Hemkund Sahib trek — altitude, route, and complete guide

Hemkund Sahib is a high-altitude pilgrimage site at 4,329 m in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand. It is sacred to both Sikhs and Hindus.

Sikh significance. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, wrote in the Dasam Granth that he had meditated beside a lake surrounded by seven snow peaks in a previous life. The lake — Hemkund, meaning "snow lake" in Sanskrit — was identified in 1930 by Havildar Sohan Singh after years of searching the Garhwal ranges. The star-shaped gurudwara was built on the lake's shore, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) manages the site, providing free langar (community meals) to every visitor at 4,329 m.

Hindu significance. A Lakshman Temple stands about 100 m from the gurudwara on the bank of Hemkund Lake. According to the Markandeya Purana, Lakshmana — Lord Rama's younger brother — meditated here to regain his strength after the battle with Meghnad (Ravana's son). The temple is believed to be the only one in India where Lakshmana is worshipped alone, without Rama and Sita. The mythological name for Hemkund is "Lokpal."

The lake itself is fed by glaciers and stays icy cold even at the peak of summer. Pilgrims bathe in it as an act of devotion, surrounded by seven peaks including Hathiparvat and Saptrishi.

The full trek covers 19 km one way from the roadhead at Govindghat, split into two stages.

Stage 1: Govindghat to Ghangaria

The trail follows the Pushpawati river valley through dense forest. It is well-maintained and pony-friendly.

Stage 2: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib

The trail climbs steeply through meadows and snow fields. Steps cut into rock manage most of the gradient, but the final 1 km is particularly steep. Snow cover can persist into July on the upper section. The air thins considerably — most people slow down in the last 2 km.

Altitude sickness warning. Spend at least one night at Ghangaria (3,049 m) before attempting the summit day. If you feel persistent headache, nausea, or dizziness at any point, descend immediately — do not rest and wait it out.

The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara Committee has announced the following dates for 2026:

Opening: 23-25 May 2026 at 12:00 noon (exact date depends on Indian Army snow clearance completion — confirm closer to the date via the SGPC website or Uttarakhand Tourism portal)

Closing: 10 October 2026

The season runs roughly five months. After the closing ceremony, heavy snowfall makes the route completely inaccessible until the following May.

When to go

Late May to mid-June: Snow still covers parts of the trail and the peaks are at their most dramatic. Rhododendrons bloom in the valley below Ghangaria. Fewer crowds than peak season.

July to August: Peak pilgrim season — 2,000 to 5,000 visitors per day. Heavy monsoon rain. Ghangaria and the gurudwara feel crowded. The Valley of Flowers opens July 1.

September to early October: Post-monsoon clarity, autumn colours, far fewer pilgrims. Best weather for photography and a quieter experience.

Govindghat (1,828 m) is the roadhead on the Badrinath Highway (NH-7), 19 km before Badrinath and 25 km from Joshimath.

By road from Rishikesh: 273 km, 10-12 hours. The route follows NH-7 through the five prayag towns:

Rishikesh → Devprayag (74 km) → Srinagar (34 km) → Rudraprayag (33 km) → Karnaprayag (31 km) → Chamoli (31 km) → Joshimath (50 km) → Govindghat (19 km)

Transport options:

Taxi from Rishikesh: Book a sedan or SUV for the full journey. Pahadi Express runs this route — message us on WhatsApp for current fares.

Bus to Joshimath: UPSRTC and GMOU buses run daily from Rishikesh ISBT to Joshimath. From Joshimath, hire a local taxi or shared jeep for the final 25 km to Govindghat.

From Dehradun/Jolly Grant Airport: Add 45 km (1 hour) from Jolly Grant Airport to Rishikesh before starting the highway route.

Parking at Govindghat: Vehicles park at Govindghat for approximately 100 per day. No vehicles are allowed beyond this point.

Ghangaria (3,049 m)

Ghangaria is the only settlement between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib. All trekkers stay here at least one night.

GMVN Tourist Rest House: 1,200-2,500 per room per night. Government-run, reliable but basic. Book through the GMVN website.

Private guesthouses: Starting at 800 per night. Quality varies. Arrive early in the day during peak season (July-August) — rooms fill up fast.

Gurudwara Gobind Dham: Free accommodation (sarai) and langar for all visitors, managed by the Gurudwara Committee. Basic dormitory-style rooms. First-come, first-served.

At Hemkund Sahib (4,329 m)

There is no overnight accommodation at Hemkund Sahib. The gurudwara serves free langar (dal, rice, chai) to all visitors during the day. You trek up from Ghangaria in the morning and return the same day.

Govindghat (1,828 m)

If arriving late in the day, Govindghat has a large gurudwara (free stay and langar) plus several budget hotels and lodges (500-1,500 per night).

Biometric registration is mandatory for all pilgrims. Register online via the "Tourist Care Uttarakhand" portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in), offline at the registration counter in Govindghat, or through the official mobile app. No fee.

Required documents: Original ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport, or Driving Licence) and a recent passport-sized photograph.

Medical fitness certificate is required as part of registration because of the high-altitude nature of the trek.

No separate permit is needed for Hemkund Sahib itself. The biometric registration covers your entry.

Valley of Flowers permit (if combining): Separate permit from the Forest Department at Ghangaria — 200 per person per day (Indian nationals), 600 (foreign nationals), 2026 rates.

Ghangaria is also the base for the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Valley trail branches off from Ghangaria in the opposite direction from Hemkund — it is 3 km to the valley entrance.

Most trekkers plan two nights in Ghangaria:

Day 1: Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria (13 km). Rest and acclimatise.

Day 2: Hemkund Sahib (6 km up, 6 km down). Return to Ghangaria.

Day 3: Valley of Flowers (3 km in, explore, 3 km back). Trek down to Govindghat.

The Valley of Flowers is open 1 July to 31 October only. If visiting before July 1, you can only do Hemkund Sahib.

Do not attempt both Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers on the same day. That would be 19 km with over 2,500 m of cumulative climbing — not safe for most people.

Warm layers: Temperature at Hemkund drops to 0-5°C even in July. Pack a down jacket, gloves, and a hat.

Rain gear: The valley receives heavy monsoon rain from July through September.

Water: Carry at least 1.5 litres from Ghangaria. Stream crossings on route are glacier-fed and potable, but rely on your own supply.

Snacks: The gurudwara langar feeds everyone, but the trail above Ghangaria has very limited food stalls.

Sunscreen and sunglasses: At 4,329 m, UV exposure is intense even on overcast days.

Trekking pole: Helpful on the steep descent from Hemkund, especially if snow patches remain on the trail.

How difficult is the Hemkund Sahib trek?

Can elderly pilgrims or those with limited fitness visit Hemkund Sahib?

Is there a helicopter to Hemkund Sahib?

What is the opening date for Hemkund Sahib in 2026?

Do I need a permit or registration for Hemkund Sahib?

Can I do Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers in the same day?

Is food available on the trek?

What is the best time to visit Hemkund Sahib?

How to reach Badrinath from Rishikesh

Valley of Flowers trek — complete guide

Joshimath travel guide

Rishikesh to Badrinath taxi