Hemkund Sahib Travel Guide
A glacial-lake gurudwara at 4,329 m, climbed from Ghangaria and paired with the Valley of Flowers.
- Altitude
- 4,329 m
- Best season
- Jun – Oct
- From Dehradun
- ~295 km
- Category
- Sikh shrine
Why visit Hemkund Sahib
- One of the highest Gurudwaras in the world at 4,329 m — an active place of Sikh pilgrimage
- The glacial lake ringed by seven peaks at the Gurudwara's door has no equivalent in the Indian Himalaya
- Combines with Valley of Flowers in the same base — the two are the definitive Chamoli combination itinerary
- Free langar (community kitchen) provides meals to every visitor regardless of faith or condition
Hemkund Sahib is among the highest gurudwaras in the world, set beside a glacial lake ringed by seven peaks. The steep 6 km climb starts from Ghangaria, the same base as the Valley of Flowers.
Most trekkers combine both in one itinerary — flowers one day, the lake the next — which is exactly how our Valley of Flowers departure runs.
Explore around
Places near Hemkund Sahib
UNESCO meadow; blooms July–August; combined with Hemkund in most itineraries
Road-head with large Gurudwara and free accommodation for pilgrims
What to do
Activities at Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage trek
6 km from Ghangaria with 900 m elevation gain in steep forest and then open moraine. Start by 5 am to arrive before 10 am cloud. The Gurudwara offers Kirtan (continuous scripture recitation) throughout the day. Take a dip in the icy glacial lake if health permits.
Book with us
Tours covering Hemkund Sahib
Before you go
Hemkund Sahib travel tips
- Altitude sickness is a real risk — spend at least one night at Ghangaria before attempting Hemkund
- The trail is extremely busy with Sikh pilgrims in June–July; start very early to avoid the crowd
- The lake is around 2°C even in summer — swimming is optional; the touch is the ritual
- Helicopter service from Govindghat to Ghangaria reduces the 13 km trek; worth it for elderly or unfit pilgrims
Getting there
How to reach Hemkund Sahib
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun → Rishikesh → Govindghat (295 km, 10 hrs).
Rishikesh → Joshimath → Govindghat (295 km, 10 hrs). Trek or helicopter from Govindghat to Ghangaria, then trek to Hemkund.
Where to stay in Hemkund Sahib
- Ghangaria: GMVN Rest House, private guesthouses, Gurudwara dormitory (free for all faiths)
- Govindghat: Gurudwara provides free accommodation (simple dormitory style)
Food & dining
- Langar at the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is free and available to everyone — dal, roti, rice, kheer
- Ghangaria dhabas supplement with simple veg meals; carry snacks for the trek up
Background
History of Hemkund Sahib
The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara commemorates the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who describes the lake in his autobiographical work "Bachitar Natak" as the place where his soul meditated in a previous life on the shores of a seven-peaked lake. The Gurudwara was established formally in 1966 after Havildar Sohan Singh traced the lake to the description in 1934.
Plan your trip
Suggested Hemkund Sahib itinerary
- Day 1Rishikesh → Govindghat (295 km, 10 hrs). Overnight.
- Day 2Trek Govindghat → Ghangaria (13 km, 5–6 hrs). Rest.
- Day 3Valley of Flowers walk (4 km from Ghangaria). Rest afternoon.
- Day 4Hemkund Sahib trek (start 5 am, 6 km up). Return to Ghangaria. Descend to Govindghat. Depart.
Common questions
Hemkund Sahib FAQ
- Is Hemkund Sahib open to non-Sikhs?
- Absolutely — the Gurudwara is open to people of all faiths. Cover your head inside (cloth provided at the gate), remove shoes, and the langar is served to all.
- What is the difficulty level of the Hemkund Sahib trek?
- Hard — 6 km with 900 m gain starting at 3,048 m. The altitude makes this significantly tougher than the Valley of Flowers walk despite similar distance. One acclimatisation day at Ghangaria before attempting it is important.
Keep reading
Hemkund Sahib guides
Adventure & Trekking4 Day Roopkund Trek and Hemkund Sahib Tour Package from RishikeshBook 4 day Roopkund trek and Hemkund Sahib tour package from Rishikesh at ₹18,000 per person. Get itinerary, route & cost details. Call +91-977-976-6740 to book now! Read More…Adventure & Trekking8-Day Haridwar to Roopkund Trek and Hemkund Sahib Tour Package Cost 2026Book 8-day Haridwar to Roopkund trek and Hemkund Sahib tour package at Rs. 40,000 per person. Get itinerary, route, and cost details. Call +91-977-976-6740 to book now! Read More…
Pilgrimage & Spiritual7-Day Dehradun to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers Tour Package Cost 2026Book 7-day Dehradun to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers tour package at ₹25,000. Get best deals on Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers trek cost 2026 Read More…Pilgrimage & SpiritualDehradun to Hemkund Sahib 7-Day Tour Package Cost 2026Get the best deals on Dehradun to Hemkund Sahib tour package 2026. Book now at ₹25,000 per person. 7-day itinerary, route, and cost details. Read More…Ready to visit Hemkund Sahib?
Tell us your dates and we’ll put together a plan that fits.