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Hemkund Sahib Trek
Photo by Rajat Agarwal on Pexels

Trekking · Uttarakhand

Hemkund Sahib Trek

moderate5 days / 4 nights

Duration

5 days / 4 nights

Price

6,500

Group size

1–20

Best time

Nearest city: JoshimathAltitude: 4632m

A pilgrimage trek to the world highest gurudwara at 4,632m, set beside a pristine glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, often combined with the Valley of Flowers.

Highlights

  • Visit Sri Hemkund Sahib - the highest gurudwara in the world at 4,632m
  • Holy dip in the pristine Hemkund Lake surrounded by seven peaks
  • Combine with Valley of Flowers trek (4 km from Ghangaria)

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Drive Rishikesh to Joshimath (250 km, 9 hrs)

    Day 1: Drive Rishikesh to Joshimath (250 km, 9 hrs)

  2. Day 2: Drive Joshimath to Govindghat; trek to Ghangaria (13 km, 6-8

    Day 2: Drive Joshimath to Govindghat; trek to Ghangaria (13 km, 6-8 hrs)

  3. Day 3: Trek Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (6 km, 4-5 hrs ascent); retu

    Day 3: Trek Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (6 km, 4-5 hrs ascent); return to Ghangaria

  4. Day 4: Trek to Valley of Flowers (3.5 km one-way, 4-5 hrs); return

    Day 4: Trek to Valley of Flowers (3.5 km one-way, 4-5 hrs); return to Ghangaria

  5. Day 5: Trek Ghangaria to Govindghat; drive back to Joshimath/Rishik

    Day 5: Trek Ghangaria to Govindghat; drive back to Joshimath/Rishikesh

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in Ghangaria (GMVN guesthouse or gurudwara)
  • Meals during trek
  • Experienced guide
  • All permits and entry fees

Exclusions

  • Personal gear
  • Pony/palki for Hemkund Sahib section
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses

Safety guidelines

  1. The 6 km Hemkund section gains 1,580m - one of the steepest in the Himalayas
  2. Acute altitude sickness risk at 4,632m - acclimatize at Ghangaria (3,049m)
  3. Open only June to October - weather can change rapidly
  4. Carry rain gear, warm layers, sun protection
  5. Government hotel booking recommended during peak pilgrimage season