Hemkund Sahib Trek
A steep climb from Ghangaria to a glacial lake and gurdwara considered one of Sikhism's most important high-altitude pilgrimage sites, often combined with the Valley of Flowers.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Hemkund Sahib Trek Trek Overview
A steep climb from Ghangaria to a glacial lake and gurdwara considered one of Sikhism's most important high-altitude pilgrimage sites, often combined with the Valley of Flowers.
Distance, route & access
Distances depend on route variant and may not include road transfers.
Recorded start: Govindghat / Ghangaria · Estimated trip duration: 2 days. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Elevation by published trail milestone
Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib
These are elevations reported for named stages on one particular route. Connecting lines show milestone order only; the horizontal spacing is not walking distance and changes between stages are not a measured terrain profile.
See altitude for each trail stage
| Milestone | Elevation |
|---|---|
| 1Ghangaria | 10,007 ft |
| 2Hemkund Sahib | 14,203 ft |
Route variant: Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib. Ghangaria altitude sourced separately from Uttarakhand Tourism: https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/ghangaria . Hemkund altitudes differ among publications; use the linked destination page.
A measured GPS distance/elevation profile is not yet available for this route. This graphic is for comparing stage heights, not navigation.
Hemkund Sahib Trek Trek Planning Guide
Hemkund Sahib Trek is a moderate trek in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand. Panth records the route as approximately 19 km over 2 days, reaching a maximum elevation of 14,200 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Hemkund Sahib Trek
The Panth catalogue currently lists Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
The current Panth itinerary contains 2 planned days, including Govindghat to Ghangaria and Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
No advance permit is recorded; local fees or permissions may still apply. The recorded base location is Govindghat / Ghangaria, and the nearest listed rail connection is Rishikesh (via Haridwar), then a road journey to Govindghat. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A moderate rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Hemkund Sahib Trek. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including Trail closes completely outside the June-September window due to snow — confirm current opening dates before travel and Altitude gain on the final stretch is rapid; pace yourself even though the path is well paved. The current packing notes include Warm layer — Hemkund sits above 14,000 ft and stays cold even in summer, Comfortable shoes for the steep paved sections. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Uttarakhand
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Hemkund Sahib Trek with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Day-by-day itinerary
Shared approach trail with the Valley of Flowers, alongside the Pushpawati river.
Steep paved climb to the lake and gurdwara, then descend the same day.
Safety notes
- Trail closes completely outside the June-September window due to snow — confirm current opening dates before travel
- Altitude gain on the final stretch is rapid; pace yourself even though the path is well paved
What to pack
- Warm layer — Hemkund sits above 14,000 ft and stays cold even in summer
- Comfortable shoes for the steep paved sections
Frequently asked questions about Hemkund Sahib Trek
Where is Hemkund Sahib Trek located?
Hemkund Sahib Trek is listed in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, within the Uttarakhand trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Hemkund Sahib Trek trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Moderate. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Hemkund Sahib Trek?
Panth currently lists Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Hemkund Sahib Trek?
No advance permit is currently recorded, although local entry fees or rules may still apply.
How long is the Hemkund Sahib Trek trek?
The catalogue records 2 days and approximately 19 km. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.