Hemkund Sahib

Previously known as Gurudwara, Hemkund Sahib For the Sikh community, Sri Hemkund Sahib is a highly renowned pilgrimage place. Guru Gobind Singh ji, the tenth Sikh guru, is said to have meditated here for ten years. The breathtaking location of the religious place, which is encircled by the Garhwal Himalayas, contributes to its popularity. Hemkund Sahib is tucked away amid the Hemkund Parvat’s peaks. The lake of snow that goes by the name “Hemkund” is actually extremely chilly.

Before it shutters for the winter between October and April, a significant number of devotees from all around the nation visit the gurudwara. Arriving at the gurudwara are Sikh pilgrims who come to assist in mending the trail, which is frequently left broken after the winter months. Devotees can also bathe in a sacred pool at the gurudwara. It is thought that Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama, formerly frequented the location as a meditation area. A visit to a neighboring temple to Lord Lakshmana can be included in a journey to Hemkund Sahib.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Hemkund Sahib is only open from June to November for six months of the year. The shrine is covered with snow for the remainder of the year.

Summer Season: After all of the snow has melted and cleared, the shrine opens in June, the final month of summer. June is still relatively favorable in terms of temperature as well.
Monsoon Season: Throughout the monsoon season, Hemkund Sahib is open. Despite being at a high altitude, the location is still relatively comfortable throughout the year.
Winter Season: Because of the frequent snowfall, Hemkund Sahib closed from November to May for the winter vacation. The sacred gurudwara is blanketed with snow for nearly six months.

Trek to Hemkund Sahib – Itinerary

DAY 1: Joshimath / Govindghat – Ghangaria
After breakfast in the morning, drive to Govindghat. Set out on foot to get to Ghangaria, the starting point for Hemkund Sahib and The Valley of Flowers.

Day 2: Ghangaria – Hemkund Sahib – Ghangaria
After an early breakfast in the morning, begin your trek to Hemkund Sahib, one of the Sikhs’ holiest sites of pilgrimage. The mountains and peaks coated with snow provide a stunning backdrop for “The Hemkund Lake.”Go back to Ghangaria and spend the night in a hotel.

DAY 3: Ghangaria – Govindghat / Joshimath
In the morning, after breakfast, begin the hike to Givindghat, from where you drive to Joshimath/Rudraprayag/Rishikesh.

ATTRACTIONS

Hemkunt Lake

Valley of Flowers

Trekking

Where to Stay

The closest lodging option to Hemkund Sahib is located 6 km distant at Ghangaria. The hotels provide their guests with all the essential amenities and are available in both standard and budget categories. Joshimath offers a variety of lodging alternatives, so visitors can also stay there. However, staying at Ghangaria is recommended due to the long and difficult trip.

HOW TO REACH

Hemkund Sahib, an Indian gurudwara situated at a high altitude, is exclusively accessible via trekking from Ghangaria in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. Joshimath, the closest large town to Ghangaria, is accessible by road from Dehradun, Haridwar, and other locations in Uttarakhand.

By Flight

Dehradun is home to the closest airport to Hemkund Sahib. Taxis are easily accessible from Dehradun to Joshimath. To get to Gobindghat, take an additional car from Joshimath.
By Rail: Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh are the closest train stations to Hemkund Sahib. Taxis are accessible for Joshimath and Gobindghat from these three locations.

By Train

Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh are the closest train stations to Hemkund Sahib. Taxis are accessible for Joshimath and Gobindghat from these three locations.

By Road

Getting to Hemkund Sahib by road is the most convenient option. To get to Joshimath and Gobindghat, one can reserve a taxi from Haridwar, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and other well-known places in the Garhwal Region.