Indian Army, Sevadaars clear snow for Hemkunt Sahib Yatra; Doors to open on this date
Teams near final stretch as trek route is cleared ahead of schedule despite heavy snowfall
Kulwinder Singh
Chamoli (Uttarakhand), May 1, 2026: Personnel of the Indian Army along with volunteers of the Gurdwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust are working tirelessly to clear snow from the high-altitude trek route leading to Hemkunt Sahib, which is set to open for pilgrims on May 23.
Despite continuous snowfall over the past two days, the joint teams have made significant progress. A unit from the Army’s 418 Independent Field Company (9 Mountain Brigade), led by a Subedar, has successfully crossed the Atalkoti Glacier and is now just 1.5 km away from the shrine, cutting through deep snow to make the route safe.
Officials expressed confidence that the path will be cleared ahead of schedule, allowing preparations for the annual yatra to proceed smoothly. The first batch of pilgrims is expected to leave from Rishikesh on May 20.
For years, the Indian Army has undertaken this challenging task in the harsh terrain of the Himalayas, ensuring safe access for devotees.
The Management Trust acknowledged the Army’s continued commitment and also praised the dedicated efforts of sevadaars assisting in the operation.
Narendra Jeet Singh Bindra, President of the Trust, expressed gratitude to all involved, highlighting the spirit of service that defines the Hemkunt Sahib Yatra.
Located at an altitude of over 4,600 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas, Hemkunt Sahib is one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites. The Trust has urged pilgrims to follow official guidelines and stay updated before undertaking the journey.