By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
Garhwal Post Bureau
Chamoli, 17 Sep: Hemkund Sahib today witnessed its first snowfall of the season, while Badrinath and Kedarnath valleys also experienced rain and fog, leading to a sharp fall in temperature in the Yatra region. The Rudraprayag district administration has issued precautionary advisories for the pilgrims. While the pilgrim footfall remains high during the second phase of Yatra season, safety measures have been tightened due to landslide risks and poor visibility.
The sacred Sikh shrine Hemkund Sahib, located at an altitude of around 15,000 feet in Chamoli district, was draped in a fresh white sheet of snow this morning, accompanied by rain showers. The sight of the Gurudwara complex and surrounding peaks covered in snow drew immense enthusiasm among devotees, who offered prayers and rejoiced at the rare experience of witnessing the season’s first snowfall during their pilgrimage. The natural spectacle has added renewed charm to the shrine.
According to the Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, the pilgrimage has gained momentum after the monsoon subsided and the second phase of the Yatra has begun, with daily arrivals ranging between 1,500 and 1,800 devotees. Yesterday alone, 1,894 pilgrims visited the shrine, taking the total count this season to 3,26,828. Alongside Hemkund Sahib, the Valley of Flowers has also seen a surge in visitors, as tourists combine the trek with the pilgrimage. Trust manager Seva Singh today confirmed that the yatra is proceeding smoothly and in an organised manner, with arrangements in place to handle the growing numbers.
Meanwhile, the weather in Rudraprayag and Kedarnath valleys has turned adverse, with continuous rainfall and dense fog reducing visibility. The district administration has issued advisories urging the pilgrims and the tourists to exercise caution, particularly in landslide-prone zones. At the Kedarnath pedestrian route near Chirbasa helipad, large boulders remain precariously lodged on the hillside, posing a risk of falling during heavy rain. Consequently, road clearance and widening works have been temporarily halted, and the pilgrims are currently not being allowed to proceed from Gaurikund and Sonprayag towards Kedarnath until conditions improve. At present, only those returning from Kedarnath to Gaurikund are being escorted safely under supervision.
The Rudraprayag police and the district administration have reiterated their appeal through digital platforms and social media, advising travellers to prioritise safety, follow official instructions, and avoid risky stretches during poor weather. Pilgrims have been asked to check updated weather reports before setting out and to halt at safe shelters if visibility drops further. The administration has emphasised that protection of life is paramount and that no journey should be undertaken in haste under adverse conditions.
With the first snowfall at Hemkund Sahib signalling the onset of winter in the higher Himalayas, the pilgrimage season is expected to continue for a few more weeks before closure. The combination of snow-clad peaks, rain-soaked valleys and heightened administrative vigilance has created a mix of spiritual fervour and cautious travel across Chamoli and Rudraprayag. The authorities meanwhile remain on alert to ensure that the devotees can complete their journeys safely while experiencing the unique natural beauty of Uttarakhand’s revered shrines.
