Hemkund Sahib Trekking Guidelines and Latest Advisory
Hemkund Sahib opened for the pilgrims on 20 May 2022. The 1st batch of pilgrims for Hemkund departed from Govindghat on 18th May 2022.
Hemkund Sahib Helicopter Service
The helicopter service to Hemkund Sahib from Govindghat will start on 21st May 2022. The heli service is available from Govindghat to Ghangharia only. Last year, the heli fare for Govindghat-Hemkund heli service was Rs 6400. The ticket price for this year has not been announced yet. The 6km trek from Ghangharia to Hemkund Sahib can be completed on foot or poney.
Why Visit Hemkund Sahib?
Perched at a height of 4,329 mts above sea level, Hemkund Saheb is the highest Gurudwara of the Sikh community.
Hemkunt Sahib is situated 6 kms (steep trek) from Ghangharia (also known as Govind dham), this star-shaped Gurudwara is made up of white marbles and concrete and it is located on the shores of the pristine Hemkund.
Numerous waterfalls, dense forest, enchanting view of the Himalayas, crystal clear lake and the holy Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara are the key highlights of this trekking trip.
Hemkund Sahib Opening and Closing Dates for 2023
Hemkund Sahib Opening Date 2023: Hemkund Sahib was opened for pilgrims on 20 May 2023. Last year it was opened on 22 May 2022.
Hemkund Closing date 2023: Closing date of Hemkund sahib will be announced soon. In 2022, Hemkund Sahib shrine was closed for winter season on 10 October. This Himalayan shrine of Sikh pilgrims is closed annually for the winter season during which the area becomes snow-bound and difficult to access.
15 May 2022: The state government has approved construction of a ropeway to Hemkund Sahib. The DPR for Hemkund Ropeway has been prepared and it has estimated a cost of Rs. 700 crores for the construction of Hemkund Sahib Ropeway.
The Trek to Hemkund Sahib
The trek towards the Hemkund Sahib begins at Govindghat, after crossing the Alaknanda river on a hanging bridge. The zig-zag mule track straightens through an ascending valley of terraced fields and vegetation. In the midst, Laxman Ganga tumbles down in a haste to join the Alaknanda. 3 kms. further is the small, pretty hamlet, Puna. Beyond this, the trek becomes more exciting - the Laxman Ganga becomes swifter, and between the green, rocky mountains, you can catch a glimpse of snow-clad peaks.
The 7 kms trail from Pulna to Bhyundar village is full of nature's scenic splendors including cascading waterfalls and cold water springs. Shrubs and wild roses grow abundantly and Rhododendrons colors the area with pink and dark red. Small wayside tea stalls run all across the route and young and enthusiastic tourist guides and porters can be hired at Bhyundar village.
After resting awhile here, the trek on the right bank of the Laxman Ganga continues through the rich vegetation till we reach a log bridge supported on huge boulders. Crossing over to the left bank now, the trail becomes steeper and harder and 2 kms. from here, you will reach Ghanghria, the base camp for treks to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. From Ghangaria Hemkunth is just 6kms away but this last stretch of the trek is more difficult and takes time.
Activities in Hemkund Sahib
Pilgrimage: Hemkund Sahib is one of the most revered Sikh shrines in Uttarakhand and thousands of pilgrims partake in arduous pilgrimage every year. The shrine sleeps under a thick blanket of snow during winters is accessible only in summer. You can also take a tip in the holy waters of Hemkund Lake.
Trekking: Located near Hemkund Sahib, the kaleidoscopic Valley of Flowers trek which rewards trekkers with abundant natural beauty in the form of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, forests covered with pine and oak trees, gushing rivulets, streams and of course, myriad alpine flowers. Other treks in this region are: Gupt Khal Trek and Bhyundar Khal Trek
Staying in Hemkund Sahib
In order to maintain the sanctity of the place, no one is allowed to stay for the night at revered Hemkund Sahib. Though with some exceptions and members of Gurudwara can stay there. So, one has to trek back to either Ghangaria for hotels or Govindghat in order to find accommodation on the same day. At Ghangaria and Govindghat, there are many guesthouses and lodges for tourists and pilgrims. There is also a big Gurudwara at Govindghat and Ghangharia where people can stay at nominal charges.
Hemkund Sahib Food Guide
There are no eating joints or restaurants in Hemkund Sahib. Gurudwara at Hemkund serves free khichri (rice and lentils meal) with tea at no cost to all the pilgrims and trekkers. You can also take your packed lunch along with you to have it there.
History of Hemkund Sahib
Earlier Hemkunt Sahib was known as 'Lokpal' by the local inhabitants, meaning the sustainer of the people. Hemkunt Sahib was mentioned in the autobiography of Shri Guru Gobind Singh. However, the site remained hidden for more than two centuries. It was the famous Sikh historian and poet, Bhai Santokh Singh (1787-1843) who narrated the story of Dusht Daman, which literally suggests the 'vanquisher of evil', a name chosen for Guru Gobind. He also described the 'tapasthan' or the place of worship.
In late 19th century, Pandit Tara Singh Narotam, a Nirmala scholar compiled a synopsis of the various Sikh pilgrimage places, which included Sri Hemkunt Sahib. On the account of the description provided in the Mahabharata, Narotam traversed to the place where Pandu king had meditated. He was able to verify the site of Sri Hemkunt Sahib and around 1872-1957 A.D., Bhai Vir Singh, a renowned poet-historian agreed to the authenticity of Narotam’s evidence of the discovery of Sri Hemkunt Sahib. He also presented a vivid description of the site in his biography of the tenth guru, Kalghidhar Chamatkar.
However, the person behind the discovery of the present location of the tapasthan was Sant Sohan Singh of Tehri Garhwal, a retired granthi from the army. He was inspired by the description given by Bhai Vir Singh in his work and visited the place accompanied by Baba Kartar Singh Bedi in 1934. Sant Sohan Singh was determined to set up a Gurudwara here and met Bhai Vir Singh in this regard.
Mythology about Hemkund Sahib
As per the Hindu mythology, Sri Hemkunt Sahib was known as Lokpal, a lake which was the meditational grounds of Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama. There is also a temple of Lakshman adorned on the shore of the Hemkund Lake.
About Hemkund Sahib Dham
Hemkund Lake is fed by the glaciers of the towering peaks namely Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi Peaks. This immaculate lake is enveloped by the seven majestic mountain peaks, each adorned by Nishan Sahib on its cliff. A sparkling river called Himganga also originates from this lake.
The circumference of the crystal clear Hemkund is 2 kms. The lake is frozen during winters. Hemkund Sahib is also written as Hemkunt Sahib, Darbar Sahib Hemkund.
Suggested Trekking Itinerary for Hemkund Sahib
Day 1: Arrive at Govindghat or Joshimath from Haridwar/Rishikesh by Road.
Day 2: Trek to Ghangharia from Govindghat (13 kms). Night stay in Ghangharia.
Day 3: Trek to Hemkund Sahib and back to Ghangharia. (You can also take ponies)
Day 4: Trek to Valley of Flowers and back to Ghangharia. (You can also save time by directly trekking back to Govindghat, but total trek for the day will become around 21 kms).
Day 5: Trek down to Govindghat/Joshimath. (If interested and time permits, you can also visit Badrinath, Mana Village, and Pandukeshwar. With an extra day, you can also explore Joshimath Places to see and Auli).
Day 6: Drive to Haridwar/Rishikesh or Dehradun.
Latest News & Updates from Hemkund Sahib
30 July 2021: Hemkund Sahib Trek is open now, but bathing in the lake or visiting Gurudwara is not allowed. Check complete Hemkund Sahib Trek Guidelines.
26 April 2021: Doors of the Hemukund Sahib will not open on 10 May 2021. Date will be decided soon in the meeting of trust.
26 April 2021: There was a proposal for developing a ropeway from Ghangharia to Hemkund Sahib, but it is still on papers.
22 March 2021: 6 feet of snow is still there on the trail of Holy Hemkund Sahib. The army will cut the glaciers to make way for pilgrims.
11 October 2020: The doors of Hemkund Sahib closed from 10 October due to the winter season.1300 pilgrims attended the last Ardaas at Hemkund Sahib on Saturday (10 October 2020)
11 October 2020: The doors of Lakshman temple closed from 10 October due to the winter season.
What is Hemkund Sahib famous for?
Hemkund Sahib is famous among tourist as Gurudwara, Lake, Laxman Temple, Trekking, Scenic Beauty, High Altitude Lake, Trek, Sikh Pilgrimage.
Hemkund Sahib is recommended destination for Couples, Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups, Solo.
Hemkund Sahib is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Gurudwara, Pilgrimage, Religious, Trekking.
