Sikh Pilgrimage · High Altitude Trek · 3N/4D
Hemkund Sahib — World's Highest Gurudwara
Hemkund Sahib (also spelled Hemkunt Sahib) is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Sikhs — a stunning Gurudwara situated at 4,329 metres above sea level in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by seven snow-covered Himalayan peaks and a glacial lake (Hemkund Lake), it is one of the highest places of worship in the world. According to Sikh scripture, Guru Gobind Singh meditated at this location in a previous birth.
Our 3 night 4 day Hemkund Sahib tour package from Haridwar covers the entire journey — Govindghat roadhead, the 14 km trek to Ghangaria base camp, and the steep 6 km ascent to the Gurudwara at 4,329m. The package can be combined with Valley of Flowers (4 km from Ghangaria) and Badrinath darshan to make an extended 5–6 day circuit. With 48+ years of experience, Shivalik Travels manages every detail of this high-altitude pilgrimage.
3N/4DDuration
4,329mAltitude
20 kmTotal Trek
₹12,000Starting From
Jun–OctSeason
Package Options
Choose Your Hemkund Sahib Package
Standard 3N/4D Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage to extended circuits with Valley of Flowers and Badrinath.
Most Popular
Hemkund Sahib 3N/4D
Haridwar → Joshimath → Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib → back. All meals, cab, guide, permits included.
₹12,000 / person (twin sharing)
Combined
Hemkund Sahib + Valley of Flowers 4N/5D
Both Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers from Ghangaria base. National park entry included.
₹18,000 / person (twin sharing)
Full Circuit
Hemkund + Valley + Badrinath 5N/6D
Complete circuit: Hemkund Sahib + Valley of Flowers + Badrinath temple darshan + Mana Village.
₹26,000 / person (twin sharing)
Group Rate
Group Package (10+ Persons)
Special group discount for 10 or more pilgrims. Dedicated guide and vehicle. Same 3N/4D itinerary.
₹10,000 / person (twin sharing)
Book early: June–August slots fill up quickly. Hemkund Sahib opening date is announced by SGPC each year — usually late May or early June. We track the exact opening and confirm your departure date accordingly.
Package Details
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- 3 nights accommodation (Joshimath 1N + Ghangaria 2N)
- Daily breakfast and dinner throughout
- Private cab Haridwar–Govindghat–Haridwar
- Govindghat to Ghangaria trek (14 km, guided)
- Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib trek (6 km, guided)
- Experienced local mountain guide throughout
- All forest and national park entry fees
- 24/7 support and first-aid kit
Excluded
- Lunch at any point during tour
- Mule / palki / helicopter (available on extra cost)
- Personal trekking gear and rain gear
- Gurudwara langar offerings (optional)
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Costs due to weather/road closure delays
Mule and palki service is available from Govindghat to Ghangaria. Helicopter from Govindghat to Ghangaria (approx. ₹3,500–₹5,000 one way) is also available at extra cost. For the steep Hemkund Sahib ascent, mule service is available from Ghangaria as well.
Day-wise Plan
Hemkund Sahib — 4-Day Itinerary
Haridwar → Joshimath → Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib → Haridwar.
1DAY
Haridwar → Joshimath (~255 km, 9 hrs)
Early morning departure from Haridwar. Drive via Devprayag (Alaknanda–Bhagirathi confluence), Rudraprayag (Alaknanda–Mandakini confluence), Chamoli to Joshimath. Scenic drive along deep river gorges. Check-in hotel at Joshimath. Evening acclimatization walk around town. Overnight Joshimath (1,890m).
2DAY
Joshimath → Govindghat → Trek to Ghangaria (14 km)
Drive from Joshimath to Govindghat (20 km). Begin 14 km trek along the Pushpawati river to Ghangaria (3,048m). Trail passes through beautiful alpine forests and meadows. Trek takes 5–6 hours. Rest and acclimatize at Ghangaria. Overnight Ghangaria.
3DAY
Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib → Ghangaria (12 km round)
Early morning start for Hemkund Sahib. Trek 6 km steeply uphill (1,000m gain) to reach the Gurudwara at 4,329m. Pray at the sacred Gurudwara, bathe in Hemkund Lake (glacial lake surrounded by 7 peaks), and partake in langar. Trek back to Ghangaria by afternoon. Overnight Ghangaria.
4DAY
Ghangaria → Govindghat → Haridwar (~275 km)
Morning trek down from Ghangaria to Govindghat (14 km, 4 hrs). Drive back to Haridwar via Joshimath, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Devprayag. Arrive Haridwar by late evening. Tour ends with the blessings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
The Govindghat–Ghangaria trek (14 km) is mandatory — no road access to Ghangaria. Helicopter service from Govindghat to Ghangaria is available at extra cost. Those opting for helicopter on Day 2 can explore Valley of Flowers on Day 3 morning before the Hemkund Sahib ascent.
When to Visit
Best Time for Hemkund Sahib Yatra
Hemkund Sahib is open only from late May/June to October — plan your visit during this window.
May–June (Opening Season)
Gurudwara opens with grand ceremony. Snow still present around the lake. Exciting and spiritually charged. Less crowded on weekdays. Temperatures cold — carry warm clothes.
July–August (Peak Season)
Maximum pilgrim footfall. Valley of Flowers in full bloom (500+ wildflowers). Monsoon rains possible — carry rain gear. Book 2 months in advance. Best season for combining both pilgrim and nature visit.
September–October (Closing Season)
Post-monsoon clarity. Clear skies, stunning peak views. Fewer crowds. Good for photography. Valley of Flowers thinning. Gurudwara closes in October — confirm exact date before booking.
November–May (Closed)
Hemkund Sahib is completely closed due to heavy snowfall. No access possible. Govindghat to Ghangaria trail is under several feet of snow. Plan only between June–October.
Expert Advice
Travel Tips for Hemkund Sahib Yatra
Physical Preparation is Essential
The Hemkund Sahib ascent from Ghangaria (6 km, 1,000m gain) is steep and challenging at high altitude. Start light walking and stair climbing 3–4 weeks before. Those with heart conditions or severe knee problems should consult a doctor before booking.
Acclimatize at Joshimath — Don't Skip
Spending one night at Joshimath (1,890m) before ascending to Ghangaria (3,048m) is crucial. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common if you ascend too quickly. Drink 3+ litres of water daily and avoid alcohol the night before the trek.
Carry Warm Clothes + Rain Gear
Even in July, temperatures at Hemkund Sahib (4,329m) drop to 5–10°C. Carry a warm fleece, rain jacket, and thermal inner. Waterproof trekking shoes are essential — the trail gets wet and slippery during monsoon.
Carry Basic Altitude Medicines
Carry Diamox (acetazolamide) for altitude sickness prevention — consult your doctor before the trip. Also carry Dolo-650 for headache, ORS sachets, and bandages. Our guides carry first-aid kits but personal medicines are your responsibility.
Gurudwara Etiquette
Cover your head with a rumal (cloth) before entering the Gurudwara — available at the entrance. Remove shoes. The glacial Hemkund Lake is considered sacred — bathing is a spiritual act though the water is very cold. Langar (community meal) is free for all.
Common Questions
Hemkund Sahib Tour — FAQs
When is Hemkund Sahib open?
Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara opens in late May or early June (exact date announced each year by SGPC) and closes in October. The opening ceremony is on an auspicious date. Best time to visit is June to September. The Gurudwara remains closed from November to May due to heavy snowfall — no trek is possible in this period.
How difficult is the Hemkund Sahib trek?
The trek is in two parts. Part 1: Govindghat to Ghangaria (14 km, moderate, 5–6 hours) — wide trail along the river with gradual climb. Part 2: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (6 km, challenging — steep 1,000m ascent, 3–4 hours). The second part is physically demanding due to altitude (4,329m) and steep gradient. Mules and palkis are available on both sections for those who cannot trek.
Can senior citizens do the Hemkund Sahib yatra?
Yes, with assistance. Senior citizens can reach Ghangaria by mule or palki from Govindghat, or by helicopter (extra cost). From Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib, mule service is also available for the steep 6 km ascent. Many pilgrims in their 60s and 70s complete the yatra every year. We customize the itinerary and pace based on your physical condition — just inform us at booking.
Can Valley of Flowers be combined with Hemkund Sahib?
Yes, absolutely. Both are accessible from Ghangaria base camp — Valley of Flowers is a 4 km easy walk (1–2 hrs) while Hemkund Sahib is a 6 km steep climb (3–4 hrs). We recommend spending 2 nights at Ghangaria: Day 1 for Valley of Flowers, Day 2 for Hemkund Sahib. We offer a combined 4N/5D package at ₹18,000/person.
Is helicopter available to Ghangaria?
Yes, helicopter service from Govindghat to Ghangaria is available (approx. ₹3,500–₹5,000 per person one way). It is not included in the standard package price but can be arranged on request. The helicopter journey takes about 10 minutes vs 5–6 hours of trekking. We highly recommend it for senior citizens or those with joint problems.
What is the distance from Haridwar to Govindghat?
Haridwar to Govindghat is approximately 275 km by road, taking 9–10 hours depending on traffic. We depart Haridwar early morning (5–6 AM) to reach Govindghat by afternoon and then drive to Joshimath for the night halt. Govindghat is the base point from where the trek to Ghangaria begins.
Also Explore
More Uttarakhand pilgrimages and nature tours from Haridwar