Hemkund Sahib Trek, Uttarakhand

Hemkund Sahib Trek in Uttarakhand is a breathtaking journey that takes you to one of the holiest shrines in Sikhism, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas. This trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and lush green meadows. The journey is challenging, but the experience of reaching the sacred hemkund sahib Gurudwara is truly rewarding.

Hemkund Sahib: The Highest Gurudwara of the World

Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is a Sikh shrine located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest Gurudwaras in the world. The shrine is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Sikhs. The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is situated near a glacial lake known as Hemkund, which is believed to have healing powers. The lake is surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks, and the Gurudwara is built on its shores. The Gurudwara has a large prayer hall where devotees can offer their prayers and seek blessings. The langar hall of the Gurudwara serves free meals to all visitors, regardless of their caste, creed, or religion.

Hemkund Sahib Trek:

Hemkund Sahib Trek is a popular pilgrimage trek in Uttarakhand, India. It is a beautiful trek that takes you through the picturesque landscapes of the Himalayas, passing through dense forests, beautiful meadows, gushing waterfalls, and crossing streams.
Starting Point: The starting point of the Hemkund Sahib Trek is the town of Govindghat, which is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Govindghat is well-connected to major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun by road. From Govindghat, the trek starts and takes you to Ghangaria, which is the base camp for the Hemkund Sahib Trek.
Trek Route: The trek route to Hemkund Sahib is around 10 kilometers long and takes about 1-2 days to complete. The trek is moderate in difficulty and suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers.
The trek starts from Govindghat and follows the Alaknanda River to reach the small town of Pulna. From Pulna, the trek goes uphill through the dense forests of oak and pine trees, crossing the beautiful waterfalls of Bhyundar Ganga. After a few hours of trekking, you will reach the beautiful village of Ghangaria. Ghangaria is a small village and the base camp for the Hemkund Sahib Trek. It is situated at an altitude of 3,049 meters and offers a stunning view of the Himalayas. From Ghangaria, the trek to Hemkund Sahib starts, which is around 10 kilometers long and takes about 4-5 hours to complete. The trek to Hemkund Sahib is steep and challenging, but the scenic beauty makes it worthwhile. The trail passes through the beautiful meadows of the Valley of Flowers National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. After crossing the meadows, you will reach the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, which is located at an altitude of 4,632 meters. The Gurudwara is a Sikh pilgrimage site and is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh.

The Best time to do Hemkund Sahib trek

The best time to do the Hemkund Sahib trek in Uttarakhand is from mid-May to mid-October. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the temperature is moderate, making it ideal for trekking.

Hemkund Sahib Trek Package :

• Rishikesh to Rishikesh (5 Days & 4 Nights):

  We start our journey from Haridwar, which is well-known as a holy place in Uttarakhand. This is simply Haridwar - Joshimath town - Ghangaria - Hemkund - Joshimath - Haridwar.
  Packages start from - INR. 14,499 Per Person (Including Accommodation and Meal + Transport) + 18% GST
• If anyone is interested in booking a private tour for their friends and family, we have a distinct procedure in place to accommodate your needs.

Why Should you plan Shri Hemkund Sahib Trek ?

Here are some reasons why you should plan a Hemkund Sahib trek:

Spiritual Significance:
Hemkund Sahib is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Sikhs. It is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru, meditated in his previous life. The gurdwara at Hemkund Sahib is a place of great spiritual significance, and the trek to the gurdwara is considered a holy pilgrimage.

Stunning Views:
The Hemkund Sahib trek offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. The trek takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and beautiful valleys, and offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers, and cascading waterfalls.

Rich Biodiversity:
The Hemkund Sahib trek is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The trek takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a variety of endangered species such as the snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan black bear.

Challenging Trek:
The Hemkund Sahib trek is a challenging trek that requires physical fitness and endurance. The trek takes you through steep inclines and rocky terrain, and the high altitude can also pose a challenge. However, the sense of achievement and the stunning views that you will be rewarded with at the end of the trek are worth the effort.

Cultural Experience:
The Hemkund Sahib trek offers a unique cultural experience as you get to interact with the local communities and learn about their customs and traditions. The trek takes you through several villages that offer a glimpse into the local way of life.

The Places on Hemkund Sahib Trek

The Hemkund Sahib Trek in Uttarakhand, India is a popular pilgrimage destination for Sikh devotees and nature enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the notable places along the trek:
1. Govindghat: Govindghat is the starting point of the trek, situated at an altitude of 1,828 meters above sea level. It is located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers and serves as a base camp for the trek.
2. Ghangaria: Ghangaria is a scenic hamlet located at an altitude of 3,049 meters above sea level, and serves as the last inhabited village on the trek. It is also the gateway to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
3. Valley of Flowers: The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is located at an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level. It is a breathtakingly beautiful meadow of alpine flowers, and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
4. Hemkund Sahib: Hemkund Sahib is a sacred Sikh shrine, situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters above sea level. It is a glacial lake surrounded by seven snow-capped mountains, and is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh meditated in his previous life.
5. Lakshman Ganga River: The Lakshman Ganga River is a tributary of the Alaknanda River, and flows through the trek route. It is a crystal-clear river with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
6. Lakshman Temple: The Lakshman Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the town of Hemkund, which is a popular stopover point for trekkers. It is dedicated to Lord Lakshman, and is believed to be the place where he meditated during the exile of Lord Rama.
7. Pushpawati River: The Pushpawati River is another tributary of the Alaknanda River, and flows through the Valley of Flowers. It is a glacial river with crystal-clear water, and is surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains.
8. Hemkund Sahib Lake: The Hemkund Sahib Lake is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 4,329 meters above sea level. It is considered to be a sacred site by the Sikhs and Hindus alike.

How you reach Hemkund Trek Starting Point?

To reach Hemkund Sahib Trek in Uttarakhand, there are a few transportation options available depending on your starting location. Here's a general guide on how to reach Hemkund Sahib Trek:

By Air : The nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located about 196 km from the starting point of the trek. You can take a flight to Dehradun from any major city in India and then take a taxi or bus to reach the trek's starting point.

By Train : The nearest railway station to Hemkund Sahib is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is approximately 286 km away. You can take a train to Rishikesh from any major city in India and then take a taxi or bus to reach the trek's starting point.

By Road : If you prefer to travel by road, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from major cities like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Delhi to reach the trek's starting point at Govindghat. From Govindghat, you can begin the 19 km trek to Hemkund Sahib.

Accommodation and Meals Option in Hemkund Sahib

The trek to Hemkund Sahib is a challenging one, and it is important to plan ahead for accommodation and meals during the journey. Here are some options for accommodation and meals in the Hemkund Sahib trek:

Camping: Many trekkers prefer to camp along the route, especially during the peak season when the lodges and guesthouses are crowded. There are several campsites available on the way to Hemkund Sahib, and some of them offer meals as well.

Guesthouses and lodges: There are several guesthouses and lodges available along the Hemkund Sahib trek. These are usually basic but comfortable accommodations that offer meals as well. Some of the popular guesthouses along the route include Ghangaria Hotel and Nature's Retreat.

Langar: At Hemkund Sahib, there is a free community kitchen called Langar that serves vegetarian meals to all visitors. This is a great option for those who want to experience traditional Sikh hospitality and culture.

Key Points of Hemkund Sahib Trek:

• Hemkund Sahib Trek Travel Guide
• Hemkund Sahib Trek Map
• Places To Visit Near Hemkund Sahib
• Hemkund Sahib Trek Packages
• How To Reach Hemkund Sahib
• Hemkund Sahib Trek Related FAQs