Spiritual

Hemkund SahibTravel guide

High-Altitude Sikh Pilgrimage

Hemkund Sahib, UttarakhandUpdated 14 September 2026

A glacial lake shrine at 4,329m, Hemkund Sahib draws devotees and trekkers seeking serenity amid snow-clad peaks and alpine meadows.

The trek from Govindghat (about 13 km to Ghangaria, then 6 km up to the lake) passes through rhododendron forests and waterfalls, culminating in the star-shaped gurudwara beside the lake. Visit in summer when the trail is clear and the water reflects the surrounding mountains. It’s a rare blend of faith, high-altitude trekking and alpine scenery.

Top things to do in Hemkund Sahib

1
Govindghat to Ghangaria
The first day: about 13 km on a paved trail along the river; ponies and helicopter flights are available.
2
Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and lake
A steep 6 km climb from Ghangaria to the shrine beside the glacial lake; start early, as visitors head down by early afternoon.
3
Valley of Flowers National Park
A separate trail from Ghangaria into an alpine valley; flowers are at their best in July and August.
4
Lakshman Temple
A small Hindu temple beside the lake, next to the gurudwara.
5
Badrinath and Mana village
About 25 km beyond Govindghat by road, often combined with this trip.

Before you go

The shrine opens only for a few months each year (usually late May or June to early October); check the official opening dates.
Uttarakhand asks pilgrims to register online before the yatra; check the current rules before you travel.
At over 4,300 m altitude sickness is real: climb slowly, drink water, and turn back if you feel unwell.
Mobile signal is weak above Govindghat; tell someone your plans.

Where to stay

Govindghat: Basic hotels at the road head, useful for the night before the trek.
Ghangaria: Guesthouses and gurudwara rooms; the base for both Hemkund and the Valley of Flowers.
Joshimath: A larger town about 20 km before Govindghat with more hotel choice.

What to eat in Hemkund Sahib

Aloo ke Gutke
Veg
Sautéed potatoes with local spices and mustard oil, a mountain staple
Order at roadside dhabas; best with steamed rice or roti
Bhatt ki Churkani
Veg
Black soybean curry cooked in iron kadhai with pahadi masalas
Served at langar or local homes; ask for fresh preparation
Kafuli
Veg
Thick spinach and fenugreek gravy, simmered with rice paste
Eat with steamed rice; commonly made in monastery kitchens
Phaanu
Veg
Mixed lentils soaked overnight, then slow-cooked into a rich stew
Find at community meals; pairs well with mandua roti
Bal Mithai
Veg
Dark chocolate-like fudge coated with sugar balls, made from khoya
Buy from sweet shops near temples; enjoy as prasad or snack
Singal
Veg
Sweet fermented rice batter deep-fried into soft, spongy balls
Sold at morning stalls; eat warm with jaggery syrup

Written by AI. If you have allergies or eat strictly veg, check with the cook.

Health & safety in Hemkund Sahib

Emergency (police, fire, medical)112 Ambulance (most states)108

Hospitals near Hemkund Sahib on Google Maps ↗

Save your stay's address offline, and in an emergency call 112 first.

Published by Team Spotplans. Written with AI from public travel sources, not submitted by a creator. Check opening times and prices before you go. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix it.

Plan a trip to Hemkund Sahib

When to go

Best Jun–Sep

June to September

What it costs

₹2,500-4,000 per person

₹2,500-4,000 per person for a 2-day trip (budget guesthouse, simple meals, shared taxi from Rishikesh; trekking gear not included).

How to get there

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant (Dehradun), 290km away; nearest rail: Rishikesh, 273km. Road to Govindghat (10-12hr from Dehradun), then 6km trek (4-5hr).

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