Hemkund Sahib FAQs

Hemkund Sahib is a high altitude revered Sikh pilgrimage, which remains open for only for 4 months June until October for tourists. Therefore, these four months are the best time for visit Hemkund Sahib. Because of high altitude location, heavy rainfall is very common in Hemkunt Sahib area; therefore, we suggest that check the weather conditions before you start the trek to Hemkunt Sahib.

It is always safe while you travel in Uttarakhand as locals are humble and polite. As Hemkund Sahib trek is quite demanding, therefore tourists should be physically and mentally fit for the trek. Before you start, crosscheck the weather and route conditions from the locals. Don't forget to carry your trekking essentials as advised by your trekking guide. One can also hire a pony or a palanquin for coverup the trekking distance from Govindghat as per their ease.

June to October is the only and the best time when Hemkund Sahib opens for tourists. Because of high altitude location, the weather of Hemkunt Sahib is very cold and expeditiously changed round the year. Therefore, checks the weather condition earlier and don't forget to carry waterproof warm clothes with you. We notify that there is a quite unsafe to travel in the month of August due to heavy monsoon so, avoid it if you can.

No, there is no ATM facility available in Hemkunt Sahib. Therefore, tourist can withdraw the cash from the previous location like Govindghat and Joshimath where plenty of ATMs are available.

Hemkund Sahib is a complete tourist destination itself. There are several places to visit nearby in Hemkund Sahib like Valley of Flowers, Badrinath and much more for more detail you can also follow the link Places to see in Hemkunt Sahib.

Hemkund Sahib is the complete trekking destination to explore Hemkunt Sahib and its nearby surroundings at a relaxed pace, one would need 3 - 4 days minimum. This 18 km Trek for Hemkund Sahib starts from Govindghat and followed by Ghangaria. You can also stretch the trek duration as per your convenience.

Because of the high altitude location person should be physically fit and mentally prepared for the trek. There is low oxygen availability and therefore is always a point of concern for high altitude areas, therefore we advise that the tourists with breath related health issues should avoid this trek. Please carry some essential medicine with you while you trekking and muffled yourself with the warm and waterproof clothes. Talk to your tour guide in case of any emergency.

After 2013 disaster occurred in Uttarakhand, this question becomes more important for the tourist who wants to visit Hemkunt Sahib. It is always a good practice to check road conditions in advance when you planning to travel to the hilly areas, especially in the monsoon season when the roads are prone to landslides due to heavy downpour. However, being part of well-maintained NH-58 till Govindghat, roads are pretty good and smooth till last road head and well suited for your personal vehicle. Trek starts for Hemkunt Sahib from Govindghat is also in very good condition. One can hire a pony or trek by on foot as per their ease from Govindghat. This is advisable to avoid the plan to visit Hemkunt Sahib during monsoon or heavy rainfall and strictly follows all guidelines imposed by local officials.

The nearest airport to Hemkunt Sahib (Govindghat) is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is approximately 303 kms from Hemkunt Sahib.

The nearest railway station to Hemkunt Sahib is Haridwar junction at a distance of 314 kms from Hemkunt Sahib with numerous trains connecting Haridwar junction with other major cities like Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata etc.

Of course, tourists can visit Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers in a single trip. The base camp is at Govindghat which is common for both destinations and the route is also same till Ghangaria (Ghangaria is the only place nearby where accommodation facilities are available for tourists). After Ghangaria, treks are divided differently for both Hemkunt Sahib and Valley of Flowers. Tourist can visit both of destinations one by one from Ghangaria. The distance of Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib from Ghangaria is 3.2 km and 2.1 km respectively.

Hemkunt Sahib is at a distance of 505 km (by Road) + 18 km (trek) from Delhi. One can reach this famous holy Sikh pilgrimage only by the trekking route of 18 km only that starts from Govindghat nearest road head to Hemkunt Sahib.  There are various modes of transportations that are available to reach Govind Ghat:

• By Road: Govindghat is the nearest road head to Hemkunt Sahib. From Govindghat, an 18-km trek takes one to the holy shrine Hemkunt Sahib. Govindghat is well connected via motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand. Joshimath is a nearest major town to Govindghat with much better road connectivity. Buses and taxis to Govindghat are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, Joshimath, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Ukhimath, Srinagar, Chamoli etc. Govindghat is situated on National Highway 58 thus making it easy to reach. We suggest that tourists take bus or taxi for Govindghat or Joshimath from major destinations like Haridwar and Rishikesh. There are plenty of buses and cabs available for these places and they well connect with all major parts of the country.
• By Rail: The nearest railhead is Haridwar railway station, which is 296 kms from Govindghat. There are numerous trains connecting Haridwar with other major cities like Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata etc. The frequency of trains to Haridwar is quite high as it is the gateway to the Garhwal region and major pilgrim city of Uttarakhand.
• By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun which lies approximately 287 kilometres from Hemkunt Sahib, and offers daily connectivity with New Delhi.

Hemkunt Sahib is at a distance from 287 km and 310 kms from Rishikesh and Haridwar respectively. One can easily opt for taxi services on a private basis. Various local and state-run buses provide daily services from Rishikesh to Joshimath that is at a distance of 36 km from Hemkunt Sahib.

Due to its religious importance and relative higher elevation, staying overnight is not allowed in Hemkunt Sahib. Tourist only accommodates at Ghagaria that is 2.2 km behind Hemkunt Sahib. You can also find some restaurants and food joints that serve the variety of cuisines. Food and services of the hotels are good at reasonable prices. You can find enough hotels for stay in Ghangaria.