Hemkund Sahib is one of the highest Sikh pilgrimage sites in the world, located at an altitude of about 4,632 meters (15,200 ft) in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by snow-clad Himalayan peaks and the pristine Lokpal Lake, Hemkund Sahib is both spiritually powerful and physically challenging.
Reaching Hemkund Sahib requires a combination of road travel and trekking, as there is no direct motorable road to the shrine. This guide explains how to reach Hemkund Sahib.
Hemkund Sahib is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, near the famous Valley of Flowers National Park. The final 6 km stretch from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is a steep uphill trek.
Distance from Govindghat: ~290 km
Well connected to Delhi and major Indian cities
From Airport to Govindghat:
⏱️ Travel Time: 10–12 hours by road
✔ Best option for travelers coming from far states
❌ Still requires long road journey + trek
Other nearby stations:
Haridwar (slightly better connectivity)
From Rishikesh to Govindghat:
By taxi or bus via Joshimath
⏱️ Travel Time: 10–11 hours
✔ Budget-friendly option
✔ Good connectivity from Delhi, UP, Punjab
Govindghat is the main base for Hemkund Sahib Yatra.
Road Route:
Haridwar / Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Govindghat
✔ Regular buses and taxis available
✔ Roads are scenic but mountainous
Ghangaria
Trek distance: ~13 km
Trek time: 6–8 hours
Gradient: Moderate
Options Available:
Trekking on foot
Pony / mule
Porter services
Ghangaria is the last stay point, with hotels, Gurudwara, medical aid, and food facilities.
Distance: ~6 km (one way)
Trek time: 3–4 hours uphill
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
This is the most challenging part of the journey due to:
Steep ascent
Thin oxygen levels
Cold weather
✔ Well-paved stone path
✔ Gurudwara provides langar and medical help
Start trek early morning to avoid bad weather
Acclimatize properly at Ghangaria
Carry warm clothes even in summer
Avoid rushing due to high altitude
Fitness preparation is strongly recommended
Best months: June to September
Peak season: July–August
Closed during winter due to heavy snowfall
👉 The Gurudwara usually opens in late May or early June and closes by October.
Also Read
Posted by
Hemkund Sahib, one of the highest Sikh pilgrimage sites in the world, is located at an altitude of approximately 4,632 meters (15,200 feet) in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by seven snow-clad Himalayan peaks and a pristine glacial lake, the weather of Hemkund Sahib plays a crucial role in planning a safe and comfortable yatra. Due to its extreme elevation, Hemkund Sahib experien...
Hemkund Sahib is one of the highest Sikh pilgrimage sites in the world, located at an altitude of about 4,632 meters (15,200 feet) in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Nestled beside the sacred Lokpal Lake and surrounded by seven snow-covered Himalayan peaks, He...
Sri Hemkunt Sahib is one of the most revered and spiritually powerful pilgrimage sites in Sikhism. Situated at an altitude of about 4,632 meters (15,200 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Sri Hemkunt Sahib is not only remarkable for its breathtaking nat...
Call
Enquiry