Hemkund Sahib Trek Guide 2024: History, Highlights, How to Reach and Itinerary

The high altitude Lokpal lake, known as Hemkund ( 4329 mts.) lies in the glorious vicinity. An extreme Hemkund Sahib trek from Ghangaria leads one to this spot in about four to six hours. It is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs, as well as for people from other faiths.

There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake. Encircled by seven snow clad peaks and their associated glaciers, it reflects its surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear serene waters. The glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks feed the lake and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this lake.

Take a bath of hues with Hemkund trekking. The valley of flowers at Hemkund slowly hypnotizes you into the world of colors and hues. This place has numerous reasons to visit. Despite being a long journey this place gives you thousands of reasons to keep yourself energized and enriched.

The still mountains and ever flowing river Pushpawati takes you into the world of solace and tranquility. This exceptionally rich destination also gives you the chance to spend a little time on the lap of nature while witnessing the diverse forms of flora.

The trekking route is very interesting if you are on your way to Hemkund. The route starts from Haridwar to Joshimath. The route has so much to offer. After starting your journey from here you have to trek to the Ghangaria. Ghangaria is the base camp for reaching Hemkund Sahib and the valley of flowers.

Throughout the trip from Govind Ghat to Ghangaria, you will have the river as your companion. You can spend your night over here and prepare your journey for the next day towards the valley of flowers. The nightlife of Ghangaria gives you the opportunity to listen to each breath of yours.

History of Hemkund Sahib Trek

Hemkund Sahib (also spelled Hemkunt), formally known as Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji, is a Sikh place of worship and pilgrimage site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India.

It is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708), the tenth Sikh Guru, and finds mention in Dasam Granth, a work presumed to be dictated by Guruji himself, where mythological components exist in the work. With its setting of a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each adorned by a Nishan Sahib on its cliff.

Before the great Sikh’s arrival at this place, the place was known among the Hindu pilgrims. The place was renowned as Lokpal Lake. The lake was named after Hindu Lord Vishnu. Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama, after facing an injury from Ravana’s son, came here for herbal treatment.

There is another myth regarding Lakshman’s previous birth in the form of seven headed snakes. The snake, known as Sheshnag went for penances for Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu seated on the snake in that penance. For the name of Lord Vishnu, the lake has been named Lokpal. You will hear these myths from the local people and the faith you will find in them will continue the astonishment you gained from natural beauty.

Highlights of Hemkund Sahib Trek

Location of Hemkund Sahib Trek

Hemkund Sahib (also spelled Hemkunt Sahib) Situated at a height of over 15,000 feet above the sea level in the Himalayan ranges of northern India, is a Sikh place of worship and pilgrimage site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India.

With its setting of a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each adorned by a Nishan Sahib on its cliff, it is according to the Survey of India, located in the Himalayas at an elevation of 4,632 meters (15,197 feet). It is approached from Govindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. The main town near Govindghat is Joshimath.

Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib Trek

Hemkund Sahib has a cool climate in most parts of the year and the best time to visit is from May to October.

Summers (May to October) have pleasant cool weather with maximum temperature reaching nearly 25°C. It is a good season for viewing the panoramic beauty.

Winters (November to May) are snow covered and it is difficult to visit the outdoor attractions. Minimum temperature can go well down with an average minimum about -4°C.

June to October is pleasant and ideal for the pilgrimage and also for the visit of the national park. August and September are eye-catching months with blooming flowers. December to May is snow bound and road blocks prevent the tourist from visiting the outdoors.

How to Reach Hemkund Sahib Trek

By Air:-

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib but the roads are only connected up to Govind Ghat from where you have to commence a trek of 19kms to reach Hemkund Sahib. Govindghat is situated at a distance of 292kms from Jolly Grant Airport.

Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights and Govindghat is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Govindghat.

By Rail:-

The nearest railway station to HemkundSahib is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 273 km before Govindghat on NH58. It is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India and trains to Rishikesh are frequent.

Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Joshimath and many other destinations to Govindghat.

By Road:-

Hemkund Sahib is connected up to Govind Ghat with motorable roads and from here you have to commence a trek of 19kms to reach HemkundSahib. Govindghat is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

Buses and Taxis to Govindghat are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Ukhimath, Srinagar, Chamoli etc. Govindghat is situated on National Highway – 58 making it easy to reach.

Hemkund Sahib Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh

In the morning take an AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 AM from New Delhi train station. Arrival at Haridwar by 1:25 PM. Here meet our guide and transfer to Rishikesh, check into your hotel. Evening time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Rishikesh – Karnprayag – Joshimath (Driving Distance 245 Kms)

After having a wholesome breakfast,  drive towards Joshimath (1874 meters /245Kilometrs) via Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River, from here the holy Ganges starts), Rudraprayag, Karnprayag and Chamoli. Have lunch on the way. After reaching Joshimath, check-in at the hotel. Enjoy a hearty dinner and stay for the night.

Read more: Panpatia Col Trek

Day 03: Joshimath – Govindghat (18 Kms by road) – Ghangaria (Trek 13 Kms/5 hrs)

After having breakfast, head towards Govindghat (1828metres/22 Kms). Today, start your trek to Ghangaria (14 kms/3049 meters) through Bhyundar Valley and Pulna village. This destination is going to be the base camp for that head towards visiting HemkundSahib and Valley of Flowers.

Day 04: Ghangaria – Hemkund- Ghangaria Trek 6 KM

Today, start the trail in the morning and hike for (6 Kms) to visit the “Hemkund Sahib”. It is a famous Sikh pilgrimage destination. At noon, trek downwards to reach Ghangaria and stay there for the night. The evening time is free and you can utilize this time to explore the stunning surroundings and for getting some rest.

Day 05: Ghangaria

You can visit to explore the Valley of Flowers. The entire picturesque valley is speckled with varied flora, fauna and other plant types. After spending some time in this spectacular picturesque valley turn to Ghangaria for a night stay.

Day 06: Ghangria – Govindghat (Trek 14 Kms) – Rudraprayag (Drive 148 kms)

In the morning begin your return trail to Govindghat. From here, drive towards Rudraprayag through Karanprayag & Joshimath. Once you arrive at this place, check into the hotel. Stay at the hotel for the night.

Day 07: Rudraprayag – Rishikesh – Delhi

It is the last day of our tour. On this day after having an early breakfast, drive back to Haridwar and from there catch the evening Shatabdi train for Delhi at 06:05 PM. Arrival at Delhi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Hemkund Sahib Trek