Hemkund Sahib Trek: Distance, Route, Opening Dates & Valley of Flowers Combo

At about 4,300 m (14,107 ft), Hemkund Sahib is one of the highest gurudwaras in the world — a glacial lake ringed by seven snow peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas. Every year lakhs of pilgrims and trekkers make the climb, and many combine it with the UNESCO-listed Valley of Flowers right next door.

Hemkund Sahib trek at a glance

• Base: Govindghat (about 6,300 ft), near Joshimath on the Badrinath road
• Govindghat → Ghangaria: about 13 km (a short drive to Poolna first cuts a little off)
• Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib: about 6 km, steep, with roughly 1,300 m of climb
• Total: about 19 km one way from Govindghat
• Difficulty: moderate to difficult because of the altitude and the steep final climb
• Season: late May to early October (exact dates are announced each year)

Opening and closing dates

The gurudwara's doors open in late May once the snow on the route is cleared — in 2026 the first group of pilgrims reached Hemkund Sahib on 25 May — and close in early October before winter (around 10 October, depending on weather). Dates for 2027 will be announced in spring 2027.

The route, day by day

Govindghat to Ghangaria (13 km)

A beautiful walk along the Lakshman Ganga through forests, waterfalls and small dhabas. Most people take 6–8 hours. Ponies and porters are available. Ghangaria is the only base with hotels and the last stop for the night.

Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (6 km)

The tough part: a steep, stepped trail climbing about 1,300 m. Start early (by 6–7 am) so you're back in Ghangaria by afternoon — overnight stays at Hemkund aren't allowed. Take it slow, drink water and listen to your body at this altitude.

Registration

Like the Char Dham, pilgrims to Hemkund Sahib must register on the Uttarakhand tourism portal registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in (or the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app). It's free. Carry your registration and a photo ID.

Combine it with the Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers starts just outside Ghangaria. With one extra day you can see both: a day in the valley among hundreds of alpine flowers (best from July to mid-September), and a day for Hemkund Sahib. That's exactly how our trek is planned.

Valley of Flowers with Hemkund Sahib — 5N/6D from Haridwar/Rishikesh, from ₹7,979. See the trek →

Best time to go

• June: snow still around the lake — stunning, but cold.
• July–August: greenest, and the Valley of Flowers in full bloom. Monsoon rain can cause road blocks, so keep a buffer day.
• September: clear skies, fewer crowds — a great time.

Packing list

• Trekking shoes with grip, rain jacket/poncho and a warm layer
• Thermals for Ghangaria nights and the cold at the lake
• Water bottle, energy snacks and personal medicines
• Head covering for the gurudwara
• Photo ID and your yatra registration

FAQs

How many km is the Hemkund Sahib trek?

About 19 km one way from Govindghat: 13 km to Ghangaria and 6 km from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib.

Can beginners do the Hemkund Sahib trek?

Yes, with reasonable fitness and by splitting it over two days with a night at Ghangaria. The last 6 km is steep, so start early and go slow.

Can I stay at Hemkund Sahib?

No — you return to Ghangaria the same day.