The gates of the sacred Sikh site Shri Hemkund Sahib will open on 25 May 2025 and closed on 10 October 2025. If you didn’t get a chance to visit the holy site this year, get ready for the next one!
Hemkund Sahib is a revered Sikh pilgrimage site in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. The site is purely magical, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks and the Valley of Flowers. What makes Shri Hemkund Sahib the highest gurudwara in the world is its location, elevated at an altitude of approximately 4,329 meters (14,200 feet).
Beside the gurdwara is 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 past life.
The Hemkund Sahib Yatra is an annual pilgrimage that attracts numerous devotees from across the country. The yatra usually 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. It is altogether a blissful experience, something that cannot be expressed in words and must be experienced first handedly!
Hemkund Sahib Yatra Opening and Closing Dates 2025 for Travelers
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 2025. And the sight thereafter is beyond words, which cannot be described. In fact, it is something one must experience themselves!
Regarding the Shri Hemkund Sahib closing dates 2025, the sacred site will shut its door on 10 Oct 25 since the weather will become harsher. Thus, the pilgrimage concludes after five months as the weather gets worse, with heavy rains and thick snowfall covering the place.
| Hemkund Sahib Opening Date | 25 May 2025 |
| Hemkund Sahib Closing Date | 10 October 2025 |
How to Reach Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib?
Reaching Shri Hemkund Sahib involves a combination of road travel and trekking. Here’s a detailed guide:
1. Travel to Govindghat (Base Point)
- By Air – If you’re planning to travel by air, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is approximately 292 km from Govindghat, and you can either hire a taxi or take a bus there.
- By Train – About 273 kms from Govindghat, the nearest railway station is Rishikesh. Buses and taxis are available for Govindghat.
- By Road –
- If you’re traveling from Dehradun/Rishikesh, take NH7 towards Joshimath and proceed to Govindghat.
- Regular buses operate from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Joshimath.
2. Govindghat to Ghangaria
From Govindghat, you need to cover 4 km by road to Pulna, from where the trek begins. And from Pulna to Ghangaria is a 10km long trek with beautiful trails. Don’t want to trek? Ponies and porters are also available!
3. Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib
The 6 km trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is adventurous, as the trail is steep and challenging! You can also take it to test your physical fitness! If you are not interested in trekking, ponies are also available.
Hemkund Sahib Helicopter Yatra
Cannot climb the steep hills? Don’t worry—there’s an alternate option! 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 beautiful landscape.
Also, note that the Hemkund Sahib Yatra via helicopter is chargeable. Reservations are not necessary, as the helicopter’s availability is uncertain. Besides, tickets can be purchased on the day of travel.
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 begin 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 a journey of spiritual bliss and experience nature in its purest form with the Hemkund Sahib Yatra. The trek spans 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 is the starting point for the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Yatra, with 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 Sahib Yatra
Why risk a torn backpack ruining your trip? No one wants the hassle of dealing with a damaged bag. Before you start 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.
Don’t forget 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.
