Shri Hemkunt Sahib in Hemkunt Sahib, Uttarakhand

About Attraction

About Shri Hemkunt Sahib

Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib (Hemkunt Sahib) is the world's highest Sikh pilgrimage shrine, resting at an impressive altitude of 4,632 meters (15,200 feet) above sea level in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. built on the banks of a glacial lake fed by alpine snowfields and enclosed by seven snow clad mountain peaks (Saptashring), this pentagonal star shaped Gurudwara is consecrated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, who according to the sacred autobiographical text Dasam Granth meditated at this exact site in his previous birth (as Rishi Dusht Daman).

Shri Hemkunt Sahib

A scenic and challenging 6 km mountain trek ascends steeply from the base settlement of Ghangaria, winding through high altitude dwarf rhododendrons, cascading waterfalls, and fields of wild Himalayan blue poppies and Brahma Kamal. Devotees reaching Hemkunt Sahib take a holy dip in the freezing crystalline waters of the sacred Hemkund Sarovar, attend soul stirring Gurbani Kirtan inside the heated sanctum hall, and savor warm langar and hot sweet tea before descending back to Ghangaria before evening mist rolls in.

How to Reach Shri Hemkunt Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is reached via an alpine trek starting from Pulna/Govindghat along NH 07.

Trek Route: Drive to Govindghat / Pulna (20 km from Joshimath). Trek 10 km to Ghangaria base camp (3,050 m). From Ghangaria, ascend the steep 6 km stone trail to Hemkund Sahib.
Alternative Transit: Helicopter services operate between Govindghat and Ghangaria helipad. Ponies, dolis, and porter services are available at Govindghat and Ghangaria.
Nearest Transit: Rishikesh railway station is 290 km away, and Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport is 305 km away.

Best Time to Visit Shri Hemkunt Sahib

Hemkund Sahib opens for pilgrims from late May / early June until October when snow conditions permit safe mountain passage.

Seasonal Climate Overview

Summer (June to July): Daytime temperatures between 8°C and 16°C. Snow corridors line the trail and the lake thaws completely.
Monsoon (July to August): Rare alpine flowers like Brahma Kamal bloom along the slopes. Rain gear and waterproof shoes are essential.
Autumn (September to October): Deep blue skies, clear views of the seven Saptashring peaks, and crisp cool days before the shrine closes for winter.