Embark on a journey of spiritual awakening at Hemkund Sahib Yatra Opening 2024. Prepare for your pilgrimage as the sacred gates reveal themselves amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Hemkund Sahib Yatra, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, is a place of divine tranquility. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks, this gurdwara sits at an altitude of approximately 4,329 meters (14,200 feet), making it one of the highest in the world.
Beside the gurdwara lies Hemkund Lake, a pristine glacial lake whose crystal-clear waters mirror the snow-capped peaks, creating a mesmerizing sight. Pilgrims believe that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated at this spot in a past life.
Hemkund Sahib is not just a place of pilgrimage; it is also the starting point for the Hemkund Sahib Yatra, an annual pilgrimage that draws devotees from across the country. The yatra typically begins in late spring as the snow melts, opening up the trekking routes. Pilgrims come here to pray, find solace, and experience the serene and spiritual atmosphere of Hemkund Sahib Trek.
Hemkund Sahib Opening Dates 2024
The Gurudwara Committee Govindghat has announced the opening date for the Hemkund Sahib Kapat. This revered Sikh pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand will open its doors for Darshan on 25 May 2024.
The President of the Gurdwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, Narendrajit Singh Bindra, has informed Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Radha Raturi about the commencement of the Hemkund Sahib Yatra on the same date.
| Hemkund Sahib Opening Date | 25 May 2024 |
| Hemkund Sahib Closing Date | 10 October 2024 |
Hemkund Sahib Helicopter Yatra
Experience the convenience of a Hemkund Sahib Helicopter Yatra from Govindghat to Ghangaria, bypassing the trekking route. While this option offers a swift journey, it is important to note that the service is highly weather-dependent, particularly during the monsoon months of July and August. The flight duration is a mere 3 minutes, providing a quick and scenic aerial view of the landscape.
The helicopter service for Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib operates from Govindghat to Govind Dham (Ghangaria), covering a distance of approximately 13 kilometers in just 8 minutes. Each helicopter has a seating capacity of 5 passengers. Flights commence from Govindghat in the morning and continue until late afternoon. Return trips from Govind Dham to Govindghat also begin in the morning and run until evening.
Please note that helicopter trips are subject to weather conditions and operate regularly depending on the prevailing weather.
Hemkund Sahib Trek Information
Embark on the journey to Hemkund Sahib Yatra, a trek of spiritual significance and breathtaking beauty. The trek spans a total distance of 20 km from Govindghat and is divided into two parts: the first from Govindghat to Ghangaria, and the second from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib.
Govindghat serves as the starting point for the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib yatra, offering hotels, a gurdwara, and a small market. From Govindghat, the trek to Hemkund Sahib is 14 km long. Alternatively, you can drive to Pullna village to skip a 4 km trek. For those seeking to skip the entire Ghangaria trek, a helicopter service is available to drop you at the Ghangaria helipad, allowing you to continue your yatra from there.
The first 8–9 km of the trek is relatively easy, but the difficulty increases from 9–14 km due to the rise in altitude. Ghangaria serves as the base camp for all travelers and devotees heading to Hemkund Sahib or the Valley of Flowers. Here, you’ll find hotels, a guest house, a gurdwara, a helipad, several dhabas, and small restaurants offering basic and budget facilities.
As you proceed towards Hemkund Sahib, the trek becomes moderately steep. This 6 km stretch is the most challenging part of the yatra, with the altitude reaching 15,000 ft. The reduced atmospheric pressure and oxygen levels make this segment more demanding. It is advisable to take small, steady steps and avoid rushing to reach the destination quickly. Take breaks every 500m or 1000m to catch your breath and admire the beauty of the surroundings.
Things to Carry For Hemkund SahibTrek
Why risk a torn backpack ruining your trip? No one wants the hassle of dealing with a damaged bag. Before you embark on your journey, thoroughly inspect your backpack from all angles. If you have any doubts about its durability, it’s best to replace it. Your backpack should be spacious enough to accommodate all your essentials.
Consider packing floaters or sandals for easy mobility around your camp or hotel. Additionally, invest in high-quality trekking shoes that are lightweight, sturdy, and provide excellent grip. For treks exceeding 10 km each way, it’s advisable to purchase a new pair of shoes to ensure optimal comfort and support.
Make sure to pack a medical kit, woolen clothes, a couple of T-shirts and pants, a water bottle, a small torch, a waterproof or windproof jacket, a raincoat, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and cold cream. These items are essential for a comfortable and safe trekking experience.
