Hemkund Sahib Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Hemkund Sahib Trek is a holy and pretty walk set in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, mixing thrill, faith, and the beauty of nature. At a height of 4,329 meters (14,200 feet), Hemkund Sahib is one of the tallest Gurudwaras in the world and means a lot to both Sikhs and Hindus. The walk starts at Govindghat, a small town near Joshimath, and moves to Ghangaria, which is the base camp for both Hemkund Sahib and the well-known Valley of Flowers. The path to Hemkund is about 6 kilometres from Ghangaria and is steep and hard, more so because of the high altitude. But the stunning views of snow-capped peaks, big waterfalls, and tree-filled woods make the climb worth it. Visitors are often struck by the calm blue lake next to the Gurudwara, showing the seven mountains around it. The holy feel, with the grand nature, makes it a strong visit for everyone.

In the warm months (June to September), the path is full of bright flowers and rich greens, loved by those who enjoy nature and those who take photos. While Hemkund Sahib shuts in winter due to a lot of snow, its short open time has lots of followers and walkers from all over the globe. The Hemkund Sahib Trek is not just a hard trip but a path of deep thinking and peace. Whether you look for a bond with the divine or a mountain quest, this trek gives a stay that moves the soul. With medium to hard paths and high air, it’s fit for those used to getting moving and who love to see the holy wonders of the Himalayas.

History of Hemkund Sahib

Nested in the high Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 4,329 meters (14,200 feet), Hemkund Sahib is a top Sikh holy place in the world. The name "Hemkund" means "Lake of Snow," and as it says, this cold lake is ringed by snow and pure nature. The past of Hemkund Sahib is deep in Sikh faith, mainly in the life and holy past of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. As per the Bachitra Natak, a piece by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, he sat and thought at a high place, like where Hemkund Sahib is now. It is thought that before he was born as Guru Gobind Singh, his soul sat and thought at this calm place in a past life. This holy link makes Hemkund Sahib a key holy spot in the Sikh past. Yet, the right place of this site was lost for years. It was not until the early 20th century that Hemkund Sahib became known. In the 1930s, a Sikh Havildar in the Indian Army named Sohan Singh found the place from the tales in the Bachitra Natak. Led by faith, Sohan Singh made the hard walk through the mountains and found where the Gurudwara is now. He was joined by other Sikh fans and heads, and they started to build a Gurudwara to honour Guru Gobind Singh’s past.

Building the Gurudwara was hard due to the extreme cold and the air. But the strong faith of the helpers finished the work, and Hemkund Sahib soon turned into a big place of pilgrimage. Over the years, the Gurudwara has been kept by the Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, which looks after it and helps the many who visit each year. Hemkund Sahib is also holy to Hindus. It is said to be where Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, thought after being hurt in a fight. A temple for Lakshmana stands near the Gurudwara, showing the holy mix of the place. Hemkund Sahib is open to visitors just for a few months each year, mostly from June to early October, as the area is full of snow in winter. During its open time, fans make a steep 6-kilometre walk from Ghangaria, a base village that also serves the Valley of Flowers walkers. The story of Hemkund Sahib is not just about finding faith; it is a tale of faith, hard work, and the forever bond between man and the holy. Its holy feel, with the stunning Himalayas, makes it a loved place that keeps lifting and moving all who walk there.

Nearby Places to Visit Around Hemkund Sahib

• Valley of Flowers: Close by, after a short walk from Ghangaria, the Valley of Flowers is a world site known for its bright wild flower fields. It comes alive with colour in July and August, drawing in people who love plants, the outdoors, and photographers. If you're walking to Hemkund Sahib, adding this spot lets you see the true look of the Himalayas.

• Ghangaria: Ghangaria serves as the start for walks to both Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers. It’s the last spot where people live on this path. Here, you get simple rooms, food spots, and a calm place wrapped by thick woods and fast rivers. It’s good for taking a break and getting used to thin air before moving up.

• Govindghat: At both the Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers, Govindghat is where the Hemkund Sahib walk starts. There’s a Gurudwara where many find peace before they begin their walk. It also has lots of basic needs like parking, rooms, and shops for walking gear.

• Badrinath: About 25 km from Govindghat, Badrinath holds a lot of meaning for Hindus. The temple, in honour of Lord Vishnu, sits amid great mountain tops and hot springs like Tapt Kund. Going here adds to the holy feel of the Hemkund Sahib journey.

• Mana Village: Just a bit away from Badrinath, Mana is the last town before the border. Known for its stories, places like the Vyas Gufa and Bhim Pul offer a peek into old tales. The old feel and deep local life here are well worth the visit.

• Joshimath: A key town, Joshimath, is a stop for many high-altitude walks and trips. Here lies the holy Adi Shankaracharya Math and Lord Badrinath's winter home. The town opens up to great snow views and is the way to Auli and more walks.

Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib

• June to Mid-July: This marks the start of the season to Hemkund Sahib, as snow melts and paths open. The weather is nice, with mild air and clear skies. People start to come in big groups, and the Gurudwara opens for all. The area soon looks lush and green, a great time for a visit.

• Mid-July to August: The best time to see the Hemkund Sahib and walk in the Valley of Flowers. The valley is full of bright and rare blooms. While rain might come, it only adds to the beauty. Still, watch out for slick paths and mudslides.

• September to Early October: After the rains, when the skies are open, the air crisp, and fewer people around. The area stays green and pretty, and walking is great. This is a top time if you like calm but still want the holy feel of Hemkund Sahib. The place closes in early October as winter starts.

• October to May: Hemkund Sahib closes in winter due to lots of snow and rough weather. The paths are not open, and the area is all snow. It's not safe to travel, with no open spots on the way.

How to Reach Hemkund Sahib

• By Airport: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, about 295 km from Govindghat. It links to big cities like Delhi and Mumbai. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Govindghat via Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Joshimath.

• By Train: The nearest rail points are Rishikesh (273 km) and Haridwar (290 km). Both link to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. From there, take a bus or taxi to Govindghat, going through towns like Srinagar and Joshimath. This road trip is around 10-12 hours, depending on the drive and road conditions.

• By Road: Govindghat, the last spot for cars on the way to Hemkund Sahib, connects well to major places in Uttarakhand and northern India. Regular buses and shared jeeps come from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Joshimath, and then it’s a short 25 km drive to Govindghat. Taxis are also there if you want a smooth ride.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Hemkund Sahib Trek from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.