Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is one of the most sacred shrines of Sikh religion located in Uttarakhand. You will be surprised to know that this is also the highest Gurudwara in the world and is located at an altitude of approximately 4,329 meters (14,200 feet) in Chamoli district. Hemkund Sahib is world renowned for the famous Hemkund Yatra trek a holy Pilgrimage Tour in India where thousands of devotees and adventure seekers come every year. They visit Hemkund Sahib to take blessings despite being one of the toughest treks to go on.

You must have known that Uttarakhand is the home of the most sacred Chardham Yatra but the Hemkund Sahib is considered the 5th Dham of Uttarakhand. So mostly the pilgrims do the Chardham Yatra along with the Hemkund sahib Yatra which is a combination of spiritual devotion and Himalayan grandeur. The name Hemkund is derived with natural presence of glacial lake, situated near Gurudwara. The sight of Gurudwara reflecting in the calm lake water surrounded by snow peaks is a beautiful sight and a moment of spiritual awakening for many.

Hemkund Yatra Opening Time

Every year, Shri Hemkund Sahib Yatra in Uttarakhand opening and closing dates get announced by management committee. As per last trends, yatra of Holy shrine Hemkund starts in month of May and ends in October month.

Hemkund Sahib Yatra Registration

Shri Hemkund Sahib Yatra registration is mandatory before commencing on tour. To register for Yatra, you can visit: https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in There are three modes of registration- Online through web portal, Tourist Care Uttarakhand Mobile App and WhatsApp facility. To verify yourself for yatra, you have to show QR code or Yatra registration Letter by downloading it from mobile app.

Hemkund Sahib Yatra Travel Guide

The trek to Hemkund is not as difficult as the Chardham Yatra. With just a trekking distance of 19 km you can reach Hemkund Sahib and can explore its nearby places. Here is the small guide for the Hemkund sahib Yatra.

History of Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is a very important place in Sikh history. The shrine is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru who is said to have meditated here in his previous life. Hemkund means "Lake of Snow" and the crystal clear glacial lake beside the shrine adds to the holiness of the place. The historical connection with Guru Gobind Singh Ji makes Hemkund Sahib a very sacred place for Sikhs all over the world.

According to historical records Guru Gobind Singh Ji has written about his experiences at Hemkund Sahib in his autobiography "Bachitra Natak". The account describes his meditation and the divine revelations he received which later played a big role in shaping the Sikh faith. This historical story is the reason why thousands of devotees visit Hemkund Sahib every year to seek blessings and to be in the peaceful environment.

This significance of this place can be found in both the most sacred religious books Ramayana and Mahabharata. According to the stories, Lord Lakshmana, brother of Lord Rama used to meditate at this site along with Rishi Medhasa. During the battle with Meghnath, he got injured and was brought to the banks of Lokpal Lake. And the famous “Valley of Flowers” was formed when gods showered flowers from the sky on the Lord Hanuman to cure Lakhsman by Sanjivani Booti. As well as in Mahabharata, this place was mentioned as the meditation and yoga place of King Pandu, who was the father of Pandavas the real heroes of Mahabharat epic battle.

Hemkund Sahib Trek Distance

While you are planning Hemkund Yatra, your first stoppage would be Haridwar in Uttarakhand. From Haridwar, you have several ways to reach Govindghat as car, bus, state buses or tempo traveller. Haridwar to Govindghat distance is 260 km and takes 5-6 hours to reach by Car on Rent in Haridwar. From Govindghat your 19 km trekking will start and this trekking is mainly divided into two segments:

• Govindghat to Ghangaria: 14 kilometers.
• Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib: 5 kilometers.

But if you are going to visit the Valley of flowers, you have to trek an extra 5 kilometers one way from Ghangaria. Along the way you will see breathtaking views of the mountains, green valleys and waterfalls. The Hemkund Yatra starts from Govindghat after crossing Alaknanda river on a hanging bridge and then moves into an ascending valley of fields and vegetation. Laxman Ganga joins Alaknanda in a hurry and adds to the beauty.

The first 7 km from Govindghat to Ghangaria can be done on foot or by mule passing through picturesque villages like Puna and Bhyundar. The trail is lined with small eateries, resting points and tea stalls where you can get refreshments and also hire tourist guides and porters. Ghangaria is the base camp for treks to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers and has accommodation, medical facilities and shops for essentials.

The last 5 km from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is a steep climb and it’s recommended to start early to avoid the afternoon sun. This part of the trek is more challenging due to high altitude and gradient but you will be rewarded with stunning views and spiritual atmosphere. The journey is full of nature’s beauty – rhododendrons, waterfalls and cold water springs and makes the trek a memorable and spiritually uplifting experience.

Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib

Knowing the Hemkund Sahib weather is important for a pleasant Yatra. The shrine is open only for a few months in a year, from May to October as the winters are heavy with snow. Hemkund Sahib opening date is 25th May 2024 and during this time the weather at Hemkund Sahib can be quite unpredictable, with day temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. You must carry warm clothes and rain gear to be prepared for sudden weather changes especially at night.

Before you start the journey, check the current temperature in Hemkund Sahib. This will help you pack accordingly. The best time for the yatra is from May to June and August to October when the weather is stable and the valley is in full bloom with flowers.

During the monsoon from mid-June to August, the trail can be slippery and challenging due to rain and also prone to landslides. Due to safety concerns it is not recommended to visit during this period. But after the monsoon you can see the greenery and blooming landscape all around. This time the weather is mild and the Hemkund Sahib temperature ranges from 5°C to 15°C. But you should carry trekking shoes and trekking poles for your safety. Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is one of the most considered religious places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Hemkund Sahib Distance from Scenic Routes

There are some of the popular destinations from where usually the pilgrims start their journey for Hemkund Yatra such as Rishikesh, Haridwar and Delhi:

• Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib Distance: Approximately 292 kilometers.
• Haridwar to Hemkund Sahib Distance: Around 310 kilometers.
• Delhi to Hemkund Sahib Uttarakhand Distance: About 500 kilometers.

You can reach Govindghat from any of the cities by road using Car Rental Service. From Govindghat the trek to Ghangaria starts. If you want to minimize the trekking time, helicopter services are available from Govindghat to Ghangaria, which is a quicker and more comfortable option.

The drive from Rishikesh or Haridwar to Govindghat is a journey, passing through the beautiful landscapes of Uttarakhand. The road winds through green valleys, along the Alaknanda River and through hill towns like Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Joshimath. Each of these towns has its own charm and has sightseeing and exploration opportunities. Many pilgrims choose to visit Badrinath before or after their Hemkund Sahib yatra. So, check the distance from other major destinations before planning a trip.

Badrinath to Hemkund Sahib Distance: Approximately 32 kilometers by road to Govindghat and then followed by the trek.

Kedarnath to Hemkund Sahib Distance: Around 197 kilometers by road with an additional trek to Ghangaria.

Places to Visit near Hemkund Uttarakhand

If you are in love to explore beauty of nature, must explore best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand near to Hemkund. Valley of Flowers National Park, Badrinath Dham, Auli, Joshimath, Mana Village, Kagbhusandi Tal, Nanda Devi National Park are some best places to visit near Ghangharia.

Hemkund Sahib Valley of Flowers

One of the best parts of Hemkund Yatra is the Valley of Flowers which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place is famous for its variety of alpine flowers which bloom in full swing during monsoon. It is a botanist’s heaven and a treat to nature’s beauty. You can easily combine Valley of Flowers with Hemkund Sahib Yatra as it is on the same trek. Ghangharia to Valley of Flowers distance is 4 km only.

Valley of Flowers is a vast meadow of colorful flowers with over 500 species of wild flowers. Best time to visit valley of Flowers is from mid-July to mid-August when flowers are in full bloom. Valley is a biodiversity hotspot and is also a home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. Trek to Valley of Flowers is relatively easy and accessible for many people as compared to Hemkund Sahib trek.

Important Information Before Going on Hemkund Yatra

• Registration: Pilgrims need to register at Hemkund Sahib before starting the trek. You can do it online or at the registration points along the way.
• Accommodation: Basic accommodation is available at Govindghat and Ghangaria from budget lodges to guesthouses. Book in advance especially during peak season.
• Helicopter Service: If you want to ascend quickly, helicopter service is available from Govindghat to Ghangaria. Hemkund Sahib helicopter price varies as per season and demand but generally it starts from Rs 5914 for to and fro journey from Govindghat to Ghangaria. For the recent ticket prices, you can check it on IRCTC website.
• How to Reach Hemkund Sahib: The main route is to reach Govindghat by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar or Delhi and then trek to Ghangaria and Hemkund Sahib.

Govindghat is the starting point of the trek and is well connected by road. Buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is 278 km from Govindghat. From Dehradun you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Govindghat.