserted that the safety of the pilgrims is the top priority. They maintained that the current reconnaissance provides the necessary data for the Army to deploy the right equipment and manpower for the clearing operations starting April 15. All logistical arrangements are being finalized to prevent any disruptions during the summer pilgrimage window.
