Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh gurudwara on the shore of a glacial lake at about 4,632 m (15,200 ft) in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by seven snow peaks and is one of the highest gurudwaras in the world. The shrine is open for only about four and a half months a year. In 2026 it opened on 23 May and the yatra closed on 10 October.
The journey starts at Govindghat near Badrinath. Pilgrims walk about 10 km to Ghangaria, and the next day climb a steep 6 km to Hemkund Sahib and return the same day.
Hemkund Sahib at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 4,632 m (15,200 ft) |
| Season | Late May to about 10 October |
| 2026 dates | Opened 23 May 2026; yatra closed 10 October 2026 |
| Road head | Govindghat / Pulna (Chamoli district) |
| Base village | Ghangaria (about 3,050 m) |
| Trek | Pulna to Ghangaria about 9 to 10 km; Ghangaria to Hemkund 6 km (steep) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to difficult (because of altitude and steep climb) |
| Days needed | 4 to 5 from Rishikesh or Haridwar |
| Nearby | Valley of Flowers, Lokpal Lakshman Temple, Badrinath |
History and importance
According to the Dasam Granth, Guru Gobind Singh Ji meditated at a lake surrounded by seven peaks in a previous life. In the 1930s, Sikh devotees identified Hemkund as this place, and a small gurudwara was built. The present star-shaped gurudwara was built later and is managed by the Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust.
Beside the lake stands the Lokpal Lakshman Temple, where Hindus believe Lakshman ji meditated. Both Sikh and Hindu pilgrims visit Hemkund, and many combine it with Badrinath darshan.
When does Hemkund Sahib open?
The gurudwara usually opens in the last week of May and closes in the first half of October, depending on snow. The trust and administration announce the exact dates every year.
| Year | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 May | 10 October |
| 2027 | Expected late May (to be announced) | Expected early October |
In May and early June, the upper trail can still have snow walls cut by the Army and volunteers. That is a lovely sight, but the walk is colder and harder.
Best time to visit
| Period | Conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Late May to June | Snow around the lake, sometimes frozen; cold | Snow lovers, fit pilgrims |
| July to August | Monsoon, green slopes, Brahma Kamal flowers; rain and landslide risk | Combining with Valley of Flowers |
| September to early October | Clear skies, fewer crowds, cold mornings | Best weather and views |
Registration
Pilgrims are required to register for the yatra through the Uttarakhand Tourism registration system, just like the Char Dham yatra. Register online at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in before you travel and carry the registration and your Aadhaar card. For help, call the tourism helpline 1364.
How to reach Hemkund Sahib
Step 1: Reach Govindghat
- From Rishikesh: about 270 km via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli and Jyotirmath. 10 to 11 hours.
- From Delhi: about 500 km. Most people go via Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Nearest railway stations: Rishikesh (Yog Nagari) and Haridwar.
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun.
Gurudwara Govindghat offers langar and rooms for pilgrims. There are also hotels in Govindghat and Jyotirmath.
Step 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria
A shared jeep takes you about 4 km to Pulna. From there it is a 9 to 10 km walk to Ghangaria along the Lakshman Ganga River. The path is paved and climbs gently. Ponies and porters are available at fixed rates. A helicopter service runs from Govindghat to Ghangaria in good weather.
Step 3: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib
This is the hard part. The trail climbs about 1,500 m in 6 km on a stone-paved path with many steps and switchbacks. Most pilgrims take 4 to 6 hours to go up and 2 to 3 hours to come down. There is also a shorter, very steep staircase section used by some walkers.
You should start early, around 5 to 6 am, because pilgrims are expected to come back down by early afternoon. Night stay at Hemkund is not allowed. Ponies are available on this stretch too.
At Hemkund Sahib
- Have darshan at the gurudwara and listen to the kirtan.
- Many pilgrims take a dip in the icy lake (sarovar). Do it quickly and change into dry clothes at once.
- Visit the Lokpal Lakshman Temple beside the lake.
- Have the famous hot khichdi and tea at the gurudwara langar.
The weather changes fast at 4,600 m. Clouds and rain often come in after noon, so do not stay too long.
Suggested 5-day itinerary from Rishikesh
| Day | Plan | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishikesh to Govindghat or Jyotirmath (about 270 km) | Govindghat / Jyotirmath |
| 2 | Pulna to Ghangaria trek (9 to 10 km) | Ghangaria |
| 3 | Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back (12 km round trip) | Ghangaria |
| 4 | Optional Valley of Flowers Day, or trek down to Govindghat and visit Badrinath | Ghangaria or Badrinath |
| 5 | Drive back to Rishikesh/Haridwar | — |
If you also want the Valley of Flowers, add one day. Read our Valley of Flowers travel guide.
Altitude and fitness
Hemkund is higher than Kedarnath by over 1,000 m. Breathlessness, headache and tiredness are common.
- Walk slowly and take short, regular breaks.
- Drink water often, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Do not run or rush to keep up with others.
- If you get a severe headache, vomiting or confusion, go down at once and see the doctor at the medical post.
- People with heart disease, high BP or breathing problems should consult a doctor first and may prefer a pony.
- Very young children and elderly pilgrims should take it slowly or use a pony or palki.
Where to stay
- Govindghat: Gurudwara (free langar, basic rooms) and hotels.
- Ghangaria: Gurudwara, small hotels and guesthouses. Rooms are basic and fill up in June and on weekends.
- Jyotirmath: good choice of hotels on the way up or down.
What to carry
- Rain jacket or poncho (rain is common after noon)
- Warm layers: thermal, fleece, down jacket, cap and gloves
- Good walking shoes with grip; a trekking pole helps a lot
- Towel and dry clothes if you plan a dip in the lake
- Water bottle, dry fruits and glucose
- Head cover (patka or scarf) for the gurudwara
- Personal medicines
Plan your Hemkund Sahib yatra with Gokeys
We arrange the drive from Rishikesh or Haridwar, stays in Govindghat and Ghangaria, and ponies or porters for the trek, with Badrinath darshan on the same trip. Contact us to plan your 2027 Hemkund yatra.
