govindghat to hemkund sahib trek distance

Hemkund Sahib Trek: Planning this Amazing Trip in Just 2500 INR

I didn’t really plan on doing the Hemkund Sahib trek but yet, in the end, it turned out to be a memorable journey. In 2018, I planned to go on my much-awaited trek, the Valley of Flowers trek. And the trip which initially had a group of 4-5 people quickly turned to me going solo for the trek.

But I didn’t let that deter me from moving on with this trip, after all, I had waited 3 years for this trek. So, I packed my bags with no idea about what to expect and headed to my first solo trek in India. Well, it turns out that at the end of the day, you don’t really end up doing the trek solo.

You meet so many people on the way that, in the truest sense, it doesn’t feel like a solo trek anymore. And well, while I didn’t really have it in mind to go to the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, it made sense to complete when I had already completed 14 km of the trek.

In this guide, I have mentioned all the essential details that you need to know in order to plan the Hemkund Sahib trek yourself.

Hemkund Sahib Trek

An important pilgrimage site for both Sikhs and Hindus, Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji is situated at an altitude of more than 15,000 ft.

This site was built as a dedication to the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, the founder of Sikhism. He would meditate at the exact same spot where the gurudwara is built and so, thousands of Sikhs flock to this site every year to pay their respects.

But what sets this place apart is the picturesque setting by which it is surrounded. With the Lokpal lake sprawled in front of the gurudwara while the Himalaya mountains surround the lake from all the three sides, it has one of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Uttarakhand. The lake receives the water from two glaciers of two imposing peaks: Hathi Parvat and Saptarishi.

Considered a sacred region by Sikhs, there is also a shrine for Lakshmana (Ramayana) here which makes it a prominent Hindu spot as well. The temple for Lakshmana is built on the banks of Hemkund.

It is said that when Lakshmana was injured by Meghnath, he arrived at the banks of Hemkund to meditate. This is one of the reasons why thousands of Hindu pilgrims climb from Ghangaria to pay respects at this temple.

Nestled between the snow-capped mountain peaks, you get a clear reflection of the majestic mountains in the crystal clear water. And the water remains ice cold throughout the year but still, you will find loads of people taking a quick bath in it.

But honestly, it is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. So, if you are going to trek to the Valley of Flowers then you should definitely come here as well.

Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib

The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand is actually from June to October . Although the place stays cool throughout the year, it is inaccessible for the most part of the year. Here is a proper breakdown of what to expect in each season at this place.

Summer Season (May – June)

Hemkund Sahib Yatra starts in May and you can still see the roads being slightly covered with snow . In June, the snow melts and all the flowers start blooming again here which makes it a beautiful time to visit Hemkund.

However, if you are clubbing your visit with Valley of Flowers , then this is definitely not the right time to visit. You won’t find a good variety of flowers at this time.

Monsoon Season (July – October)

In my personal opinion, July to August is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand. During this period, the flowers are in full bloom so you can see a large variety of flowers at both places.

You will also see the famous Brahma Kamal which is only found at an altitude of 15,000 ft. or more.

For people who are planning to join the Hemkund Sahib Yatra, August – October is also a good time. But since July and August are the monsoon months, the road conditions won’t be good when you plan to visit in September or October.

October is the last month in which this gurudwara remains open, post which it is closed due to the start of winters.

Winter Season (November to May)

During this time period, Hemkund Sahib Yatra is closed to the pilgrims as the place is covered in snow. So, it is very difficult to reach the top. Also, the locals in Ghangaria abandon their houses to live in the lower parts to escape the cold and snow.

Also Read: Prashar Lake Trek in 2000 INR

How to Reach Hemkund Sahib

Your journey to Hemkund Sahib will essentially be divided into three parts: Reaching Govindghat, Joshimath to Ghangaria, and Ghangharia to Hemkund.

How to Reach Govindghat

This is probably going to be the longest day of your trip as you will be traveling for 12 hours at least. In order to reach Govindghat, you will need to reach Rishikesh or Haridwar first and foremost.

Reaching Rishikesh

There are three ways for you to reach Rishikesh: air, rail, and road.

The closest airport to Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is around 21 km away and takes about 1 hour to reach. You get flights to Dehradun from all over India so you can easily book your tickets and then start your journey from Rishikesh.

From Dehradun, you get many shared taxis, private taxis, and buses to reach Rishikesh. The cost of a shared taxi or a bus is likely to be around 75 – 100 INR whereas a private taxi will charge you around 700 – 800 INR .

There is a railway station in Rishikesh which connects it to Haridwar but there are only a few trains running throughout the day. But first, you will need to reach Haridwar which is connected to most major cities via rail.

From Haridwar, you can take the slow train to Rishikesh, depending on your arrival time in Haridwar which will cost you around 15 – 20 INR . Another option is to take a bus from Haridwar to Rishikesh which won’t charge you more than 30 INR .

There are also shared taxis and auto-rickshaws that you can get to Rishikesh for 50 INR per person.

Rishikesh is connected to most cities via a good roadway. So, you will get a direct bus to Rishikesh from most Northern cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, etc. The cost of a local bus from Delhi to Rishikesh is 285 INR presently and will take around 6-7 hours to reach.

Note: There are tour companies that offer a direct helicopter flight from Dehradun to Ghangaria as well. They are costly but save a lot of time as you complete the 2-day journey in just 55 minutes. 

Rishikesh to Govindghat

You have 3-4 direct buses leaving for Badrinath at 4 – 6 a.m. from Rishikesh . And these buses also stop at Govindghat on the way which is just 1.5 hours before Badrinath. So, you can hop on this pay for 450 – 500 INR and reach Govindghat in 10-11 hours.

You can also take a bus to Chamoli Gopeshwar or Karnaprayag which will cost around 300 – 350 INR and will take you approximately 8-9 hours to reach. From here, you can get shared jeeps for Joshimath and Govindghat for 100 – 200 INR . It will take you another 2-2.5 hours to reach Govindghat from here.

Govindghat to Ghangaria

From Govindghat, it is a 14 km trek to reach Ghangaria . But don’t worry, you can cover the first 4 km in a shared taxi which will charge you 50 INR per person .

You will get the shared taxis from just behind the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara in Govindghat near the bridge. This shared taxi will drop you off at the Pulna Village from where your trek shall start. From Pulna village, Ghangaria is just 10 km away whereas Hemkund is just 16 km away.

It will take you around 5-7 hours to reach Ghangaria if you move at a relaxed and slow pace.

Hire a Mule

You can also hire a mule for your journey which will cost you 500 – 700 INR for Pulna to Ghangaria stretch. The mule will take around 3 hours to reach and can be a slightly uncomfortable journey. 

Helicopter Services

Another option is to take a helicopter ride from Govindghat to Ghangaria. It is an 8-10 minutes ride and will drop you off at the Helicopter Pad near Ghangaria. From here, you just need to climb another 500-600 m, you reach the Ghangaria village. The helicopter is a 5-seater and the service starts at 6 a.m. in the morning and runs till 2 p.m.

I don’t know the exact price because no company has advertised the pricing on their website, you need to send an inquiry form for it. But it likely to be around 5000 – 6000 INR for a single side journey and around 10000 – 12000 INR for a return journey . 

Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib

From Ghangaria, Hemkund Sahib is just 6 km away and takes around 3 hours for the ascent and 1.5-2 hours for the descent. You can either trek to the top or you can hire a mule which will cost you around 500 INR for a one-sided journey.

Hemkund Sahib Permit Details

You don’t need any permit to reach Hemkund Sahib but you need to take an entry card from Govindghat . There is a separate booth to get the entrance card for Hemkund Sahib where they will take your picture and details for administrative purposes.

Normally, no one would inquire about this card at Hemkund but it is good to have anyway. Once you get this card, you will also sign a register with your details which will be kept by the local police. This will help them keep a track of you if you don’t return or if someone asks about your whereabouts.

Hemkund Sahib Trek Route Details

Hemkund sahib trek difficulty.

The total Hemkund sahib trek distance from Ghangharia village is 6 km which takes around 3 hours for the ascent. And from Govindghat, the complete trek distance to reach Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is around 14 km.

Generally, it is possible to complete this entire trek in a day as the path is pretty much straight and a slow ascent. However, it is not advisable to do so because you gain around 2800m elevation from Govindghat to Hemkund. So, you might fall sick if you don’t take a break at Ghangharia for a night.

Overall, Hemkund Sahib trek difficulty is moderate. It is not a particularly difficult trek but it can be a little tiring during to the incessant rainfall and the concrete steps that are laid out for the pilgrims.

Hemkund Sahib Trek Route

As I mentioned earlier, Hemkund Sahib Trek is a 6 km trek from Ghangaria village and can take around 3-4 hours for the ascent. So, make sure you start early at around 7 a.m. because the gurudwara closes for the public after 2 p.m .

Start by walking on the Ghangaria route and follow the trail as is. You will come across a waterfall at the start of the Hemkund trail as shown below. You will have to cross a Hemkund check-post before you see this waterfall and the trail consists mostly of stones.

It is a straightforward trail which will have a bend in almost every 200 – 300 m. After 1 km, you will come across the food stall. After this, there will be a food stall at every 1 km .

The Hemkund Sahib trek consists of a gradual ascent and will offer you amazing views on the way (which you can only see if it is not foggy :P). There will be a couple of waterfalls also on the way that you can admire but there is no way to get water from them.

Once you complete half of the trek, you will start hearing the gurudwara prayers from the trail itself. This means that you are closer and in another 1.5 hours, you will be at your destination. Just 1.5-2 km before Hemkund top, you will series of food stalls where you can rest for a while.

Finally, after walking for another 15-20 minutes, you will reach the last couple of food stalls. Now, Hemkund is just 1 km from here and you have two options for completing it. You can either take the direct stairs which will be hard on your knees but is a shorter distance to cover.

Another option is to take the longer route as you will be able to admire the magical views around you. From here, it will take you another 30-40 minutes to reach Hemkund top. Also, on the way, you will see many colorful flowers and animals as well here.

Congratulations! You have now successfully completed your Hemkund Sahib Trek.

The descent to Ghangaria is much easier and simpler and will barely take 1.5 – 2 hours for you to reach.

Things to Do at Hemkund Sahib

Enjoy the delicious langar and tea at hemkund sahib.

One of the best and simplest things to do in Hemkund Sahib is to enjoy the gurudwara langar . They serve amazing khichdi which is hot and delicious and will warm you up instantly. And it is such a welcome sight after the cold trek that you have endured from Ghangaria.

Also, they serve amazing tea which feels like heaven. I am not much of a tea person but I did have 2-3 glasses of tea here because it was hot and so damn yummy! And you can also volunteer at the langar in cleaning or serving for some goodwill if you wish to.

Learn About the History and Spend Some Time in the Gurudwara

Another awesome thing to do here is to learn about the history of Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara . You will end up getting to know a lot about the Sikh culture and history as well.

Also, don’t forget to just sit and observe inside the gurudwara. It is really quiet and peaceful here and is a great place for meditation as well.

Take a Walk Around the Hemkund Lake and Admire the View

One of my most favorite moments of the Hemkund Sahib Trek was when I reached the Lokpal lake. It was foggy for the most part but then suddenly, it cleared up. And gosh, it looked so enchanting. All these majestic mountains surrounding the lake while their reflection was clear as day in the lake’s calm water.

I can’t even describe what a beautiful feeling it was to enjoy this moment in solitude.

Take a Dip in the Freezing Hemkund Sahib Lake

And if you have the guts then you can also take a dip in the freezing Lokpal lak e to be blessed. Honestly, I couldn’t even dream of doing this but there were so many people who actually did that. They took a dip and granted, they didn’t for more than 5 seconds in the water.

But that 5 seconds seemed like a long time. So, if you wish to take a dip, go ahead. There is also a private section for girls where they can take a dip or a bath, as they wish. This section is adjacent to the gurudwara and is properly covered with concrete walls.

Look at the Wide Range of Flora and Fauna Here

While Valley of Flowers is famous for its variety of flowers and alpine plants , Hemkund is no less. All throughout the trek, you will find colorful and different varieties of flowers like blue poppy, Brahma Kamal, and so on. There are also mountain rats and cows here which are completely different from the ordinary ones.

One of the most fascinating things is the Brahma Kamal which is only found at an altitude of around 15,000 ft. It is a hermaphrodite flower and has an important relation to the Hindu myths. It also has a great medicinal value but it is illegal to remove it from the Hemkund premises. But you can still look at it and touch it.

Enjoy the Scenic Trek and Make Friends on the Way

Mostly, enjoy the scenic trek and make the most of your time here. Talk to new people, share your stories, and you will end up with so many friends on the way. I have literally not met so many amazing and open people in any place as I met on Hemkund.

Also Read: Kheerganga Trek Guide

ATMs near Hemkund Sahib

There is NO ATM in Hemkund or Ghangaria . The nearest ATM is in Govindghat so make sure you withdraw sufficient amount before starting from Govindghat. Even Govindghat has only a couple of ATMs so it would be wise to withdraw money from Rishikesh itself.

Network Availability in Hemkund Sahib

Once you reach Ghangaria, all your Vodafone, Airtel, JIO, etc. networks will stop working. O nly BSNL sim will work from here which will be still patchy, at best. You can expect a loss of signal from Govindghat too so better let your friends and family know about your whereabouts before you reach Govindghat.

If you forgot to inform your loved ones, don’t worry. There are STD services both in Govindghat and Ghangaria. It will cost you about 20-25 INR for a 1-minute STD calls here.

Where to Stay in Hemkund Sahib

Ideally, you will need to stay in Ghangaria itself as there is no provision of stay at the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. In fact, the gurudwara is closed after 2 p.m. so one needs to return back to Ghangaria after that.

Now, you can choose to do the Hemkund Sahib to Govdinghat trek in a single day. But I would advise against it. It is better to spend the night at Ghangaria and then start early morning the next day for the descent.

There are several accommodation options available in Ghangaria for you to consider.

Hotels and Guesthouses

There are several hotels and guesthouses in Ghangaria which will charge you around 300 – 500 INR per night for a room. The rooms will be very basic with a single bed, blankets, sheets, etc. And you will hot water if you are interested in taking a bath.

Honestly, I didn’t take a bath for the entire trek (3 days) because it was so damn cold. I highly doubt you would feel the need for a bath in such a cold temperature.

Another good option is to book a tent in the camping sites here which will cost you anywhere between 1000 – 2000 INR . You can also take your own tent and pitch it here but you will need permission from the owner and might need to pay around 100-200 INR for pitching the tent.

You could also come to the arrangement of ordering food from their restaurant for a free tent pitching.

Shri Hemkund Gurudwara, Ghangaria

Finally, if you are a solo trekker like me and would like to save some extra bucks so that you can get a taste of the Sikh hospitality, then staying in the Gurudwara is the best idea .

Apart from getting free food and stay, you meet such lovely people in the gurudwara here and make so many friends. The Sikhs are a lovely bunch of people and will be ever ready to help you regarding any issues you have. They have both dorms and private rooms and a locker room as well.

If you are a solo female traveler or a family , they will provide you with a private room. Also, if you will be staying for a couple of days here, then you would need to pack your luggage and drop it at the locker room before you start the trek.

After returning from the trek, you will need to register again and will be shown to a new room.

Where to Eat on the Hemkund Sahib Trek

Food Stalls on the Trek

One of the best things about Hemkund trek is that unlike the Valley of Flowers trek, you will find a lot of food stalls on the way here.

Make sure that you do a good breakfast in the morning before leaving for the trek. But fret not, there is a food stall here at every 1 km so you will definitely not die hungry.

You will get Maggi, Tea, Parathas, Omelettes , etc. at these food stalls along with a plethora of drinking options. But yes, the prices of these items are high, 50 INR for Maggi , 30 for tea, and so on. But it is a good respite when you are cold and need instant warmth for yourself.

Hemkund Gurudwara

Once you reach the gurudwara in Hemkund, you can enjoy the Langar food and tea here which is extremely delicious and filling.

Things to Carry With You on the Hemkund Sahib Trek

You need a good rucksack for your Hemkund Trek as you will be carrying items for a 4-5 day trek. It should be durable and comfortable and make sure it includes a rain cover as well. Personally, I suggest:

Once you reach Ghangaria, you will need a small day pack for the day treks to Hemkund and Valley of Flowers. You can keep your snacks, gloves, camera, etc. in this.

Warm Clothes

It can become very cold in the evening and night, so make sure you carry warm clothing. Also, carry multiple pair of clothes as you might get drenched in the rainfall.

Make sure you get synthetic gloves so that they won’t get wet in the rainfall and will keep your hands warm and comfy.

Carry a pair of merino wool socks to stay warm. And, make sure you use two of them to layer your feet during the night time when the temperature drops significantly.

• Hiking Shoes
• Refillable Water Bottle

Raincoat/Poncho

Good hiking shoes.

Take a good pair of hiking shoes which will protect you from cold and are comfortable at the same time. Make sure they are high ankle shoes and are waterproof as well.

Water Bottle

There will be a couple of waterfalls on the way where you can fill your bottle. Mostly, the water is fresh and clean but if you aren’t sure, you can purchase a Steri Pen or a Purifying bottle. There are many food stalls on the way as well so you can purchase water from there although it would create a lot of plastic waste.

You definitely need a raincoat/poncho when going for the Hemkund trek as it rains frequently in the June – October period.

• Tissue Papers
• Brush/Paste
• Moisturiser/Lip Balm

Camping Equipment

If you are planning to camp yourself, then do carry your camping equipment. Here are a few essential items that you will need:

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping mattress, tent rain cover.

Choose a sturdy and durable tent to protect you from cold and wind during the night. 

Buy a good, durable sleeping bag which will keep you warm throughout the night. 

You would also need a sleeping mattress for your tent for proper padding and insulation purposes.

Finally, do make sure that you carry a rain cover for your tent if you won’t want to end up cold and shivering the morning. 

Hemkund Sahib is a beauty, both the gurudwara and the landscape. And the peace and serenity which you feel after this place is just unbeatable. Plus, it is not that difficult a trek as well since the whole trail is laid out so clearly. And you have thousands of trek companions to give you support and boost when you feel tired on the trek.

Honestly, Hemkund Sahib trek feels more like a community trek which is what makes it so great. The views are mesmerizing, the food is delicious, and so many new friends to make. So, if you are planning for Valley of Flowers this year, then make sure to include Hemkund in it.

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Thanks for sharing such detailed information.

I am glad you liked it. Thanks

Thanks for sharing such detailed information 😊😊😊

I am so happy you find the info helpful 🙂

This is super helpful.

Glad to know that. 🙂

Read all through it. Wonderfully written. I am planning to go to Hemkund Sahib next year with my family. I guess your article will help me a lot to do the trek. Thanks

Titu Fender

Thanks Titu. Hope you have an amazing trip there. 🙂

Discover, Explore, and Embark on Extraordinary Journeys

• Uttarakhand

Hemkund Sahib Trek: A Spiritual Journey through the Himalayas

Unveiling the Mystique of Hemkund Sahib Trek: Your Comprehensive Guide

The Himalayas, shrouded in mystique and serenity, have been a beacon for spiritual seekers and trekkers alike. Nestled high in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Hemkund Sahib is a revered destination that seamlessly blends spirituality with adventure. In this guide, we’ll embark on a virtual journey to explore everything you need to know about the Hemkund Sahib trek, from its breathtaking altitude to its spiritual significance.

Hemkund Sahib Pilgrimage: A Divine Odyssey

At an awe-inspiring altitude of 4,632 meters above sea level, Hemkund Sahib Trek is one of the highest Gurudwaras in the world. The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib is not just a trek; it’s a spiritual odyssey. Devotees from all corners of the globe flock here to seek blessings and solace.

The journey begins with a deep sense of purpose. Pilgrims arrive at the base town of Govindghat, a scenic spot on the banks of the Alaknanda River. From here, it’s a trek of approximately 13 kilometers to reach the sacred shrine. The path takes you through dense forests, charming villages, and gushing streams. It’s not just a physical journey; it’s a journey of the soul.

Hemkund Sahib Trekking Guide:

Trekking to Hemkund Sahib requires meticulous planning. It’s not your average trek; it’s a high-altitude adventure that demands respect for nature and careful preparation.

Gear Up: The first step is to ensure you have the right gear. Sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, and a good backpack are essential. You’ll also need a trekking permit, which you can obtain in Govindghat.

Acclimatization: At such high altitudes, acclimatization is crucial. Spend a day in Govindghat to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air. Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.

Fitness Matters: Trekking to Hemkund Sahib is physically demanding. Regular exercise and cardio workouts in the weeks leading up to your trip will help you cope with the altitude.

Pack Light: Remember, you have to carry your backpack. Pack only the essentials, and keep it as light as possible.

Hemkund Sahib Altitude: A Glimpse of the Sky

Hemkund Sahib’s staggering altitude is not for the faint-hearted. At 4,632 meters, the air becomes thin, and oxygen levels drop. This can lead to altitude sickness if you’re not adequately prepared.

The high altitude offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. As you ascend, you’ll notice the landscape changing. Lush forests give way to alpine meadows adorned with colorful flowers. It’s a journey through diverse ecosystems, each more enchanting than the last.

Hemkund Sahib Trek Distance: Every Step Counts

The journey to Hemkund Sahib is as much about the destination as it is about the path. The 13-kilometer trek from Govindghat is not just a means to an end; it’s an experience in itself.

As you hike, you’ll come across picturesque villages like Pulna and Bhyundar. You’ll traverse narrow bridges over bubbling streams and walk through dense forests. The path is dotted with small dhabas (eateries) where you can savor local snacks and rejuvenate with a hot cup of tea.

Best Time for Hemkund Sahib Trek: Seasons of Serenity

Timing is everything when it comes to trekking in the Himalayas. Uncover the best time to embark on your Hemkund Sahib adventure and witness nature’s grandeur at its peak.

The trekking season typically runs from May to October. During this period, the weather is relatively stable, and the trails are accessible. The summer months of June to September are the best for witnessing the Valley of Flowers in full bloom, a celestial experience.

However, monsoon rains can make the trails slippery and challenging. May and October are considered the shoulder seasons, offering a balance between good weather and fewer crowds. Winters are harsh, with heavy snowfall rendering the route impassable.

Hemkund Sahib Trek Itinerary: Mapping Your Spiritual Sojourn

A well-planned itinerary ensures you don’t miss out on the wonders en route to Hemkund Sahib. We provide you with a day-by-day breakdown of this unforgettable journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Govindghat

• Arrive in Govindghat, the starting point of your trek.
• Acclimatize and explore the charming town.

Day 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria

• Begin your trek to Ghangaria, a picturesque village.
• En route, pass through villages like Pulna and Bhyundar.
• Reach Ghangaria, your base for the Hemkund Sahib trek.

Day 3: Hemkund Sahib

• Embark on the trek to Hemkund Sahib.
• Explore the Gurudwara and the pristine lake.
• Return to Ghangaria for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Valley of Flowers

• Visit the enchanting Valley of Flowers.
• Explore the meadows and vibrant flora.
• Return to Ghangaria for the night.

Day 5: Return to Govindghat

• Descend from Ghangaria to Govindghat.
• Your trek concludes here.

Hemkund Sahib Route Map

Navigation is key in the wilderness. We present a detailed route map to guide you through the trails leading to Hemkund Sahib.

The trek from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib is a well-marked trail. You’ll follow the course of the Pushpawati River, crossing it several times on sturdy bridges. The path is lined with dense forests and alpine meadows, offering stunning vistas at every turn.

After reaching Ghangaria, the path to Hemkund Sahib is a steep ascent. It’s a challenging climb, but the spiritual energy and natural beauty around you will keep you motivated.

Hemkund Sahib Trekking Package: Hassle-Free Pilgrimage

For those seeking convenience, trekking packages are a blessing. Explore the options available to make your pilgrimage as smooth as possible.

Trekking packages for Hemkund Sahib often include transportation from major cities like Haridwar or Rishikesh to Govindghat, accommodation in Govindghat and Ghangaria, meals, permits, and a guide. This takes the stress out of planning and ensures you have everything you need for a successful trek.

Hemkund Sahib Opening Date

The gates of Hemkund Sahib don’t remain open year-round. Know when to plan your visit to ensure you don’t miss out on this spiritual opportunity.

Hemkund Sahib typically opens in May or early June, depending on when the snow clears from the trekking path. The closing date is usually in October before the onset of heavy snowfall. It’s essential to check the exact dates for the year you plan to visit.

Hemkund Sahib Closing Date: Timing Your Descent

Just as the portal opens, it also closes. Discover when it’s time to bid adieu to Hemkund Sahib and descend from the heavens.

As the closing date approaches, the number of visitors decreases, and the weather becomes more unpredictable. It’s advisable to plan your trek in the earlier part of the season to avoid any last-minute changes in weather conditions.

Hemkund Sahib Solo Trek:

Venturing alone into the Himalayas is a transformative experience. Learn about the challenges and rewards of a solo trek to Hemkund Sahib.

Solo trekking to Hemkund Sahib is entirely possible, but it comes with unique challenges. You must be self-reliant, physically fit, and mentally prepared. It’s a journey of self-discovery, where solitude becomes your companion, and nature your confidant.

Hemkund Sahib Group Trek: Camaraderie in the Mountains

For those who prefer company, group treks offer a sense of camaraderie. Explore the advantages of trekking to Hemkund Sahib with fellow seekers.

Group treks provide a supportive environment where you can share the challenges and triumphs of the journey with like-minded individuals. It’s an opportunity to forge new friendships and create lasting memories.

Pilgrimage and Spiritual Aspects: Beyond the Trek

Hemkund Sahib isn’t just about the trek; it’s a holistic experience. Delve into the spiritual and historical aspects of this revered Gurudwara.

Hemkund Sahib Yatra: A Spiritual Sojourn

The yatra (journey) to Hemkund Sahib is a profound experience. Understand the significance and rituals associated with this sacred pilgrimage.

Pilgrims undertake the Hemkund Sahib yatra with deep reverence. It’s a spiritual journey that involves reciting prayers, taking a dip in the sacred lake, and seeking blessings from the Guru Granth Sahib.

Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara: Where Faith Meets the Mountains

The Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara is a spiritual oasis in the Himalayas. Explore its history, architecture, and the heartwarming langar (community meal) tradition.

The Gurdwara stands in stark contrast to the rugged mountain terrain. Its white marble structure exudes serenity and invites weary travelers to find solace within its walls. The langar, a free community kitchen, serves simple yet delicious meals to all visitors, fostering a sense of equality and brotherhood.

Hemkund Sahib History: Tracing the Footsteps of the Past

Unearth the historical significance of Hemkund Sahib and the legends that surround this sacred place.

Hemkund Sahib has deep historical roots. It is believed to be associated with Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who is said to have meditated here. The legend of Hemkund Sahib is entwined with the valor and sacrifice of Sikh warriors.

Hemkund Sahib Spiritual Journey: Inner Transformation

Trekking to Hemkund Sahib is not just a physical journey; it’s a spiritual awakening. Discover the profound impact it can have on your soul.

The serene ambiance, the rhythmic chants, and the pristine surroundings create an atmosphere conducive to introspection and inner peace. Many pilgrims attest to the transformative power of their journey to Hemkund Sahib, leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and spirituality.

Hemkund Sahib Food: Nourishment for the Body and Soul

Feasting at high altitudes is a unique experience. Learn about the simple yet delicious meals served at Hemkund Sahib’s langar and their spiritual significance.

The langar at Hemkund Sahib serves vegetarian meals prepared with love and devotion. It’s not just about nourishing the body but also the soul. Sharing a meal with fellow pilgrims fosters a sense of unity and equality, transcending boundaries and differences.

Weather and Conditions: Nature’s Whims

The Himalayan weather can be unpredictable. Prepare for your trek by understanding the weather patterns and conditions you might encounter.

The weather in the Himalayas can change rapidly. Even during the trekking season, you may encounter rain, snow, or bright sunshine. It’s essential to dress in layers, carry rain gear, and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature.

Accommodation and Travelogue: Resting Amidst the Clouds

Find out about the accommodation options available during your Hemkund Sahib journey, from Gurudwara dormitories to nearby guesthouses.

Accommodation options in Hemkund Sahib are limited but sufficient. The Gurudwara provides dormitory-style lodging free of cost. However, these spaces can fill up quickly during the peak season, so it’s advisable to arrive early.

Visuals and Photography: Capturing the Divine

Explore breathtaking visuals and photography from Hemkund Sahib, showcasing its ethereal beauty.

The Himalayas offer a photographer’s paradise. From snow-capped peaks to colorful meadows, every frame is a work of art. The divine aura of Hemkund Sahib is beautifully captured through the lenses of those who have visited.

Valley of Flowers: Nature’s Color Palette

If Hemkund Sahib is the spiritual zenith, the Valley of Flowers is the natural paradise. Discover the enchanting beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Valley of Flowers, located nearby, is a botanical wonderland. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and stunning floral displays. Visiting the valley is like stepping into a canvas painted with nature’s vibrant colors.

Travel Tips: Navigating the Spiritual Terrain

Before you set off on your Hemkund Sahib trek, heed these essential travel tips to ensure a safe and fulfilling journey.

• Respect the Environment: Leave no trace. Carry your trash with you and follow responsible trekking practices to preserve the natural beauty.
• Stay Hydrated: At high altitudes, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
• Pack Essentials: Aside from trekking gear, carry essentials like a first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a power bank for your devices.
• Follow the Trail: Stick to marked trails to avoid getting lost. If you’re unsure, hire a local guide.
• Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially near religious sites.

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of Hemkund Sahib from every angle, it’s time to embark on this spiritual

Hemkund Sahib, perched high in the Himalayas, is a destination that resonates with spirituality and adventure. As you plan your pilgrimage or trek, remember that this journey is not just about the destination; it’s about the path and the profound experiences that await you.

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Hemkund Sahib Trek

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About Hemkund Sahib Trek

Take a bath of hues with Hemkund trekking. The valley of flowers at Hemkund slowly hypnotizes you into the world of colors and hues. This place has manifold reason to visit. Despite being a long journey this place gives you thousands of reasons to keep yourself energized and enriched. The still mountains and ever flowing river Pushpawati takes you into the world of solace and tranquility. This exceptionally rich destination also gives you the chance to spend a little time on the lap of nature while witnessing the diverse forms of flora.

The trekking route is very interesting if you are on your way to Hemkund. The route starts from Haridwar to Joshimath. The rout has so much to offer. After starting your journey from here you have to trek for the Ghangaria. Ghangaria is the base camp for reaching Hemkund Sahib and Valley of flowers. Throughout the trip from Govind Ghat to Ghangaria, you will have the river as your companion. You can spend your night over here and prepare your journey for the next day towards valley of flowers. The nightlife of Ghangaria gives you the opportunity to listen to each breath of yours.

The journey from Ghangaria to Valley of flowers is so beautiful that you will never want to forget the memories in your full life. The three thousands meters high road offers the picturesque view of mountains and greeneries where the clouds play hide and seek with you on your journey. The journey creates the excitement within which finally takes you into the world of colors and happiness. The valley of flowers gives you the chance to spend some time in the midst of colors and natural garden where you can witness the natural fragrances. After the valley of flowers, you can now get ready for the second trekking point which is called the Hemkund sahib. The peaceful Hemkund Sahib Lake and Gurudwara takes you in the world full of peace and consort. You will never feel like returning from this holy place. It takes four hours to reach Hemkund Gurudwara from the lake.

The best time to visit valley of flowers is in the time of monsoons which is during the month of July and August. At this time the flowers bloom, indicating the blooming of the myth. Before the great Sikh arrival at this place, the place was known among the Hindu pilgrims. The place was renowned as Lokpal Lake. The lake is named so for Hindu Lord Vishnu. Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama, after facing an injury from Ravana’s son came here for herbal treatment. There is another myth regarding Lakshman’s previous birth in the form of seven headed snake. The snake, known as Sesnag went for penances for Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu was seated on the snake in that penance. For the name of Lord Vishnu, the lake has been named as Lokpal. You will hear the myths from the local people and the faith, you will find in them will continue the astonishment, you gained from natural beauty.

Hemkund Sahib Trekking Tour Highlights

• View the spectacular confluences of Rivers at Devprayag, Karnprayag and Rudraprayag
• Get the mesmeric view of the high snow-clad mountains like Saptashringa Peaks
• Witness the high altitude Sikh Shrine, Hemkund Sahib
• Enjoy trekking on a beautiful trail from Ghangria to Hemkund
• Witness the beauty of the remote villages

Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib

Best time to go for Hemkund Sahib Trek is in summers (May – June) and Post Monsoon (September – mid October). In May and June, the weather becomes tolerable and the snow also melts, thus making it a bit easier to do the trek. In September and October, the weather becomes cold but the trail is lush with alpine vegetation making it a charming experience to attempt.

Summers : The weather of Hemkund remains salubrious and pleasing during summers. The Himalayas are distinctly visible and the cool breeze adds charm to the vacation. Carry woolens with you.

Post Monsoon : Serenity and solitude are at its best during post monsoon at Hemkund. The region is blessed with snowfall during winters.

Where is the Hemkund Sahib ?

Hemkund Sahib (also spelled Hemkunt) is a Sikh place of worship in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This Sikh pilgrimage site is at an elevation of 4,632 meters (15,197 feet) and can be approached from Govindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway. The main town near Govindghat is Joshimath.

Hemkund Sahib Trek (Detailed Itinerary)

Delhi – haridwar - rishikesh, other benfits (on arrival).

• Stay Included

In the morning take an AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs from New Delhi train station. Arrival at Haridwar by 1:25 hrs, here meet our guide and transfer to Rishikesh, check into your hotel. Evening time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Rishikesh - Karnprayag - Joshimath (Driving Distance 245 Kms)

After having wholesome breakfast, we will drive towards Joshimath (1874 metres /245Kilometrs) via Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River, from here the holy Ganges starts), Rudraprayag, Karnprayag and Chamoli. We will have lunch on the way. After reaching at Joshimath, check-in at the hotel. Enjoy hearty dinner and stay for the night.

Joshimath - Govindghat (18 Kms by road) - Ghangaria (Trek 13 Kms/5 hrs)

After having breakfast, we will head towards Govindghat (1828metres/22 Kms). Today we will start our trek to Ghangaria (14 kms/3049 metres) through Bhiyundar Valley and Pulna village. This destination is going to be the base camp for that head towards for visiting Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers.

Ghangaria - Hemkund - Ghangaria Trek 6 KM

Today we will start the trail in the morning, and hike for (6 Kms) to visit at the “Hemkund Sahib”. It is a famous Sikh pilgrimage destination. In the noon we will trek downwards to reach Ghangaria and stay there for the night. The evening time is free and you can utilize this time to explore the stunning surrounds and for getting some rest.

An Optional Trip : you can visit to explore the Valley of Flowers. The entire, picturesque valley is speckled with varied flora and fauna and other plant types. After spending some time in this spectacular picturesque valley we will return to Ghangria for night stay.

Ghangria - Govindghat (Trek 14 Kms) - Rudraprayag (Drive 148 kms)

After having wholesome breakfast, we will begin our return trail to Govindghat. From here, we will drive towards Rudraprayag through Karanprayag & Joshimath. Once you arrive at this place, you will check into hotel. Arrangements made for dinner& a night stay at the hotel.

Rudraprayag - Rishikesh - Delhi

It is the last day of our tour. On this day after having early breakfast we will drive back to Haridwar and from here catch evening Shatabdi train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs.

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Hemkund Sahib Trek: A Spiritual Odyssey amidst the Himalayas

1. introduction.

The Hemkund Sahib Trek is a sacred pilgrimage nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. It leads devotees to the revered Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, a high-altitude Sikh shrine surrounded by stunning landscapes. This spiritual journey is a harmonious blend of faith, nature, and tranquility.

2. Starting Point - Govindghat

Govindghat: Serving as the starting point, the trek commences from Govindghat, a small town on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Pilgrims begin their ascent from here, venturing into the breathtaking landscapes of the Garhwal region.

3. Trek Route

The trek unfolds along a well-defined trail that winds through dense forests, charming meadows, and rugged terrain. The journey takes pilgrims along the Pushpavati River, revealing the natural beauty that surrounds the sacred path.

4. Duration and Difficulty

The Hemkund Sahib Trek typically spans around 6 to 7 days, covering a distance of approximately 19 kilometers from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib. The trek is considered moderately challenging, with steep ascents and high-altitude terrain.

5. Pristine Hemkund Lake

The highlight of the trek is the Hemkund Lake, located at an altitude of over 4,300 meters. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks, the pristine lake is believed to be the meditation site of Guru Gobind Singh, adding to its spiritual significance.

6. Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara

Perched on the shores of Hemkund Lake, the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is a tranquil sanctuary. The white-marbled structure against the backdrop of the towering mountains creates a serene and sacred atmosphere for pilgrims.

7. Lush Valley of Flowers

En route, trekkers pass through the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant alpine blooms. The valley transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors during the summer months, offering a breathtaking spectacle to trekkers.

8. Best Time for the Trek

The recommended time for the Hemkund Sahib Trek is from June to October, when the weather is relatively mild, and the landscapes are adorned with blooming flowers. Monsoon months should be approached with caution due to the possibility of heavy rainfall.

9. Gurudwara Hemkund Sahibji Weather Station

Pilgrims often encounter the Hemkund Sahibji Weather Station, which plays a crucial role in monitoring weather conditions in the region. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in the high-altitude terrain.

10. Pilgrimage Traditions

Pilgrims participating in the trek engage in traditional Sikh practices, including 'seva' (selfless service) at the Gurudwara. The spirit of community and devotion becomes an integral part of the pilgrimage experience.

11. Responsible Pilgrimage

Pilgrims are encouraged to practice responsible trekking by respecting the fragile ecosystem, adhering to local customs, and ensuring the sanctity of the pilgrimage route. Sustainable practices contribute to the preservation of this sacred environment.

12. Return Journey to Govindghat

After seeking blessings at the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and immersing in the spiritual aura of the Himalayas, pilgrims descend back to Govindghat, carrying not just the memories of a trek but a profound spiritual experience etched in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas.

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Hemkund Sahib Trek Guide 2024: History, Highlights, How to Reach and Itinerary

Table of Contents

The high altitude Lokpal lake, known as Hemkund ( 4329 mts.) lies in the glorious vicinity. An extreme Hemkund Sahib trek from Ghangaria leads one to this spot in about four to six hours. It is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs, as well as for people from other faiths.

There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake. Encircled by seven snow clad peaks and their associated glaciers, it reflects its surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear serene waters. The glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks feed the lake and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this lake.

Take a bath of hues with Hemkund trekking. The valley of flowers at Hemkund slowly hypnotizes you into the world of colors and hues. This place has numerous reasons to visit. Despite being a long journey this place gives you thousands of reasons to keep yourself energized and enriched.

The still mountains and ever flowing river Pushpawati takes you into the world of solace and tranquility. This exceptionally rich destination also gives you the chance to spend a little time on the lap of nature while witnessing the diverse forms of flora.

The trekking route is very interesting if you are on your way to Hemkund. The route starts from Haridwar to Joshimath. The route has so much to offer. After starting your journey from here you have to trek to the Ghangaria. Ghangaria is the base camp for reaching Hemkund Sahib and the valley of flowers.

Throughout the trip from Govind Ghat to Ghangaria, you will have the river as your companion. You can spend your night over here and prepare your journey for the next day towards the valley of flowers. The nightlife of Ghangaria gives you the opportunity to listen to each breath of yours.

History of Hemkund Sahib Trek

Hemkund Sahib (also spelled Hemkunt), formally known as Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji , is a Sikh place of worship and pilgrimage site in Chamoli district , Uttarakhand , India .

It is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708), the tenth Sikh Guru, and finds mention in Dasam Granth , a work presumed to be dictated by Guruji himself, where mythological components exist in the work. With its setting of a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each adorned by a Nishan Sahib on its cliff.

Before the great Sikh’s arrival at this place, the place was known among the Hindu pilgrims. The place was renowned as Lokpal Lake. The lake was named after Hindu Lord Vishnu. Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama, after facing an injury from Ravana’s son, came here for herbal treatment.

There is another myth regarding Lakshman’s previous birth in the form of seven headed snakes. The snake, known as Sheshnag went for penances for Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu seated on the snake in that penance. For the name of Lord Vishnu, the lake has been named Lokpal. You will hear these myths from the local people and the faith you will find in them will continue the astonishment you gained from natural beauty.

Highlights of Hemkund Sahib Trek

• View the spectacular confluences of Rivers at Devprayag, Karnprayag and Rudraprayag.
• Get the mesmeric view of the high snow-clad mountains like Saptashringa Peaks.
• Witness the high altitude Sikh Shrine, Hemkund Sahib.
• Enjoy trekking on a beautiful trail from Ghangaria to Hemkund.
• Witness the beauty of the remote villages.

Location of Hemkund Sahib Trek

Hemkund Sahib (also spelled Hemkunt Sahib) Situated at a height of over 15,000 feet above the sea level in the Himalayan ranges of northern India, is a Sikh place of worship and pilgrimage site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India.

With its setting of a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each adorned by a Nishan Sahib on its cliff, it is according to the Survey of India, located in the Himalayas at an elevation of 4,632 meters (15,197 feet). It is approached from Govindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. The main town near Govindghat is Joshimath.

Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib Trek

Hemkund Sahib has a cool climate in most parts of the year and the best time to visit is from May to October.

Summers (May to October) have pleasant cool weather with maximum temperature reaching nearly 25°C. It is a good season for viewing the panoramic beauty.

Winters (November to May) are snow covered and it is difficult to visit the outdoor attractions. Minimum temperature can go well down with an average minimum about -4°C.

June to October is pleasant and ideal for the pilgrimage and also for the visit of the national park. August and September are eye-catching months with blooming flowers. December to May is snow bound and road blocks prevent the tourist from visiting the outdoors.

How to Reach Hemkund Sahib Trek

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib but the roads are only connected up to Govind Ghat from where you have to commence a trek of 19kms to reach Hemkund Sahib. Govindghat is situated at a distance of 292kms from Jolly Grant Airport.

Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights and Govindghat is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Govindghat.

The nearest railway station to HemkundSahib is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 273 km before Govindghat on NH58. It is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India and trains to Rishikesh are frequent.

Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Joshimath and many other destinations to Govindghat.

Hemkund Sahib is connected up to Govind Ghat with motorable roads and from here you have to commence a trek of 19kms to reach HemkundSahib. Govindghat is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

Buses and Taxis to Govindghat are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Ukhimath, Srinagar, Chamoli etc. Govindghat is situated on National Highway – 58 making it easy to reach.

Hemkund Sahib Trek Itinerary

Day 01: delhi – haridwar – rishikesh.

In the morning take an AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 AM from New Delhi train station. Arrival at Haridwar by 1:25 PM. Here meet our guide and transfer to Rishikesh, check into your hotel. Evening time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Rishikesh – Karnprayag – Joshimath (Driving Distance 245 Kms)

After having a wholesome breakfast,  drive towards Joshimath (1874 meters /245Kilometrs) via Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River, from here the holy Ganges starts), Rudraprayag, Karnprayag and Chamoli. Have lunch on the way. After reaching Joshimath, check-in at the hotel. Enjoy a hearty dinner and stay for the night.

Read more: Panpatia Col Trek

Day 03: Joshimath – Govindghat (18 Kms by road) – Ghangaria (Trek 13 Kms/5 hrs)

After having breakfast, head towards Govindghat (1828metres/22 Kms). Today, start your trek to Ghangaria (14 kms/3049 meters) through Bhyundar Valley and Pulna village. This destination is going to be the base camp for that head towards visiting HemkundSahib and Valley of Flowers.

Day 04: Ghangaria – Hemkund- Ghangaria Trek 6 KM

Today, start the trail in the morning and hike for (6 Kms) to visit the “Hemkund Sahib”. It is a famous Sikh pilgrimage destination. At noon, trek downwards to reach Ghangaria and stay there for the night. The evening time is free and you can utilize this time to explore the stunning surroundings and for getting some rest.

Day 05: Ghangaria

You can visit to explore the Valley of Flowers. The entire picturesque valley is speckled with varied flora, fauna and other plant types. After spending some time in this spectacular picturesque valley turn to Ghangaria for a night stay.

Day 06: Ghangria – Govindghat (Trek 14 Kms) – Rudraprayag (Drive 148 kms)

In the morning begin your return trail to Govindghat. From here, drive towards Rudraprayag through Karanprayag & Joshimath. Once you arrive at this place, check into the hotel. Stay at the hotel for the night.

Day 07: Rudraprayag – Rishikesh – Delhi

It is the last day of our tour. On this day after having an early breakfast, drive back to Haridwar and from there catch the evening Shatabdi train for Delhi at 06:05 PM. Arrival at Delhi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Hemkund Sahib Trek

What is the best time to visit hemkund sahib.

Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage is open for only 4 months, from June until October for tourists. Therefore, these four months are the best time to visit Hemkund Sahib. Because of the high altitude location, heavy rainfall is very common in Hemkunt Sahib area. Therefore, check the weather conditions before you start the trek to Hemkunt Sahib.

What are nearby places one can go from Hemkund Sahib?

There are several places to visit nearby in HemkundSahib like Valley of Flowers, Badrinath and much more.

How long is Hemkund Sahib trek?

The trek of Hemkund Sahib lasts for 7 days.

Where is Hemkund Sahib Trek located?

Hemkund Sahib is located in the chamoli district of Uttarakhand

Is Hemkund Sahib trek difficult?

This high altitude trek to Hemkund Sahib has an easy level of difficulty.

Where does Hemkund Sahib trek start and end?

The Hemkund trek starts and ends at delhi.

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Hemkund Sahib: A Complete Guide to the Sacred Sikh Pilgrimage Sit

Surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains, the Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara radiates a serene natural beauty that lures tourists and trekkers alike, especially with the added allure of the trek to the Flower Valley. The lake, which is also the source of the Himganga stream that meanders through the region, adds to the peaceful and serene atmosphere of this holy place.

Legend has it that Lakshmana, brother of God Ram from the Ramayana, retrieved his health and vitality after contemplating on the shores of Hemkund. It is said that the Lakshmana Temple now stands at the very spot where he underwent this spiritual transformation.

Hemkund Sahib Trek

The famous Hemkund Sahib yatra , a renowned pilgrimage destination for devotees and adventure enthusiasts alike, commences from the charming hamlet of Govindghat and spans over a distance of 20 Kilometre. This scenic trek is split into two segments, with the first stretch from Ghangaria to Govindghat covering approximately 11 kilometres, and the second from Hemkund Sahib to Ghangaria covering 9 kilometres.

Govindghat, located at the confluence of Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga, serves as the opening point for both famed Flower Valley and Hemkund Sahib trek . It offers a range of amenities for travellers, such as an array of motels, small market and a gurdwara.

To arrive at the sacred Hemkund Sahib, one must traverse a 14 kilometres trail from Govindghat, which involves a moderate to steep ascent. However, travellers can opt to skip the first 4 kilometres of the trek by driving to Pullna village via car or taxi. For those who wish to bypass the entire Ghangaria trek, a Helicopter service is also available to drop them off at the Ghangaria helipad, from where they can proceed with the second portion of their Hemkund Sahib Yatra.

The first leg of the trek, spanning 8 to 9 kilometres, is relatively easy, with a gradual ascent through scenic trails. However, the next 5 km poses a bit of a challenge due to the increment in altitude. Ghangaria serves as the base centre for travellers and devotees looking to explore the Hemkund Sahib Flowers Valley, where some guest houses and hotels provide essential and budget accommodations. Additionally, one can find a gurdwara, a helipad, small restaurants and some dhabas that offer delectable cuisine, making for a perfect evening retreat.

Embarking on the Hemkund Sahib trek entails a gradual to steep ascent, with the 6 kilometres stretch to Hemkund Sahib constituting the most arduous section of the entire yatra. The altitude of 15,000 ft coupled with low atmospheric pressure and oxygen levels makes it an even more formidable challenge. Therefore, it is advisable to take short steps and avoid rushing during the second part of the trek. It is recommended to take regular pauses after 500 metre or 1000 metre of trekking to adjust to the altitude and catch your breath. Proper preparation, including physical fitness, acclimatisation, and hydration, is essential for a successful and enjoyable Hemkund Sahib trek.

Hemkund Sahib opening date 2023

The announcement of the Hemkund Sahib opening date 2023  is eagerly awaited by pilgrims from all over the country who plan to visit the revered shrine. It is expected that the opening date will be notified soon, just like last year, when the gate was opened for visitors on the 22nd of May, 2022.

The announcement of the opening date is not the only important news that the devotees are eagerly waiting for. The Hemkund sahib closing date 2023 will also be notified shortly. Last year, the holy site was closed on the 10th of October, marking the end of the 2021 season. The closing date holds significance as it signifies the end of the pilgrimage season, and many devotees try to make it to the shrine before it closes for the year.

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Hemkund Sahib Trek: A Spiritual Journey

Hemkund Sahib Trek : A Spiritual Journey

The Hemkund Sahib Trek is a pilgrimage journey that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and spirituality. The trek takes you to the revered Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, located at an altitude of 4,329 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level. This detailed blog will guide you through the enchanting trek, providing information on the route, highlights, essential tips, and the spiritual significance of this awe-inspiring journey.

Historical and Spiritual Significance:

The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara holds immense religious importance for Sikhs and Hindus alike. It is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh , the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated in his previous life. Additionally, it is associated with the Hindu mythological epic, the Mahabharata, where King Pandu practiced penance at this sacred spot. The Gurudwara is also known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, making it a place of peace and spiritual rejuvenation.

Starting Point:

Govindghat The trek to Hemkund Sahib commences from the small town of Govindghat, located approximately 275 kilometers from Rishikesh. Govindghat serves as the base camp for the trek and can be reached via road from Rishikesh or Haridwar. It offers accommodation options and facilities for trekkers to prepare themselves before embarking on the journey.

Trek Route and Highlights:

The trek from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib is approximately 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) long and can be completed in two days. Here is a breakdown of the trek route and its major highlights:

Day 1: Govindghat to Ghangaria (14 km)

• The initial stretch involves a well-defined trail along the banks of the Alaknanda River, passing through picturesque landscapes, waterfalls, and charming villages.
• The trail gradually ascends, taking you through dense forests of oak and rhododendron.
• Arriving at Ghangaria, a small settlement, offers accommodation options and serves as a base for the next day’s trek.

Day 2: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (5 km)

• The trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is relatively steep, but the breathtaking views make it worth the effort.
• As you ascend, you’ll witness the magnificent Valley of Flowers , a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant alpine flora.
• Upon reaching Hemkund Sahib, you’ll be welcomed by the serene glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the grand Gurudwara.

Essential Tips for the Trek:

• Obtain the necessary permits and medical check-ups before embarking on the trek.
• Carry sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.
• Stay hydrated and carry water purification tablets or a water filter.
• Pace yourself and take regular breaks to acclimatize to the altitude.
• Engage with locals, fellow trekkers, and pilgrims to understand the cultural significance of the region.

Best Time to Visit:

The ideal time to undertake the Hemkund Sahib Trek is from June to September when the weather is pleasant, and the trekking routes are accessible. The monsoon season (July to August) should be approached with caution due to occasional heavy rainfall.

Conclusion:

The Hemkund Sahib Trek is a transformative experience that combines the beauty of the Himalayas, the serenity of a glacial lake, and the spirituality of a revered Gurudwara. It offers an opportunity to connect with nature, find solace in the mountains, and embrace the cultural and religious heritage of the region. As you embark on this remarkable journey, be prepared to be mesmerized by the scenic vistas, challenged by the terrain, and uplifted by the spiritual aura of Hemkund Sahib.

Namaste! I am Om. I am a licensed Tourist Guide ( Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), I’m originally from Varanasi. Now, I am living in Rishikesh. I set up this blog to share my tips and experiences for traveling to inspire and help you to travel more. Hari Om

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Hemkund Sahib Trek Blog

Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is well known for its natural beauty, the Himalayas, and for its pilgrimages. Chardham Yatra and Hemkund Yatra are the two most sacred yatras that start every year in the month of May and June. Thousands of devotees take part in these yatras every day to get salvation. Hemkund Sahib is considered the 5th Dham of Uttarakhand which is why many devotees prefer to do the Chardham yatra with Hemkund Sahib. Hemkund Sahib is an important pilgrimage site in the region, and revered as the 5th Dham of Uttarakhand. In the year 2024, the doors of Hemkund Sahib is open for devotees on 20 May, and it will remain accessible for the next five months. Whereas it will be closed on 11 October, marking the conclusion of the pilgrimage season.

Hemkund Sahib Opening Date 2024

Hemkund sahib yatra opening date 2024: 20 may 2024.

The Fifth Dham of Uttarakhand, Hemkund Sahib yatra 2024 opening date is announced. The Hemkund Sahib opening date 2024 - is 20 May. That means, from May 20, devotees will be able to visit Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib and will be open for darshan for the next 5 months.

Hemkund Sahib Closing date 2024: 11 Oct 2024

Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2024 Registration Link registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in

About Hemkund Sahib Yatra:

Shri Hemkunt Sahib is a sacred place for Sikh devotees and Hindus as well. Like every Hindu wants to do the Chardham yatra at least once in his whole life similarly every Sikh follower wants to do the Hemkund sahib yatra at least once. This pilgrimage site is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.

Hemkund is a Sanskrit name derived from Hem (Snow) and Kund (bowl) which means “ The Lake of Snow ". Dasam Granth says this is the place where Pandu Raja practiced Yoga. In addition, the Dasam Granth says God ordered Sikh Guru Gobind Singh to take bath while he was in deep meditation at the mount of Hemkunt . The Hemkund is settled at 15000 ft (4329 m) above sea level and is surrounded by the seven great mountains there is a holy lake as well which gets frozen in winters. This beautiful holy lake is near the Gurudwara sahib and devotees dip into this before entering the Gurudwara Sahib. Devotees believed that by dipping into the lake, all the sins are washed away. After September this place is inaccessible because of heavy snowfall. Usually, Hemkund Sahib Yatra is open for only 4–5 months. The Hemkund Sahib Yatra starts in June and ends in Sept/October due to a heavy snowfall zone. And the best part is those who came for Hemkund Sahib also visit the  Valley of Flowers  which is 3–4 km from the Ghangariya base camp.

Hemkund Sahib Helicopter Yatra:

The Hemkund Sahib yatra is going to start soon. If you are planning to visit Hemkund Sahib via helicopter then this is the perfect opportunity to grab. There are two places from where you can do the yatra Hemkund sahib by helicopter - Dehradun & Govindghat. From both places Hemkund sahib helicopter ticket prices are different. If you have less time for yatra then you can take the chopper service from Dehradun. It is a bit costlier because the company arranges a private chopper for your tour. So if time is your concern not money, then you should go with this option. On the other hand, if you want to just skip that 14 km trek then you can avail this chopper service from Govindghat to Ghangaria. To know the Hemkund sahib helicopter price, ticket booking, or for any travel-related query, call us or simply draft mail on our given contact details.

How to reach Hemkund Sahib:

To reach Hemkund you have the first visit to Govindghat. You can reach Govindghat in the following ways- By Air: If you travel from Delhi, then you can fly to Dehradun Airport. After that, you can take a cab/taxi to Rishikesh. Govindghat is well connected by motorable so you can take a bus/cab/taxi from Rishikesh to Govindghat. By Rail: The Nearest railway to Govindghat is the Rishikesh Railway Station which is 270 km before Govindghat. Govindghat is accessible by motorable road so you’ll get cabs and busses for Srinagar, Joshimath, and many other destinations in Govindghat. By Road: If you travel from Delhi then you’ll easily get busses for Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Srinagar. After reaching these places then it is easy to get transport to Govindghat which is connected by NH-58.

Hemkund Sahib Trek Information:

The total Hemkund Sahib trek distance from Govindghat is 20 Km. It is divided into two parts: first Govidnghat to Ghangaria & second Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib. Govindghat is the starting point of the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib yatra. You’ll find hotels, a gurdwara and a small market there. To reach Hemkund Sahib you have to trek 14 km from Govindghat. You can also skip a 4 km trek by reaching Pullna village through your car/taxi. If you want to skip the whole Ghangaria trek, then you can take a Helicopter service that drops you at the Ghangaria helipad and you can continue your second part of the yatra.

The First 8–9 km of the trek is easy, 9–14 km is a bit difficult because of the increase in altitude. Ghangharia is the base camp for all the devotees and travelers who want to visit the Hemkund Sahib Valley of Flowers. Here you’ll find a few hotels and a guest house with basic and budget facilities. Also, there is a gurdwara, helipad, couples of dhabas, and small restaurants where you can enjoy the evening with tasty cuisine. A few meters from Ghangaria, there is an intersection point where the Valley of Flower and Hemkund Sahib trek joins.

Stepping into the Hemkund trek is a moderate steep trek. The Hemkund Sahib trek km is 6 km which is the most difficult part of the whole Hemkund Sahib Yatra. The atmospheric pressure and less oxygen at 15000 ft make it harder. So it is advised to take small steps during the 2nd part of the trek and don’t hurry to reach early. Take a pause during the trek, after every 500m or 1000m trek.

Pictures Courtesy:- Akshat Panwar | Srishty Malhotra | Aruna Choudhary | Sagar Mehta | Benazir Salma Jamin | Amit Sah | Tejaswini Rabha | Raja Singh Via Instagram

Hemkund Sahib Hotel Options:

Govindghat and Ghangaria are the two base camps for devotees where you can find some basic hotels, restaurants, and dhabbas. Ghangaria is at 14000ft of altitude. So it is quite hard to get star-category hotels there, even it is difficult to get hotels there in peak season. So try to book your accommodation if you are traveling in peak season. Click Here to check Hemkund Sahib Hotels - Hotels in Ghanghariya | Hotels in Govindghat

Short Itinerary for Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji:

• Day 01: Rishikesh - Joshimath (Drive – 260 Km/ 8Hr approx.)
• Day 02: Joshimath - Govindghat (Drive 25 Kms) Govindghat- Ghangaria (Trek 14 km)
• Day 03: Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib (Trek 06 Kms)- Ghangaria
• Day 04: Ghangaria - Govindghat (14 km trek), Govindghat - Joshimath (Drive 25 Kms)
• Day 05: Joshimath to Rishikesh (Drive – 260 Km/ 8Hr approx.)
• Day 06: Rishikesh

Click here for -  Hemkund Sahib Trek Package 2024

Things to Carry For Hemkund Trek:

• Do you like to carry that backpack that can be torn during your trip? Exactly no. Nobody wants to create a mess by carrying a torn backpack. So if you already have a bag, check it properly from all sides and if you have any doubts, replace it. Your backpack must have enough space which can hold all the necessary stuff.
• It’s good to carry floaters or sandals to help you move freely at the camp or hotel. Apart from this, you should have high-quality trekking shoes. They should be lightweight, sturdy, and have a good grip. When your trek is more than 10km from one side then always try to buy a new pair of shoes.
• Medical kit, woolen clothes, pair of T-shirts & pants, water bottle, small torch, waterproof/windproof jacket, raincoat, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and cold cream are the things which must be in your backpack.

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How to Reach Hemkund Sahib from Rishikesh

Rishikesh, a city in Uttarakhand, is known as the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas”. It is a popular destination for spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. One of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, Hemkund Sahib, is located near Rishikesh . Hemkund Sahib is a high-altitude lake that is surrounded by seven snow-capped mountains and is considered sacred by Sikhs.

Reaching Hemkund Sahib requires a bit of effort. The nearest railway station to Hemkund Sahib is Rishikesh, which is 273 km away. From there, one must reach Govind Ghat by road, which is connected only till Govind Ghat. Post that, there is a 16-km trek to reach Hemkund Sahib. Alternatively, one can also take a helicopter ride from Govind Ghat to Ghangaria and then trek for 6 km to reach Hemkund Sahib. The trek is considered to be challenging, but the stunning views of the Himalayas and the spiritual experience make it all worth it.

If you are planning to visit Hemkund Sahib from Rishikesh, it is essential to plan your journey in advance. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about how to reach Hemkund Sahib from Rishikesh, including the different modes of transportation available, the best time to visit, and tips for a safe and comfortable journey.

Geographical Overview of Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is a sacred place located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 4,329 meters above sea level, surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks, and is located near the Hemkund Lake. The place is known for its spiritual significance and natural beauty.

The Hemkund Lake is a glacial lake that is fed by the melting of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is considered one of the highest altitude lakes in the world. The water of the lake is crystal clear and reflects the surrounding mountains, making it a sight to behold.

The trek to Hemkund Sahib is a challenging one, but the journey is worth it. The trek passes through dense forests of pine and deodar trees, and the views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. The Hemkund Sahib trek is around 19 kilometers long and starts from Govindghat, which is well-connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state.

Hemkund Sahib is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Sikhs. The place is believed to have been visited by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, and is considered one of the holiest places for Sikhs. The place also has a temple dedicated to Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, which is visited by Hindus.

In conclusion, Hemkund Sahib is a beautiful and spiritual place that is worth visiting. The place is surrounded by natural beauty and is considered one of the holiest places in India. The trek to Hemkund Sahib is challenging, but the journey is worth it.

Transportation Options from Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is a popular pilgrimage site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 4,329 meters and is accessible only during the summer months. The nearest town to Hemkund Sahib is Govindghat, which is located at a distance of 22 km from the pilgrimage site. Rishikesh, which is located at a distance of 272 km from Govindghat, is the nearest city to Hemkund Sahib. Here are the transportation options available from Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib.

By Public Bus

The most economical way to reach Hemkund Sahib from Rishikesh is by public bus. The bus service is available from the Rishikesh bus station, which is located near the Rishikesh railway station. The distance between Rishikesh and Govindghat is approximately 272 km, and the bus journey takes around 10-12 hours. From Govindghat, one has to trek for 19 km to reach Hemkund Sahib. The bus fare from Rishikesh to Govindghat is around INR 300-500 per person.

By Private Vehicle/Taxi

One can also hire a private vehicle or taxi from Rishikesh to reach Govindghat. The distance between Rishikesh and Govindghat is approximately 272 km, and the journey takes around 10-12 hours. The taxi fare from Rishikesh to Govindghat is around INR 6,000-8,000 for a round trip. From Govindghat, one has to trek for 19 km to reach Hemkund Sahib.

By Bike on Rent from Rishikesh

Another option to reach Hemkund Sahib from Rishikesh is to rent a bike . Many bike rental services are available in Rishikesh, and one can rent a bike for around INR 1,200-1,500 per day. The distance between Rishikesh and Govindghat is approximately 272 km, and the journey takes around 10-12 hours. From Govindghat, one has to trek for 19 km to reach Hemkund Sahib. It is advisable to carry a valid driving license and wear a helmet while riding a bike.

Detailed Road Route from Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs and Hindus located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The best way to reach Hemkund Sahib from Rishikesh is by road. The distance between Rishikesh and Hemkund Sahib is approximately 292 km, and it takes around 10-12 hours to cover the distance. Here is a detailed road route from Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib:

• Start from Rishikesh and head towards Devprayag, which is around 70 km from Rishikesh. Devprayag is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, and it is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
• From Devprayag, continue towards Srinagar, which is around 35 km away. Srinagar is a small town located on the banks of the Alaknanda river.
• After Srinagar, continue towards Rudraprayag, which is around 33 km from Srinagar. Rudraprayag is another important pilgrimage site for Hindus, and it is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
• From Rudraprayag, continue towards Karnaprayag, which is around 34 km away. Karnaprayag is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers.
• After Karnaprayag, continue towards Chamoli, which is around 22 km away. Chamoli is the district headquarters of the Chamoli district and is located on the banks of the Alaknanda river.
• From Chamoli, continue towards Joshimath, which is around 48 km away. Joshimath is a popular hill station and is also the winter seat of Lord Badri.
• From Joshimath, continue towards Govindghat, which is around 20 km away. Govindghat is the starting point of the trek to Hemkund Sahib.
• From Govindghat, you can hire a pony or a porter to carry your luggage and start the trek towards Hemkund Sahib. The trek is around 19 km long and takes around 6-7 hours to complete.

It is important to note that the road from Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib is a mountainous terrain, and it is advisable to hire a skilled driver who is familiar with the route. Also, it is recommended to start the journey early in the morning to avoid traffic and reach Hemkund Sahib before sunset.

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Accommodation Options on the Way

There are several hotels on the way from Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib that offer comfortable accommodation options to travelers. Some of the popular hotels include Hotel Terrakotta, Hotel Guru Kripa Palace, and Hotel Devlok. These hotels offer a range of facilities such as clean and spacious rooms, excellent hospitality, and delicious food.

Guest Houses

Guest houses are a budget-friendly accommodation option for travelers on the way to Hemkund Sahib. Some of the popular guest houses include GMVN Guest House, Ghangaria Guest House, and Hemkund Sahib Yatri Niwas. These guest houses offer basic amenities such as clean rooms, hot water, and food.

Camping is an adventurous and fun way to stay on the way to Hemkund Sahib. There are several campsites available on the way, such as Valley of Flowers Camps, Ghangaria Camps, and Hemkund Sahib Camps. These campsites offer tents and basic amenities such as sleeping bags, food, and hot water.

Overall, there are several accommodation options available on the way from Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib, catering to different budgets and preferences. Travelers can choose the option that suits them the best and enjoy a comfortable stay on their way to this holy shrine.

Essential Tips for the Journey

When planning a trip to Hemkund Sahib from Rishikesh, there are some essential tips that travelers should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

1. Choose the Right Mode of Transportation

One of the most important decisions when planning a trip to Hemkund Sahib is choosing the right mode of transportation. Travelers can choose between road and air travel. The nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib is Jolly Grant near Dehradun, and from there, travelers can take a taxi or bus to reach Hemkund Sahib. Alternatively, travelers can take a taxi or bus from Rishikesh to Govindghat, which is the base camp for the trek to Hemkund Sahib.

2. Check the Weather Forecast

The weather at Hemkund Sahib can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to check the weather forecast before embarking on the journey. The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is from June to October, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. However, even during this time, travelers should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and carry appropriate clothing and gear.

3. Carry Essential Items

When trekking to Hemkund Sahib, it’s important to carry essential items such as a first aid kit, water bottles, snacks, and a map. Travelers should also carry warm clothing, as the temperature can drop significantly at night. Additionally, it’s important to carry a torch or headlamp as there is no electricity at the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.

4. Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated when trekking to Hemkund Sahib, as the altitude and physical exertion can cause dehydration. Travelers should carry enough water with them and also drink plenty of fluids during the trek. It’s also a good idea to carry electrolyte supplements to replenish lost electrolytes.

5. Respect Local Customs

Hemkund Sahib is a holy site for the Sikh community, and travelers should respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and cover your head when entering the Gurudwara. It’s also important to maintain cleanliness and avoid littering in and around the Gurudwara.

By following these essential tips, travelers can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to Hemkund Sahib from Rishikesh.

Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is during the summer months, from May to August. The weather is pleasant, and the trails are open, making it perfect for a pilgrimage.

During this time, the temperature ranges between 10°C and 25°C, and the weather is generally sunny. The monsoon season starts in July and lasts until September, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time as the trails can be slippery and dangerous.

The winter months, from October to April, are not recommended for visiting Hemkund Sahib due to heavy snowfall. The temperature drops below freezing point, and the trails are closed, making it impossible to reach the shrine.

It’s important to note that the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, and visitors should always be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. It’s recommended to check the weather forecast before planning a trip to Hemkund Sahib.

Overall, the best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is during the summer months, from May to August, when the weather is pleasant, and the trails are open.

In conclusion, Hemkund Sahib is a significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs and a popular trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts. The trek to Hemkund Sahib from Rishikesh can be challenging but is rewarding with breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the Hemkund Sahib Lake.

Visitors can reach Hemkund Sahib by air, rail, or road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From there, one can hire a taxi to reach Govind Ghat, the starting point of the trek. Alternatively, one can take a train to Rishikesh or Haridwar and then hire a taxi or take a bus to Govind Ghat.

During the trek, visitors can stay in guesthouses or campsites in Ghangaria, the basecamp for Hemkund Sahib. The trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is steep and covers 6 km, but the stunning views of the Himalayas and the Hemkund Sahib Lake make it worth the effort.

It is essential to be well-prepared for the trek, with proper gear, clothing, and food. Visitors should also be aware of the weather conditions and plan their trek accordingly. Overall, the trek to Hemkund Sahib is a memorable experience that offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and spiritual significance of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance between rishikesh and hemkund sahib.

The distance between Rishikesh and Hemkund Sahib is approximately 293 kilometers. It takes about 10 hours to reach Hemkund Sahib from Rishikesh by road.

How long does it take to trek to Hemkund Sahib?

The trek to Hemkund Sahib is about 19 kilometers long and takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and pace.

What is the distance between Joshimath and Hemkund Sahib?

The distance between Joshimath and Hemkund Sahib is about 41 kilometers. From Joshimath, you can take a shared taxi or hire a private taxi to reach Govindghat, which is the starting point of the trek to Hemkund Sahib.

When is the best time to visit Hemkund Sahib?

The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is from June to October when the weather is pleasant, and the trekking route is open. The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall in the region.

How can I reach Hemkund Sahib from Govindghat?

To reach Hemkund Sahib from Govindghat, you need to trek for about 19 kilometers. The trek is steep and challenging, so it is recommended to hire a mule or a porter to carry your luggage.

What is the nearest railway station to Hemkund Sahib?

The nearest railway station to Hemkund Sahib is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is about 293 kilometers away. From Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Govindghat, which is the starting point of the trek to Hemkund Sahib.

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FootLoose Dev

Travel blog by an Indian travel blogger.

Hemkund Sahib Trek And The Valley of Flowers Trek: An Ideal Travel Guide

In September, the peak tourist season for the Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib trek and for visiting the Valley of Flowers was already far from over.

I was told how the valley would have appeared totally different, draped in a blanket of colourful wildflowers, had I made it a month ago. But in the second week of September, the valley looked pretty much washed out, just like any other ordinary valley in the Himalayas. The number of people doing the Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib trek also decrease that time.

At four in the evening, and on day four, I had already begun the last leg of my journey – the trek back to Govindghat.

I was constantly praying for some sunshine and azure skies to compensate for the wet weather I had experienced in the previous few days. But as I progressed towards Govindghat and completed about a couple of kilometers, out of the remaining 8 km of the trek, the weather started worsening.

Light showers had already begun on our Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib trek. With only 3 hours of daylight now left with me, I picked up a little more speed!

I was disappointed for not being aware of the fact that September can be a bad time for visiting the Valley of Flowers and for the Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib trek, but then every thought of at least being there (and with it, visiting the pilgrimage site of Hemkund Sahib too) was a constant motivation. Walking faster than ever, I decided to revisit them both, the next year!

Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib trek & Valley of Flowers

Though Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib remains open between May and October, plan your visit sometime between the beginning of June and the end of October because that’s when the Valley of Flowers opens, allowing you to see both of the places in one trip.

And between June and October, the peak monsoon is when the flowers can be found in full bloom in the valley. And that peak monsoon season (almost every year) starts at the beginning of July and remains until August end, making mid-July to mid-August (or between 15 July to 15 August) the ideal months to be visiting the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib — just be prepared to brave heavy rains.

Carry raincoats and protect your electronic equipment with plastic bags. In September the weather gets clearer and trekking gets easier but the flowers start drying up (as I happened to experience). Check this post to see  Valley of Flowers trek in September .

How Much Time You Need To Visit Hemkund Sahib & The Valley of Flowers

Before I visited the Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers, a few people suggested and shared their experience of completing both the highlights in only a couple of days (in addition to two days of travel to and from Govindghat).

But a total of 40km of a steep uphill and downhill walk, I assumed, cannot be done in two days — unless you’re super-fit and walking most of the hours in a day. Or, you’re constantly hiring ponies from one spot to the other, which is a quick (but at the same time, very unreal and quite brutal for the animals) way of visiting the two spots.

When I planned for the Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib trek & the Valley of Flowers, I was also hoping to visit both places in the minimum time possible, but in no way did I want to compromise with my photography breaks.

So while keeping the daily trek to an average of nearly 14 km per day, I completed the journey (from Govindghat back to Govindhat) in three days. On top of it, two days were consumed in travelling from Delhi to Govindhat and back.

My Itinerary for Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib

Do note that I am making a very tight estimate, assuming that you do this trip in 5 days. In reality, it can get hectic. But keeping limited time and money in mind, this is how the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib can be visited in 5 days in total:

Night 0/Day 1: Your journey from Delhi/Rishikesh to Govindhat (if coming from Delhi, you do the overnight journey to Rishikesh and start from Rishikesh to Govindghat the following morning. If starting from Rishikesh, you do the journey from Rishikesh to Govindghat in the morning, as there are no overnight buses/taxis available on this route. Driving on your own at the night is also not recommended due to the poor condition of the road).

Day 2: Drive from Govindghat to Pulna (4km) followed by the trek to Ghangaria (8 km).

Day 3: Trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers and back to Ghangaria (12 km).

Day 4: Trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahi to back to Ghangaria (20 km) followed by a drive to Govindghat (4km).

Day 5: Govindghat to Rishikesh/Delhi.

I travelled from Rishikesh to Govindghat on my Jawa 42 bike .

How to Reach Govindghat — The Starting Point of Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib Trek?

The route I followed was Delhi-Haridwar-Rishikesh-Rudraprayag-Chamoli-Joshimath-Govindghat. I used ‘Blah Blah Car’ to carpool between Delhi and Rishikesh for about 500 Rupees (the quickest way to get to Rishikesh from Delhi with frequent options).

From Rishikesh, I hired a motorbike, started off at 7 in the morning and reached Govindghat around 5 in the evening. I spent a night in Govindghat and continued to Pulna (where you can park your bike, right at the starting point of the commencement of the trek) the next morning, following the same itinerary to trek to Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib mentioned above.

Alternatively, you can get a train from Delhi to Raiwala (the nearest train station to Rishikesh from where you can get an auto-rickshaw to Rishikesh for 30 Rupees). There are a few daily morning and night trains available between the route and take 110 Rupees for the second class, about 200 for a Sleeper class, or about 450 Rupees for 3AC.

Buses cost about 250 Rupees for an ordinary Uttarakhand state transport bus, 460 Rupees for an AC bus and about 700 Rupees for a luxury Volvo. Between Rishikesh and Govindghat, there are only a few early morning options for those wanting to travel in a bus (starting at 4 in the morning) that take around 500 Rupees all the way to Govindghat and nearly 12-hour travel time.

Please note that all costs mentioned above were as of September 2018.

What Kind of Support Is Available At Govindghat For Those Who Cannot Trek?

Those who have a problem with fitness can hire ponies and porters. The locals who drag ponies, or those working as porters themselves, however, charge good money —  say, about INR 2500-6000 per person per trip for a 10km distance.

Check the Uttarakhand tourism website for more useful details about trekking in Uttarakhand. Also, two more treks I have written about in Uttarakhand that is worth visiting during your trip to Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib are Gangotri To Gomukh Trek (that is one of the Char Dham destinations of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath ) and the relatively offbeat Darma Valley trek .

Should You Get A Guide Or Buy A Package?

To be honest, nothing is needed. Hiring a guide to the Valley of Flowers makes sense for those who want expert information about the flora and fauna inside the park but hiring a guide for the Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib trek is a stupid idea.

Those visiting for leisure and to click pictures certainly need no guide. The trek throughout (starting from Govindghat to all the way to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib) is just one straight road and no sane person can possibly lose a track of it!

But a travel package if you want to be pampered and enjoy the little luxuries and the added comfort.

Have you done the Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib trek? Would you like to add any tips for other readers? Please spill in the comments below!

nice article. Thank You for the information. I run a travel company: TripInHimalaya

Comprehensive guide for aspiring trekkers. Pictures are beautiful.

Thank you for your information .It increase my will power

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Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers: Ideal Solo Trekking Destinations 

It had been close to 2 years since I went on a himalayan trek. It was already August and I knew even few days could make a difference now as flowers blossom season would be over at Valley of Flowers. Finally, I made up my mind and was ready to start this 5 day long journey using public transport and stay in normal hotels/lodges.

A long Bus Ride:

On the night of Aug 24th, I took the bus from Delhi to Rishikesh. The bus ride was uneventful as I slept for most of the time. I reached Rishikesh at around 4 AM. It was pitch dark, obviously. I love such not so crowdy and noisy bus stand. As soon as I enquired and finalised my next bus to Govindghat, I looked for a tea stall. You would be able to locate only a handful of passengers during these hours and that adds to this amazing feeling of being part of a group who is going to some place of their own which might be far from their usual stuff.

Buses to Joshimath/Govindghat leave quite early in the day. Last bus probably leaves at around 6 or 7 AM. After enjoying early morning tea, I boarded the bus which had few passengers already occupying the best seats. I managed to get a window seat at around middle of the bus. The long bus journey started at 5 AM. Bus stopped at a couple of places in between where I had breakfast and lunch, primarily comprising of parathas and daal roti. As soon as you get out of Rishikesh, beautiful mountains and valleys start appearing all around. Most of the time, my eyes were enjoying the nature outside bus. After a day long journey, I reached Govindghat at 5 PM. Bus was actually going to Badrinath which is close to 1.5 - 2 hrs journey from Govindghat.

Govindghat, at a height of 6000 ft above sea level, is a 2 fold place. The upper fold has few shops and hotels. This fold is right on the main road which connects Joshimath with Badrinath. The lower fold is right beside the Alaknanda river. This fold has a Gurudwara, which hosts tourists with accommodation and langar, and few shops cum hotels. It is rather a pretty small place which becomes operative during this time of the year (May to September). Apparently, Joshimath is the last place on this route where you can find an ATM. I came to know this when I checked with hotel staff. As I was short of cash, I made a quick visit to Joshimath with a taxi and withdrew necessary cash for my rest of the journey. After dinner at the hotel, I took a few shots of this beautiful place from my DSLR before calling it a day.

Trekking starts

Next day, I got up early and left the place at 7 AM for 14 km trek to Govinddham (Ghanghria). The trek started by going to the lower fold and taking the ascend alongside the river. It was a bit cold morning with sun hiding behind the clouds. As I went away from the sight of Govindghat, it turned out to be a nice pakka road for the first 4 Kms which was quite a steep climb.

On my way up, I realised there were shared taxis available from Govindghat to Pulna i.e. for the first 4 Km of this trek. I was happy I didn't know that as the uphill trek was a scenic delight. It was a sight of green mountains all around and Alaknanda river flowing along the valley of Govindghat. Pulna is a small aggregation of houses and tea shops. I grabbed something to drink as keeping yourself hydrated is the recommendation you would get on any trek where you are gaining altitude. After Pulna, it was a dirt trail with manageable ascent. Now, more people were around me trekking to Ghangaria. Many people were opting for mule or porter services as many sikh pilgrims visit Hemkund Shaib in this period.

There were quite a few shops on the way where you can take a bite as well as have a full fledged meal. I had paranthas at Byundar which was around 4 kms before Ghangaria. The complete trail takes you through a beautiful trek with trees covering the path and large sheds with benches installed at every 1 km for trekkers to stop and take rest. It is the only trail I have seen where one can find public washrooms as well and the trail is kept clean by the sweepers all through the day. Byundar is an exciting place as one has to cross bridge and get on the other side of the river. Also, you would lose sight of the river for rest of the trek. The trail ahead was again quite steep but it was worth it. The colourful tents were making themselves visible as I was nearing Ghangaria.

After a long day's trek, I finally reached Ghangaria around 2 PM. Ghangaria is a beautiful small place. The whole of this place is built around the trail. You would find shops, hotels and a Gurudwara as you start and end your visit to this place. It is merely a 500 metre kind of trail along which Ghangaria has established itself. After checking few hotels and GMVN guest house, I finalised Hotel Deepak and went to bed for a quick nap after a much needed hot shower.

As sun was calling it a day, the beauty of Ghangaria increased multifold and place was lighting up like a small bunch of candles in a wide mountain range. As I came outside my room and visited small restaurant of the hotel at the entrance, it started pouring. I took a stroll around, visited Gurudwara (had hot tea there), bought a wooden trekking pole and a poncho (in case rain doesn't stop). I had dinner quite early, to my standards, at around 7:30 PM and it was still raining. I enquired and got to know that rain might continue tomorrow morning as well. I was wandering how would I trek to Hemkund Sahib if it didn't stop raining. With these wandering thoughts, I went to bed.

Hemkund Sahib

The mobile alarm at 4:30 AM woke me up. Soon, I realised that it was still raining and raining heavily. Anyhow, I freshened up and went downstairs at 5 AM. I knew people start their trek from the Gurudwara. I reached Gurudwara with my poncho and saw close to 40-50 people having tea wearing different colours of ponchos. I quickly had hot tea and started trek in the rain. It was my first such experience and honestly speaking, I was loving it. The serene beauty of the trail ahead and clouds all around gave me goosebumps and I wished to capture this moment forever in my heart. It was getting cold as I was moving ahead and higher. At one point, the sight ahead me was pure and scared. The rocky trail was visible for 20 to 30 metres, mountain on one side and only white clouds on the other side. It seemed like going to some place straight out of fantasy dreams.

There were some small shops selling tea, milk, maggi etc. on the trail. I stopped at one of those shops after around 2 kms of steep ascend. I had tea and looked around only to admire the beautiful nature. As I was around 1 km from Hemkund Sahib, I was able to hear kirtan from the distant speaker installed. After an arduous trek, finally I reached Hemkund Sahib (at a height of 16000 ft) at around 8:00 AM. The holy place, which I had seen only on TV or other photographs, was right in front of me. The light drizzle was only adding to beauty of the place. The Gurudwara is in the centre with langar hall (food serving place) near the front side and Hemkund (lake) at the backside. The whole place was surrounded by snow capped mountains. I felt like being on the top as mountain range was little visible in the haze weather. To my surprise, there was a small hydroelectric power generating station to provide electricity to the Gurudwara.

I said the prayer in the Gurudwara before having hot khichdi and tea. Then, I spent quite some time just observing the place near Hemkund lake. I wished to capture and memorise this experience only to relive it later. With heavy heart, I left the place to start my descent at around 9:30 AM. During my descent, I saw lot more people ascending. Some of them were amused to see me descending so early. I guess I was one of the first ones to descend among that day's trekkers. I completed my descent in around 3 hours. I had full meal at the hotel and went for a quick nap. I took an evening stroll around and there was a feeling of accomplishment that I had completed the trek successfully. I picked up a spot for taking some evening shots of Ghangaria. After dinner, I retired to bed early.

Valley of Flowers

Next day, I geared up for Valley of flowers trek which is shorter and easier as compared to Hemkund Sahib trek. It is a 3 to 4 km trek from Ghangaria, where valley opens up and one can go as deep inside the valley as he/she wants to. I reached at the check post at around 6 AM where I bought the entry ticket and got a piece of advice from the forest officer about the animal movement at this time. As informed by them, a group of 9 people had already entered the forest. After understanding the trail from the officer, I looked at the dense forest trail ahead and started my trek. I had never seen such a beautiful trail. It was narrow with nature's green colour all around and there was a fusion of birds chirping with sound of river flowing somewhere. As I covered 1 km, there was a small bridge beneath which river was flowing with strong current.

Now, it was a steep climb in even more dense forrest. After covering around 2 to 3 kms further, the valley opened up suddenly. The valley was lush green with visible distant mountains. The flowers started showing all around. Although it was not a full blossom season for the flowers, I found more than 10 types of flowers.

After spending some time in the valley, I turned back as I had to leave for Govindghat the same day. I reached back at the hotel at around 11 AM and started my trek back from Ghangaria to Govindghat after checking out. I never loved trekking back the same way I came. Throughout my way back, the milestones reminded me of the day I was going to Ghangaria. I whispered multiple times:- "I would miss you Ghanagria". I reached Govindghat at around 5:30 PM and checked in the Hotel Ganga for the night.

Next day, I started bus journey back to Rishikesh and then to Delhi in the night. I reached Delhi at around 1:00 AM with heart full of memories that I would cherish throughout my life.

Beat the Heat - with the best summer destinations in Uttarakhand : Chopta - Nainital - Mussoorie  - Kanatal - Dhanaulti - Chakrata  - Auli - Kausani - Mukteshwar - Chaukori - Pangot

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Hemkund Sahib is well connected through road network. Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, road network is the best and easily available transport option. You can either drive to Hemkund Sahib or hire a cab/taxi to reach Hemkund Sahib from Delhi or any other nearby cities.

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Road Distance Chart to Hemkund Sahib

Following is the driving distance chart to Hemkund Sahib from various cities and towns in Uttarakhand and from Delhi NCR Region (New Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad).

• Delhi to Hemkund Sahib- 518 kms
• Ghaziabad to Hemkund Sahib: 497 kms
• Noida to Hemkund Sahib: 520  kms
• Gurgaon to Hemkund Sahib: 552  kms
• Meerut to Hemkund Sahib: 466 kms
• Modinagar to Hemkund Sahib: 474 kms
• Moradabad to Hemkund Sahib: 398 kms
• Chandigarh to Hemkund Sahib: 493 kms
• Bareilly to Hemkund Sahib: 436 kms
• Kanpur to Hemkund Sahib: 706 kms
• Lucknow to Hemkund Sahib: 684 kms
• Shimla to Hemkund Sahib: 554 kms
• Jaipur to Hemkund Sahib: 791 kms
• Jalandhar to Hemkund Sahib: 637 kms
• Ludhiana to Hemkund Sahib: 576 kms
• Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib: 717 kms

Distances from Hemkund Sahib with Travel Duration

The distances from Hemkund Sahib are recorded from Hemkund Sahib. The distance and driving time are approx and close to the actuals. However, driving time may vary from person to person and the one mentioned is average driving time.

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Hemkund Sahib Highlights

• Highest Gurudwara in the World
• One of the holiest shrines of Sikh People
• Beautiful Treks crossing forests, streams waterfalls en-route
• Close proximity of Valley of Flowers

Hemkund Sahib overview

• Temperature in Apr 21 /9 °C
• Best time to visit Hemkund Sahib May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov,
• Starts from Govindghat
• Trek Distance 19 kms
• Trek grade Moderate
• Trek duration 3 days
• Altitude range 4329
• Located in Chamoli, Garhwal
• Recommended stay 3 days
• Railway Station Rishikesh, 273 kms
• Nearest Airport Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 292 kms
• Famous for Gurudwara, Lake, Laxman Temple, Trekking, Scenic Beauty, High Altitude Lake, Trek, Sikh Pilgrimage

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