Hemkund Sahib, perched at 4,632 metres above sea level in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is one of the highest Gurudwaras in the world. Surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks and a glacial lake, this sacred Sikh pilgrimage site draws thousands of devotees each year who brave the challenging trek for a few moments of divine peace. If you are planning this pilgrimage, here is everything you need to know.
Getting to Govindghat: the road journey
The trek to Hemkund Sahib begins at Govindghat, which is accessible by road from Delhi via Haridwar and Joshimath. The distance from Delhi to Govindghat is approximately 525 km, and the drive takes about 14–16 hours. Most groups break this into two legs:
- Day 1: Delhi to Joshimath (490 km, 13–14 hours) — via Haridwar, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli. Overnight in Joshimath.
- Day 2: Joshimath to Govindghat (25 km, 1 hour) — a short morning drive to the trek starting point.
A tempo traveller is the best vehicle for this journey because the road beyond Rudraprayag narrows significantly. Large buses cannot navigate the hairpin bends and narrow bridges of the Alaknanda valley. A tempo traveller handles these roads with ease and keeps your group comfortable during the long drive.
The trek: Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib
Govindghat to Ghangaria (14 km, 6–7 hours)
The first leg of the trek follows the Lakshman Ganga river through a forested valley. The trail is well-maintained with stone steps in steeper sections. Ponies and porters are available for hire at Govindghat. Ghangaria is a small settlement with langar (free community meals) at the Gurudwara, basic hotels, and food stalls.
Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (6 km, 4–5 hours)
This is the challenging section. The trail climbs steeply through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, gaining over 1,200 metres in altitude. The last 2 km are the toughest, with snow patches even in summer. But when the Gurudwara and the sacred lake appear amid the ring of peaks, every step feels worth it.
Best Time to Visit
Hemkund Sahib is open only from late May to mid-October, depending on snow conditions:
- June–July: Opening season. Snow is still present on the trail, adding both beauty and difficulty. The Valley of Flowers (accessible from Ghangaria) begins blooming.
- August–September: Peak bloom in the Valley of Flowers. Trail is clear of snow. Monsoon rains can make the path slippery — carry good trekking shoes.
- October: Closing season. Cold but clear. Fewer trekkers on the trail.
Fitness and preparation
- Difficulty level: Moderate to strenuous. The altitude is the main challenge — at 4,632 metres, oxygen levels are significantly lower.
- Fitness requirement: You should be able to walk 6–8 km on an incline without distress. Start a basic cardio routine (walking, jogging, cycling) at least 4 weeks before the trip.
- Altitude sickness: Headache, nausea, and breathlessness are common above 3,500 metres. Acclimatise in Joshimath for a night. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and ascend slowly.
- Pony option: Available from Govindghat to Ghangaria. Beyond Ghangaria, the trail to Hemkund Sahib is too steep for ponies — you will need to walk.
Combining with Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers trek also starts from Ghangaria and is just 4 km away. If your group has a day to spare, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an absolute must — a vast alpine valley carpeted with hundreds of species of wildflowers from July to September. Many pilgrims visit Hemkund Sahib on one day and the Valley of Flowers the next.
What to pack
- Sturdy waterproof trekking shoes — non-negotiable
- Warm layers including a down jacket for Hemkund Sahib (temperatures near freezing even in summer)
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- Walking stick (available for rent at Govindghat)
- High-energy snacks — dried fruits, energy bars, glucose
- Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
- Cash — no ATMs beyond Joshimath
Cost estimates
- 12 seater tempo traveller (Delhi–Govindghat–Delhi, 5 days): ₹28,000–₹35,000
- Pony hire (Govindghat to Ghangaria): ₹800–₹1,200 per person
- Porter (per day): ₹500–₹800
- Accommodation in Ghangaria: ₹500–₹1,500/night (basic hotels) or free at Gurudwara langar
Hemkund Sahib is not an easy pilgrimage, but that is precisely what makes it so meaningful. The effort of the trek, the thin mountain air, and the sudden appearance of the sacred lake at 4,632 metres create an experience that stays with you forever. Call us at +91-9599639342 to plan your Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage with a reliable tempo traveller.
