Hemkund Sahib
Uttarakhand · 4,633m
Sikh pilgrimage shrine at 4,633m — a 6km walk up from Ghangaria, beside a glacial lake.
- Price
- ₹500–2,500/night
- Best window
- Jun – Sep
- Access
- Rishikesh to Govindghat 275km (10–11h). Govindghat to Ghangaria 14km trek or pony/helicopter. Ghangaria to Hemkund 6km steep trek.
- Emergency
- 108 · Community Health Centre Joshimath. Major cases go to AIIMS Rishikesh.
Why Special
Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh gurdwara dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh at 4,633m — one of the highest pilgrimage sites in India. Built beside a glacial lake in the Chamoli district, it is reachable only between early June and early October, and then only by a 6km walk from Ghangaria. The same trailhead serves the Valley of Flowers — most travellers do both in a single 3-day window. The shrine opens for pilgrimage from early June each year; it is closed and buried in snow the rest of the year.
Who Should Think Twice
Infrastructure concerns
Difficult last-mile access
High altitude (4,633m) — AMS risk for children and elderly
Difficult access — rough roads, long drives
Festivals & Events
Hemkund Sahib Prakash Utsav
JunEnd-May to Early-June (opening)
The Gurdwara opens each year around the last week of May after the snow clears. First-day nishan sahib (flag) hoisting is a major Sikh gathering — thousands of pilgrims trek up together. 2026 opening: May 25.
The annual re-opening of one of Sikhism's highest shrines.
Infrastructure Reality
Network Coverage
Signal patchy at Ghangaria, none on the 6km climb to Hemkund.
WiFi: Limited in Ghangaria guesthouses
Medical & Emergency
Hospital: Community Health Centre Joshimath. Major cases go to AIIMS Rishikesh.
Ambulance: 108
Getting There
Rishikesh to Govindghat 275km (10–11h). Govindghat to Ghangaria 14km trek or pony/helicopter. Ghangaria to Hemkund 6km steep trek.
Roads: NH-7 Rishikesh–Joshimath is well-paved but subject to landslide closures in monsoon. BRO maintains it actively.
Public transport: GMVN and private buses Rishikesh–Joshimath–Govindghat daily.
Fuel & Stay
Fuel: Joshimath (25km from Govindghat).
Stay: ₹500–2,500/night
50+ options (Ghangaria guesthouses, gurdwara langar & sarai (free), camping (not permitted at shrine))
Emergency: Gurdwara sarai at Ghangaria and Hemkund offers free stay to pilgrims.
Helpline: 1363
Daily Budget Reality
How to Reach
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