Uttarakhand: Soldiers Clear Snow to Forge a Path; Indian Army Team Reaches Hemkund Sahib

A team from the Indian Army’s 418 Independent Field Company (9 Mountain Brigade), along with sevadaars (volunteers) from the Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, reached the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara complex today.

Troops Arrive at Hemkund Sahib
Following a prayer (Ardas) offered to the Guru, the joint team opened the gates of the Gurudwara complex; this now allows the team to stay on-site to carry out their work. Previously, they were required to return to Ghangharia every evening. The team will now undertake the task of widening the trekking trail descending from Hemkund Sahib to the Atalkoti Glacier Point, thereby making the route more accessible and safer for pilgrims.

Indian Army Undertaking This Task for Decades
It is worth noting that for several decades, the Indian Army has been performing this annual duty amidst the rugged terrain of the Himalayas to ensure that the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage remains both safe and successful. The Gurudwara management has expressed its gratitude to the Indian Army and all the sevadaars.

First Batch to Depart from Rishikesh on May 20
This year, the portals of Hemkund Sahib are scheduled to open for devotees on May 23. The first batch of pilgrims is set to depart from Rishikesh on May 20. Hemkund Sahib is a highly revered Sikh pilgrimage site situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 4,632 meters (15,200 feet), surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and a pristine lake.