Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib by tempo traveller — a sacred journey to the roof of faith

At 4,632 metres above sea level, Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is not just a place of worship — it is a testament to the power of faith. Perched beside a pristine glacial lake surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks, this gurudwara is where Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, is believed to have meditated in a previous life. Every year, thousands of devotees undertake the challenging 19 km trek from Govindghat to pay their respects at this extraordinary site, and for groups travelling from across Uttarakhand and North India, a tempo traveller is the ideal way to reach the trailhead.

At Uttarakhand Tempo Traveller, we understand the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage intimately. Our drivers have navigated the Govindghat road dozens of times, our team knows the best accommodation options along the route, and we time our journeys to give our pilgrims the best possible experience. The tempo traveller handles the 270 km mountain drive from Dehradun to Govindghat comfortably, and your group travels together — sharing prayers, meals, and the anticipation of reaching this sacred destination.

The Hemkund Sahib experience

The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib is as much about the journey as the destination. The trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria (14 km) follows the Lakshman Ganga river through dense forests and past waterfalls, gradually climbing from 1,800 metres to 3,049 metres. Ghangaria — a tiny seasonal settlement that exists solely to serve Hemkund pilgrims — offers basic but comfortable accommodation and serves as the base camp for both Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers.

From Ghangaria, the 6 km trek to Hemkund Sahib is steep and demanding, climbing over 1,500 metres in altitude to reach the gurudwara at 4,632 metres. The trail passes through rocky terrain, glacial streams, and alpine meadows before the gurudwara appears beside the stunning Hemkund lake. The atmosphere at the gurudwara is one of profound peace — the chanting of Gurbani echoes across the lake, the snow-capped peaks form a natural amphitheatre, and the free langar (community kitchen) serves hot meals to all pilgrims regardless of faith or background.

Valley of Flowers — nature's cathedral

The Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies just 4 km from Ghangaria and is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Himalayas. This alpine meadow, stretching across 87 square kilometres, hosts over 600 species of wildflowers, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The valley was unknown to the outside world until British mountaineer Frank Smythe stumbled upon it in 1931 and was so enchanted that he wrote an entire book about it.

Visiting the Valley of Flowers is a natural extension of the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage, as both are accessed from Ghangaria. The valley is at its most spectacular between late July and mid-August, when hundreds of flower species bloom simultaneously — Brahmakamal (the sacred lotus of the Himalayas), blue poppies, marigolds, orchids, primulas, and dozens of others paint the meadow in every colour imaginable. Walking through this valley is a spiritual experience in its own right — a reminder of the extraordinary beauty that nature creates in the most remote corners of the Earth.

Why travel by tempo traveller

The road from Dehradun/Haridwar to Govindghat passes through some of the most dramatic terrain in the Garhwal Himalayas — deep gorges carved by the Alaknanda river, hanging bridges, waterfalls cascading down cliff faces, and villages perched on impossibly steep hillsides. This 270 km drive takes 8-10 hours and requires a driver who knows the road intimately. Our Hemkund route drivers have completed this journey scores of times and navigate the narrow mountain roads, blind corners, and construction zones with practised confidence.

The tempo traveller provides a comfortable base for the journey — AC for the warm valley sections, push-back seats for rest during the long drive, and ample luggage space for your trekking gear. Your group can leave heavy bags in the locked vehicle at Govindghat while you carry only a daypack for the trek. The driver waits at Govindghat for the duration of the trek (typically 2-3 days) and is ready to drive back whenever your group returns.

Best time to visit and booking

Hemkund Sahib has a very short season — the gurudwara opens in late June or early July (after the snow melts enough to make the trek safe) and closes in October. The best time is July to September, which coincides with the monsoon but is also when the Valley of Flowers is in full bloom. Rain gear and waterproof shoes are essential during this period.

A tempo traveller for the 4-5 day Hemkund Sahib trip costs approximately Rs.22,000-28,000 for a 12-seater, covering the drive from Dehradun/Haridwar to Govindghat and back. Split among 10-12 pilgrims, that is under Rs.2,500 per person for transport. Contact us with your preferred dates and group size — our team will plan the perfect itinerary that combines the spiritual intensity of Hemkund Sahib with the natural wonder of the Valley of Flowers.