Hemkund Sahib Opening and Closing Dates for 2025
The opening date of Hemkund Sahib for next year will be updated soon. Last time, Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara was thrown open for the pilgrims on 25 May 2024.
This Himalayan shrine of Sikh pilgrims will get closed in October for the winter season during which the area becomes snow-bound and difficult to access. The tentative date of closing of Hemkunt Sahib is 10 Oct 2024.
Hemkund Sahib Registration Guide
Shri Hemkund Sahib Yatra Registration is mandatory for booking helicopter services. You can register yourself here: https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
Modes of Registration:
1) Online through this Web Portal
2) Through Mobile Application - Tourist Care Uttarakhand (Download Android App & iOS App )
3) Through WhatsApp Facility - Mobile Number: +91 8394833833
Type: “Yatra” to initiate the registration process in WhatsApp.
Mode of Verification: Physically only at the shrine being visited through scanning of the “QR Code” in the mobile app or downloaded “Yatra Registration Letter”.
Hemkund Sahib Helicopter Service
The helicopter service to Hemkund Sahib from Govindghat has been started. The heli service is available from Govindghat to Ghangharia only. The helicopter ticket price for to and fro journey from Govindghat to Ghangaria and back is Rs. 5914 (including GST). The 6km trek from Ghangharia to Hemkund Sahib can be completed on foot or pony.
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.
- A small temple of Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama is also bedecked on the shore of Hemkund Lake.
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.
Places to See in Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib Travel News
11 Oct 2024
Portals of Hemkund Sahib closed on 10 Oct for witners
This year, more than 1.8 Lakh pilgrims visited the holy shrine of Hemkund. The closure ceremony began early Thursday in the presence of the president of Shri Hemkunt Sahib Gurudwara Management Committee Narinderjit Singh Bindra along with the office bearers of the committee and administrative officials.
09 Oct 2024
Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd) visited the revered site of Shri Hemkund Sahib in Chamoli on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where he offered prayers and wished for the prosperity and well-being of Uttarakhand.
12 Sep 2024
Weather Update: Snowfall occurred on the high peaks of Hemkund Sahib
29 Aug 2024
439 pilgrims and tourists stranded in Hemkund and Valley of Flowers rescued by SDRF Team
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
Hemkund Sahib Travel Tips
- Overnight stay isn’t allowed at Hemkund, you can head to Ghangaria for hotels or Govindghat for accommodation.
- Ponies and Palkies are also available if you do not want to trek for any reason.
- Helicopter services for Hemkund Sahib from Govindghat is available till Ghangharia only. Afterwards, you have to trek to reach Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.
- If you have one more extra day then you can explore Valley of Flowers as well along with Hemkund Sahib. Check our Valley of Flowers Tour Packages.
- The weather changes very rapidly at Hemkund Sahib, so do keep warm clothes and raincoats every time during your visit to Hemkund Sahib
- During the monsoons, it would be wise to check with local authorities, tour guides or tour operators about the weather and road conditions before you actually plan your pilgrimage.
- Hemkund is inaccessible from October to May because of snow-bound paths and glaciers that block the way towards Hemkund Sahib.
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.
Hemkund Sahib - Highest Gurudwara in the World
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.
Hemkund Sahib Photo Gallery
Tourist Map of Hemkund Sahib
Map for representation purpose only - not to scale.
Ask a Question about Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib Questions
Anupreet Kaur
17 Jul 2024
Q. Is the heli service for Hemkund Sahib available till Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara area or till Ghangharia only?
A. The heli service is available till Ghangaria only. Hemkund Sahib is another 6km from there. You can hire a pony from Ghangaria or trek on your own. Please note that the trek is strenuous so we advice you to start off as early as you can.
eUttaranchal , 17 Jul 2024
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Hemkund Sahib Weather
Check out the Hemkund Sahib weather report for November
Hemkund Sahib Weather in November
The minimun and maximum temperature in November in Hemkund Sahib is -1°C and 6°C respectively. The weather is generally pleasant and clear in November and you would feel chilling cold throughout the day. Heavy Woolen clothes are recommended for Hemkund Sahib in November.
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.
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