Preparations for the Hemkund Sahib Yatra are underway as the Gurdwara Management Committee team, accompanied by Army personnel, conducted an inspection of the snow-covered route near Ghangharia. A 20-foot-high snow wall has formed at Atalakoti on the “Aastha Path”, roughly six kilometers ahead of Ghangharia. The Army is expected to begin snow removal operations soon to ensure safe passage for pilgrims.
The portals of Hemkund Sahib are scheduled to open on May 25. According to Sardar Seva Singh, Senior Manager of Gurdwara Govindghat, a team of three soldiers and gurdwara sevadars surveyed the snow-laden trail earlier this week and returned to Govindghat on Wednesday.
Officials said necessary arrangements along the route will be put in place after snow clearance. The Gurdwara Committee and state authorities are working to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage amidst heavy snow conditions.
This year’s Hemkund Sahib Yatra coincides with the start of the Char Dham Yatra on April 30. An estimated 10 lakh devotees are expected in the first 15 days of the Char Dham season. To manage crowds, the Uttarakhand government has implemented a strict registration-based entry system—pilgrims will only be allowed darshan on the day of their registered booking.
Offline registration centers have been set up in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Vikasnagar, Herbertpur, and Naya Gaon. Additionally, the state government has requested VIPs to refrain from visiting between May 2 and May 31, citing a letter from Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan sent to all states urging restraint to ensure an uninterrupted pilgrimage for general devotees.
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