Hemkund Sahib
Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India • 30.69°N, 79.62°E
📖 About Hemkund Sahib
- ✦Sikh shrine at 4,329 metres beside a glacial lake in Garhwal Himalayas
- ✦Open only mid-May to mid-October due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold
- ✦19 km trek from Govindghat with 4,000 ft elevation gain, moderate to difficult
- ✦Direct access to Valley of Flowers National Park, 5 km walking distance
At 4,329 metres (14,200 ft), the Gurudwara sits beside a glacial lake surrounded by seven snow-covered peaks. The Dasam Granth describes Guru Gobind Singh meditating here in a previous life. The high-altitude location means temperatures stay below 10°C (50°F) even in summer - May highs reach 20.7°C (69.3°F), while nights drop to 1.2°C (34.2°F). July and August bring heavy monsoon rain - 223 mm and 183 mm respectively - making trails slippery and risky. The Gurudwara remains completely buried under snow from November to April, forcing a seasonal closure from mid-October to mid-May.
The 19 km trek from Govindghat climbs through Ghangaria village at 3,050 metres, the last point with accommodation and supplies. Langars serve free meals to thousands of pilgrims daily during the open season. The hexagonal lake reflects the surrounding peaks and stays partially frozen even in June. The location shares its base with Valley of Flowers National Park - the park entrance lies just 5 km from Ghangaria on a separate trail. Sikhs consider this one of the five sacred Takhts, making it a major pilgrimage destination despite the difficult access.
The trek suits moderately fit pilgrims and trekkers who can handle sustained uphill walking at high altitude. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) affects many visitors - headaches, nausea, and breathlessness are common above 3,500 metres. The trail has no ATMs, limited mobile connectivity (BSNL works partially in Ghangaria), and basic accommodation only. Helicopters run from Govindghat to Ghangaria during season, reducing the trek to 6 km, but cost Rs 3,500-4,500 one way (confirm locally — rates vary by season).
🎯 Things to Do in Hemkund Sahib
The 6 km trail from Ghangaria climbs 1,300 metres through boulder fields and alpine meadows, taking 4-5 hours one way. Start by 4 AM to avoid afternoon clouds and complete the return before dark - no overnight stays allowed at the shrine. The steep gradient and thin air make this physically demanding, with multiple rest stops necessary for acclimatization.
The small stone temple dedicated to Lakshman stands 100 metres from the Gurudwara beside the same glacial lake. According to Hindu mythology, Lakshman meditated here to atone for killing demons during the Ramayana. The temple remains open during the same May-October window as the Gurudwara and sees fewer crowds.
The national park entrance sits 5 km from Ghangaria village on a separate trail taking 2-3 hours. Entry costs Rs 150 for Indians, Rs 600 for foreigners, plus Rs 525 camera fee (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Peak bloom runs July to August despite heavy rainfall, with over 500 alpine flower species visible across the valley.
The village at 3,050 metres serves as the mandatory overnight base with 50+ guesthouses ranging Rs 800-2,000 per night. Spend one full day here before ascending to let your body adjust to altitude - walk the short trails around the village and monitor for headache or nausea. The community kitchen serves simple meals, and BSNL provides patchy mobile connectivity.
The 8-minute helicopter flight from Govindghat to Ghangaria costs Rs 3,500-4,500 one way and cuts the 13 km uphill trek (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Book 2-3 days ahead through approved operators at Govindghat helipad, though weather cancellations are common during monsoon. Weight restrictions apply - 40 kg baggage limit per passenger including body weight over 75 kg.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -12.5 | 9.9 | 37 | 52% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -12.2 | 11.5 | 42 | 56% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -9.6 | 15.2 | 50 | 60% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -3.3 | 17.9 | 42 | 55% |
| May | 🌤️ | 1.2 | 20.7 | 68 | 59% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 4.6 | 22.1 | 90 | 68% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 8.8 | 21.0 | 223 | 87% |
| Aug | 🌦️ | 9.0 | 19.2 | 183 | 90% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 5.8 | 18.9 | 108 | 82% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | -0.8 | 17.0 | 28 | 63% |
| Nov | 🧊 | -5.4 | 14.1 | 6 | 47% |
| Dec | 🧊 | -10.3 | 12.4 | 12 | 40% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Chamoli region, not exclusively Hemkund Sahib. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Hemkund Sahib
💡 Visitor Tips
Pack for temperature range 1°C to 21°C (34°F to 70°F) - thermal innerwear, fleece jacket, waterproof outer layer, woolen cap, and gloves are essential even in June. Carry sunscreen and sunglasses as UV radiation intensifies at 4,300 metres.
No advance booking needed for the shrine itself, but book Ghangaria accommodation 1-2 weeks ahead during June and September weekends when pilgrim numbers peak. Valley of Flowers requires no permit, just the entry fee at the gate.
The 13 km Govindghat to Ghangaria trail is paved but steep, suitable for walking only - no vehicles allowed. Porters charge Rs 600-800 and ponies Rs 800-1,000 for the climb (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Rain makes the upper 6 km trail from Ghangaria extremely slippery.
Last ATM is in Joshimath, 25 km before Govindghat - withdraw enough cash for 3-4 days. UPI does not work beyond Ghangaria, and only a few shops accept cards with poor connectivity. Carry Rs 100 notes for langars, porters, and small purchases.
Ghangaria village has the only accommodation options - 50+ guesthouses and dharamshalas cluster along the main trail with budget rooms Rs 800-1,500 and mid-range Rs 1,500-2,500 per night, mostly basic with shared bathrooms (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Gurudwara offers free dormitory space but gets extremely crowded.
📍 More Places in Chamoli
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Hemkund Sahib covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Hemkund Sahib is located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 4312 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.