A sacred religious destination for the Sikhs, Uttarakhand’s Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib is an enchanting place to explore. Being located in the lap of the gorgeous Garhwal Himalayas, a trekking tour to Hemkund Sahib is the perfect way to discover the beauty of this region. Adorned by the snow-capped mountains, Hemkund Sahib’s beauty is further elevated by the mesmerizing lake that lay alongside, an equally important pilgrimage site for the devotees. Known across the globe as the highest gurudwara in the world, Hemkund Sahib welcomes thousands of pilgrims throughout the year, who come here in search of peace and solace. Offering a serene option for a spiritual journey in the Himalayas, Hemkund Sahib is a destination picked by a beloved Sikh Guru himself.
The history of Hemkund Sahib dates it back to mid-1960s when Major General Harkirat Singh, Engineer-in-Chief, Indian Army selected Architect Siali to head the design and construction of this one of its kind Sikh pilgrimage places in Uttarakhand. A small temple of Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama is also situated on the lakeside.
In this travel guide, we bring to you the history, spirituality and all that makes Hemkund Sahib a truly mesmerizing yatra destination to explore. Learn about trekking to Hemkund Sahib, places nearby, and the best time to visit before you embark on this spiritual journey with us.
What is the Spiritual Significance of Hemkund Sahib?
Hemkund Sahib, or the Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib is a site of reverence for the Sikh community. Located at a height of more than 14,000 ft, it is considered to be the highest gurudwara in the world! Although it is located amidst the Himalayas, it does nothing to deter devotees from visiting, who come here in crowds to pay their respects. A well-known Sikh pilgrimage site, Hemkund Sahib finds significance in relation to the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
According to the records of history in the Bachitar Natak, a holy scripture in Sikhism, it is in proximity to the Hemkund Sahib that Guru Gobind Singh is said to have meditated in his previous birth, making the gurudwara and the area nearby extremely sacred for his followers. In the scripture, Guru Gobind Singh mentions the place as a “lake of ice,” and a “mountain of seven peaks”, which was not discovered until the 1930s with the construction of the gurudwara beginning not before 1968. A gurudwara located among the scenic landscape of Uttarakhand, Hemkund Sahib has only seen an increase in the number of visitors since its opening.
When Does Hemkund Sahib Open & Close for Travelers?
Since the Hemkund Sahib is located in the region of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, it experiences extremely cold weather and heavy snowfall, due to which it remains closed during the winter months. The Hemkund Sahib Yatra begins from June and ends in November while the other six months the gurudwara and its entire path stays covered under the blanket of snow. A six-kilometer arduous trek from Ghangaria leads to Hemkund Sahib.
The closing and opening dates of the Hemkund Sahib for 2025 therefore are as follows:
| Hemkund Sahib Opening Date 2025 | 25th May 2025 |
| Hemkund Sahib Closing Date 2025 | 10th October 2025 |
How Many Days are Required for Hemkund Sahib Trekking?
The trek to Hemkund Sahib begins from the town of Govindghat in Uttarakhand and takes approximately 4 days for the entire journey, covering a distance of around 40 kilometers.
What are the Medical Fitness Required for Hemkund Sahib Trek?
Hemkund Sahib requires you to cover kilometers in a span of a couple of days over the rugged and rough terrains of Uttarakhand, and can prove to be quite taxing on your body, especially your legs.
Therefore, it is advisable that before you embark on the Hemkund Sahib Trek, you exercise regularly with focusing primarily on cardio and stretching. Being located at such a high altitude, the Hemkund Sahib Trek can also pose altitude related problems as well, which is why it is recommended to spend a few days acclimatizing yourself to the weather of the region before embarking on the trek to avoid any health deterioration.
What is the Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib?
Since Hemkund Sahib remains open during the months of May to October, there are only a handful of months to visit. As such, the best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is during the months of May, June, September, and October, as it is the most pleasant time of the year for a visit to Uttarakhand. The state experiences heavy rains and landslides during the months of July and August due to the monsoon and hence it is advisable to avoid traveling to the state during this time.
What are the Popular Attractions & Places to Visit in and around Hemkund Sahib?
A popular pilgrimage destination for the Sikhs, Hemkund Sahib is surely a mesmerizing site to visit. While here, you can also explore the fascinating places located nearby.
- Hemkund Lake: Finding significance for both Hindus and Sikhs alike, Hemkund Lake is a high-altitude holy lake situated near Hemkund Sahib. A mesmerizing lake lying among the snow-capped Himalayas, the lake is the perfect place for meditation and relaxation. Also known locally as Lokpal Lake, the lake forms the small streams of Himaganga.
- Lakshman Temple: Located alongside Hemkund Sahib is a temple dedicated to Lord Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram. An important pilgrimage site for Hindus, the Lokpal Lakshman temple is believed to be where Lord Lakshman performed penance after killing the son of demon King Ravana.
- Valley of Flowers: Offering a wonderful spread of more than 80 species of flowers that carpet the valley during the flowering season, you can explore Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers on your visit to Hemkund Sahib. Lying close to the gurudwara, a trek to the valley presents a pleasant sight.
What are the Accommodation Facilities for Travelers at Hemkund Sahib?
Travelers visiting Hemkund Sahib can stay at the hotels that are available in the nearby towns of Badrinath and Joshimath. The hotels that are available range from budget, standard, and luxury types, giving a choice for you to pick based on your budget and stay requirements. Offering comfortable stays, delectable cuisines, necessary amenities, and a view of the surrounding Himalayas, there are sufficient accommodation options you can explore near Hemkund Sahib.
How to Reach Hemkund Sahib?
- By Road: Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, you can reach Hemkund Sahib until the motorable roads allow you till the town of Govindghat that can be reached via cabs. From there, it takes trekking a total of 19 km to reach Hemkund Sahib.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Hemkund Sahib is Rishikesh Railway Station from where one can take a cab till the town of Govindghat, lying at a distance of 260 km from the station. From the town, it is a further trek of 19 km to reach Hemkund Sahib. Rishikesh Railway Station is well connected to other parts of the country and has frequent trains from Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, Mumbai, Surat, Kota, Jaipur, Ambala, and Jammu.
- By Air: The nearest airport to reach Hemkund Sahib is the domestic airport of Jolly Grant, located at a distance of 276 km away from the town of Govindghat that you can reach via a private cab. From the town, it is a further trek of 19 km to reach Hemkund Sahib. The airport is well connected to other parts of the country and offers frequent flights from the cities of Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bangalore, Goa, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Pune, and Kolkata.
What are the Safety Tips and Guidelines for Hemkund Sahib Trek?
Trekking to Hemkund Sahib can be a fun and exciting way to explore not only the pilgrimage destination but also the scenic landscape of Uttarakhand. With that in mind, it is also equally essential that you have a safe and comfortable trekking experience. Here are some travel tips and guidelines to remember if you plan on trekking to Hemkund Sahib.
- Given the immense rainfall that Uttarakhand sees during the season of monsoon, it is advisable to avoid traveling to the state during this season since it is when Uttarakhand sees an increase in flash floods, and landslides, making it extremely unsafe for trekking.
- Before embarking on the Hemkund Sahib Trek, it is essential that you prioritize exercise to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your body and have a comfortable trekking experience. Focus on cardio and stretching exercises diligently before the trek.
- Acclimate yourself to the weather of the region by spending a few days prior to the trek sightseeing the area to avoid any altitude related sickness.
- Pack light carrying essentials and carry waterproof clothing and bag covers on the chance it rains while trekking.
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