Hemkund Sahib and Lokpal Lakshman Mandir Closed for Winter After Record Pilgrim Footfall
2.75 Lakh Devotees Visit Hemkund Sahib and Lokpal Mandir Before Winter Closure
Chamoli: The sacred Sikh shrine Hemkund Sahib and the ancient Lokpal Lakshman Mandir were ceremoniously closed to devotees for the winter season on Friday afternoon. Situated at an altitude of about 15,000 feet above sea level in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, both shrines were shut amid the chanting of hymns and religious rituals at around 1:30 PM.
The portals of Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara had opened to devotees on May 25 this year, marking the beginning of the pilgrimage season. Over the past few months, the revered site—dedicated to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh—witnessed a record influx of pilgrims, reflecting the surge in spiritual tourism across Uttarakhand this year.
According to official figures, 2.75 lakh pilgrims visited Hemkund Sahib and the adjoining Lokpal Lakshman Mandir during the 2025 Yatra season. This marks a significant rise compared to last year’s figure of 1.83 lakh visitors during the same period.
Officials attributed the increased footfall to improved connectivity, better infrastructure and favorable weather conditions, which enabled more devotees to undertake the challenging journey to the high-altitude shrine this year.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also expressed his sentiments on Friday, writing on social media:
“Jo Bole So Nihal… Sat Sri Akal!
The portals of Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji and Lokpal Lakshman Mandir have been closed for the winter today with full religious rituals.
Devotees from across India and abroad offered prayers and received blessings at the holy shrine this year.
May Waheguru Ji’s grace and blessings always remain upon everyone.”
With the onset of winter and heavy snowfall, the region will now become inaccessible for several months. The portals of both shrines will reopen for devotees in May 2026, marking the start of the next pilgrimage season.
