The soldier was officially declared missing in action, but his body was reportedly discovered three days later with the help of a search party guided by his spirit.
The Indian Army continues to promote Harbhajan Singh as a 'saint soldier' and he remains on the active payroll, receiving promotions and leave as if he were a serving officer.
The shrine was originally established as a small bunker before being replaced by the current, more permanent structure.
Soldiers serving in the region believe that the spirit of 'Baba' warns them of impending enemy attacks or danger in the high-altitude terrain.
The shrine contains a small room with a bed and a desk that is cleaned and maintained daily by army personnel.
The Baba Harbhajan Singh Shrine is a memorial dedicated to a soldier of the 23rd Punjab Regiment of the Indian Army who went missing near the Nathu La Pass in 1968. It is located at an altitude of approximately 13,123 feet in the East Sikkim district. The current structure serves as a pilgrimage site for soldiers and civilians who believe the spirit of the soldier guards the border. Inside the shrine, personal belongings of the soldier, including his uniform, boots, and bedding, are maintained by military personnel. The shrine is situated near the India-China border and is frequently visited by tourists traveling along the Old Silk Route. Pilgrims often leave water bottles at the shrine to be blessed before taking them home. The location provides views of the high-altitude Himalayan terrain surrounding the Jelepla and Nathu La passes.
The exterior entrance of the shrine which features memorial plaques and the surrounding mountainous landscape.
Acclimatize to the high altitude in Gangtok for at least two days before attempting to visit this location to avoid altitude sickness.
Carry heavy woolens and windproof layers regardless of the season, as temperatures frequently drop near freezing.
Ensure you have the necessary inner-line permits for East Sikkim, which must be obtained in advance from the authorities in Gangtok.
Attempting the drive if you have heart or respiratory issues, and do not attempt to film or photograph restricted military installations nearby.
Access is highly dependent on weather conditions and road status; the route is frequently blocked by heavy snowfall or landslides during the monsoon and winter seasons.
Maintain silence, remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum, and show respect to the military personnel maintaining the site.
