Hemkund Sahib, also known as Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib, is a holy Sikh shrine located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by picturesque snow-clad mountains and lush green valleys. If you are planning to visit Hemkund Sahib and don’t know how to reach and what are the modes to reach Hemkund Sahib. In this article we discussed on different ways to reach Hemkund Sahib.
The significance of Hemkund Sahib lies in its spiritual and historical importance. According to Sikh tradition, the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, meditated at this site for years. It is also believed that Sage Rishi Medhasa worshipped gods at this holy place.
Reaching Hemkund Sahib can be challenging, but it is definitely worth the effort. The nearest town to Hemkund Sahib is Govindghat, which is well-connected by road to major cities like Rishikesh and Dehradun. From Govindghat, the trek to Hemkund Sahib is approx 16 Km long and it will take approx 8 to 10 hours to complete the trek.
The trek to Hemkund Sahib is a steep and arduous one, and it is advisable to be physically fit and acclimatized to high altitudes before attempting it. The trek takes one through picturesque landscapes of pine forests, gushing streams, and cascading waterfalls.
Once you reached Hemkund Sahib, you will see the beautiful pristine lake and snow covered mountains and green forests around the site. The crystal-clear waters of the lake surrounding the shrine are believed to possess healing powers, and visitors can take a dip in the holy water before entering the Gurudwara.
Overall, a visit to Hemkund Sahib is a spiritually enriching and awe-inspiring experience, and is definitely worth the effort for those willing to undertake the challenging trek.
In this guide, we will provide you with detailed information on how to reach Hemkund Sahib from various locations, the best time to visit, and other important details that will make your journey to this holy site an unforgettable experience.
How to Reach Hemkund Sahib
To reach Hemkund Sahib the trek starts from Govind Ghat which is the nearest town to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. Govind Ghat is well-connected to the roads. If you are not physicially fit then we recommend you to prepare yourself 1 month before the trip to complete the trek easily, otherwise you will face problems.
By Air
The nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib is in Gauchar. You can get helicopter from Dehradun to Gauchar and then rest of the journey to Hemkund Sahib will be done via road and foot trek. You can book taxi to Hemkund sahib from Rishikesh, Dehradun or Gauchar at very best rates.
If you want to save your time, we recommend you to book helicopter from Dehradun to Gauchar and then travel through cab to Govind Ghat.
By Road
The easiest and cheapest way to reach Hemkund Sahib is via road. Hemkund sahib is not properly connected with roads, so you can drive only upto Govind Ghat only from here you will have to complete a trek of 19 Km to reach Hemkund Sahib. The trek is little difficult so if you are not physically fit prepare yourself for the trek. Buses, cabs are easily available from Punjab, Delhi, Rishikesh and Dehradun.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Hemkund Sahib is in Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, Govind Ghat is approx 273 Km and easily accessible via road. From Govindghat there is a 16 km trek to reach Hemkund Sahib.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh pilgrimage site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is a high-altitude lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks and is considered a holy site by Sikhs. It is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru, meditated and achieved enlightenment in the ancient times.
The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is from May to October, when the weather is mild and the roads are open. The site is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
To reach Hemkund Sahib, you need to trek from Govindghat, which is the base camp. It is a steep and challenging trek that takes about 6-7 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a mule or helicopter services to reach the site.
While trekking to Hemkund Sahib, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes with good grip. Carry a backpack with essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm clothes. It is also advised to carry a first aid kit and a walking stick.
Yes, there are several options for accommodation near Hemkund Sahib, including guest houses and lodges. However, due to its remote location, it is recommended to book your accommodation in advance. Camping is also allowed at certain designated areas with permission from the authorities.