The beautiful Gurudwara in Chamoli Garhwal district of Uttarakhand near Valley of Flowers, also known as Gurudwara Sri `Hemkund Sahib Ji, is situated at an altitude of around 4,329 m, on the bank of the pristine Hemkund Lake. One of the most revered Sikh shrines, Hemkund Sahib draws thousands of pilgrims and devotees every year. It is recorded in the holy Granth Sahib that the tenth guru of Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh, meditated by the serene banks of Hemkund lake in one of his earlier births. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the gurudwara's picturesque natural settings and trek routes, including the one to the Valley of Flowers, make it a popular destination for trekkers and tourists. Himganga, a small stream, originates from the Hemkund Lake.

According to Legends Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama from the epic Ramayana, revive his health by meditating on the banks of Hemkund Lake after the severe injuries he received in the war. The Lakshmana temple is said to have been built at the place where Lakshmana meditated. The Gurudwara remains Closed every year during winters and reopen in summers for the annual pilgrimage

Hemkund Sahib Trek Full Information:

Hemkund sahib trek distance is total 20 km  and started from Goindghat .Total trek is decided into two parts  into two parts, first one is Govidnghat to Ghangaria & second is  Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib. Govindghat is the starting point of both Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Yatra. One can find hotels, guraudwara or stays to rest over for night and can start next day trip. To reach Hemkund Sahib you have to trek 14 km from Govindghat. You can also skip a 4 km trek by reaching Pullna village through your car/taxi. One can skip govindghat to ghangaria trek and can use helicopter services for old age peoples or those are not fit enough to trek.

First 8–9 km of the trek is easy, 9–14 km is a bit difficult because of the increase in altitude. Ghangharia is the base camp for all the devotees and travelers who want to visit the Hemkund Sahib Valley of Flowers. Here you’ll find a few hotels and a guest house with basic and budget facilities. Also, there is a gurdwara, helipad, couples of dhabas, and small restaurants where you can enjoy the evening with tasty cuisine. A few meters from Ghangaria, there is an intersection point where the Valley of Flower and Hemkund sahib trek joins.

Stepping into the Hemkund trek is a moderate steep trek. The Hemkund Sahib Trek km is 6 km which is the most difficult part of the whole Hemkund Sahib Yatra. The atmospheric pressure and less oxygen at 15000 ft make it harder. So it is advised to take small steps during the 2nd part of the trek and don’t hurry to reach early. Take a pause during the trek, after every 500m or 1000m trek.

Activities to explore in Hemkund Sahib | Things to do near Hemkund Sahib

Trekking: It covers total 20 km trek distance from Govindghat to Hemkund sahib, those who love doing moderate trekking and are physically fit, will love to explore this trek for sure.

Pilgrimage: Hemkund sahib is one of the most revered Sikh Gurudwara in Uttarakhand and thousands of devotees visit every year to take blessings. Hemkund Sahib sleeps under thick blanket of snow during winters and can be visited only in summers. One can take a dip in Holy water of Hemkund Lake as blessings.

Nature Photography : Hemkund Sahib is around 4329 m above the sea level , on the way to trek , tourist can capture many amazing scenic beauties of Nature, Glaciers, water falls, Villages, Natural offbeat ways, Himalayan peaks etc.

Places to explore near Hemkund Sahib | Famous Tourist attractions near Hemkund Sahib

Situated at an altitude of around 4,329 m, on the bank of the pristine Hemkund Lake. One of the most revered Sikh shrines, Hemkund Sahib draws thousands of pilgrims and devotees every year.If you are planning to visit Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, you can add on famous nearby places in your journey to explore great experience in Badrinath valley. Few of places are:

1. Govindghat Town
2. Badrinath Dham Temple
3. Vasudhara Fall Trek
4. Auli
5. Joshimath
6. Valley of Flowers
7. Hemkund Sahib
8. Ghangharia Village
9. Vishnuprayag

Hemkund Sahib Yatra Travel Tips

 The Hemkund Sahib trek is a popular pilgrimage destination in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trek to Hemkund Sahib:

Route: The Hemkund Sahib trek typically begins in the town of Gobindghat, which is located on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. From Gobindghat, the trek follows a well-marked trail that passes through lush green forests, alpine meadows, and streams before reaching Hemkund Sahib.

Distance and Duration: The total distance of the Hemkund Sahib trek is approximately 42 kilometers (both sides), and it typically takes around 5 to 6 days to complete the trek.

Difficulty: The Hemkund Sahib trek is considered to be a moderate to challenging trek, with steep inclines, rocky terrain, and high-altitude conditions. However, with proper preparation and acclimatization, most people should be able to complete the trek successfully.

Accommodation: There are several guesthouses and camping options available along the trail, as well as several dining options where you can buy meals and snacks.

Permits and Regulations: Indian nationals do not require any permits to trek to Hemkund Sahib. However, foreign nationals may need to obtain a Restricted Area Permit from the Indian government. Additionally, trekkers are required to maintain the trail and follow Leave No Trace principles to help protect the environment.

Essential equipment and supplies: You should carry appropriate clothing, including warm layers for high-altitude conditions, as well as sturdy hiking shoes, a good quality backpack, and camping gear if you plan to camp along the trail. It's also a good idea to carry a first aid kit, a water purification system, and a good quality map of the trail.

Physical fitness and preparation: The Hemkund Sahib trek requires a good level of physical fitness and preparation, as you will be hiking at high altitudes and navigating steep and rocky terrain. Before embarking on the trek, it's important to engage in a regular exercise routine and build up your strength and endurance.

Helicopter and Other services: Ponies and Palkies are also available if you do not want to trek or unfit to trek for any reason. Helicopter services for Hemkund Sahib is available from Govindghat till Ghangharia only. Afterwards, you have to trek to reach Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.

Advice: If you are planning to visit Hemkund Sahib then add one more day to explore World Heritage site, Valley of Flowers National park as both place covers same trekking route till Ghangharia. Ghangharia to valley of Flowers is 3.5 km and Hemkund Sahib is 5 km.