Portals of Hemkund Sahib closed

The sacred portals of Hemkund Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh shrines in Garhwal Himalayas, were today closed for winters as over one thousand pilgrims flocked to the high-altitude gurudwara to witness the ceremony.
Over 1500 pilgrims thronged Hemkund Sahib, which is located at a height of 16000 ft, to take part in the prayers that preceded closure of its gates at 1400 hrs this afternoon, Manager of the Gurudwara Trust Sardar Seva Singh said.
The Himalayan shrine is closed annually for the winter season during which the area becomes snow-bound and difficult to access.
A total of 1,72,000 Sikh devotees visited the shrine this season which opened in May.

The trek route to the shrine from Govindghat was reduced this year because of construction of a motor road between Pulna and Govindghat.
Pilgrims who reached the shrine to take part in today's ceremonies will rest in Ghanghariya tonight on their way back and reach Govindghat tomorrow from where they will leave for their separate destinations, Singh said.