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Army & Sevadars Survey Hemkunt Sahib Trek, Snow-Clearing From April 15

Indian Army personnel and volunteers from the Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust have conducted a joint inspection of the trek route to the sacred shrine, finding significant snow accumulation. Snow-clearing operations by the Army are scheduled to commence after April 15 to ensure the path is safe for pilgrims. The revered Hemkunt Sahib Yatra is officially set to begin on May 23, 2026. These preparations coincide with the broader Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, starting later this month.

Key Points: Hemkunt Sahib Trek Surveyed, Snow-Clearance After April 15

  • 5-6 feet snow at Hemkunt Sahib
  • Army snow-clearing after April 15
  • Pilgrimage begins May 23, 2026
  • Part of broader Char Dham Yatra preparations
3 min read

Indian Army and Sevadars survey Hemkunt Sahib Trek; snow-clearing to begin after April 15

Indian Army and Gurudwara Trust survey Hemkunt Sahib trek route, find 5-6 ft snow. Pilgrimage set to begin May 23, 2026.

"Our government is continuously working... to make the Char Dham Yatra 2026... grand, divine, smooth, and safe. - Pushkar Singh Dhami"

Chamoli, April 5

Indian Army personnel and volunteers of the Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust jointly inspected the trek route from Govindghat to Shri Hemkunt Sahib.

During the survey, it was found that nearly 5 to 6 feet of snow had accumulated at Hemkunt Sahib. A significant amount of snow was also observed at Atlakoti Glacier Point along the route.

On a positive note, the fresh snowfall received over the past ten days is expected to melt easily if there is sufficient sunlight in the coming days. This will help in clearing the trek route and facilitate the commencement of the pilgrimage.

A contingent of the Indian Army will move after April 15 to undertake snow-clearing operations along the route, ensuring that the path is fully safe and traveller-friendly before the opening of the shrine.

Shri Hemkunt Sahib is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Sikhism, nestled in the Himalayas. It is globally renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, snow-covered peaks, a pristine blue lake, dense forests, and a serene, spiritual atmosphere that offers visitors both scenic splendour and deep spiritual energy.

The Hemkunt Sahib Yatra is scheduled to begin on May 23, 2026, with the first pilgrim group departing from Rishikesh on May 20, 2026.

Officials from the Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust and the Indian Army stated that all necessary preparations are being made to ensure a smooth, safe, and hassle-free pilgrimage. Close coordination between both sides will help ensure the comfort and safety of all devotees.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the government is ensuring a safe and smooth Char Dham Yatra for the devotees.

In an X post, Dhami assured that all the arrangements are being strengthened ahead of the Char Dham Yatra commencing in Uttarakhand from April 19."Our government is continuously working with complete dedication and firm resolve to make the Char Dham Yatra 2026, commencing from April 19 in the state, grand, divine, smooth, and safe. All arrangements are being strengthened, giving utmost priority to the faith, convenience, and safety of the devotees. You all devotees are heartily welcomed and congratulated on this sacred, spiritual, and energy-filled journey," he wrote.

Meanwhile, the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to begin on April 19. The yatra will commence with the opening of the gates at Yamunotri and Gangotri on April 19. The portals of Kedarnath Dham and Badrinath Dham are also set to reopen for devotees on April 22 and April 23, respectively.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit L
Great coordination between the army and the trust. Hemkunt Sahib is not just a pilgrimage; it's a testament to human spirit and faith amidst the mighty Himalayas. The 5-6 feet snow sounds challenging, but our forces are the best at this. Jai Hind!
A
Arun Y
As someone from Uttarakhand, I'm glad to see proactive planning. The Char Dham and Hemkunt yatras are vital for our state's spirit and economy. Hope the government also focuses on improving basic amenities like toilets and medical camps along all these routes. Safety is more than just clearing snow.
P
Priyanka N
The natural beauty described is breathtaking. It's on my bucket list! ❄️🏔️ Good to know the yatra is scheduled well in advance for 2026, gives plenty of time to plan. The article mentions May 2026, but the CM talks about April 2026 for Char Dham – a bit confusing on the dates, but the preparedness is clear.
D
David E
Visiting from the US last year, I was amazed by the devotion and the landscape. It's a tough trek but incredibly rewarding. Seeing the Indian Army involved gives immense confidence to international travelers like myself. Well-organized pilgrimages like this showcase India's incredible ability to manage both faith and logistics.
K
Kavya N
Salute to our soldiers! They are always there, whether guarding borders or ensuring safe passage for devotees in these treacherous terrains. The seva by the Gurdwara trust is equally praiseworthy. This is the real spirit of India – unity in service. 🙌

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