Last updated 7 Oct 2026
Updated 8 Oct 2026
How To Reach Hemkund Sahib
Quick facts
Location
Chamoli district
Trek
300 km from
To reach Hemkund Sahib in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, here’s a step-by-step guide:
By Air
Nearest Airport: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located about 300 km from Hemkund Sahib. From the Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Govindghat, which is the starting point for the trek to Hemkund Sahib.
By Train
Nearest Railway Stations: The nearest major railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. From the Station: You can take a taxi or a bus from either station. Haridwar is approximately 270 km away, while Rishikesh is around 290 km away.
By Road
From Govindghat: Govindghat is about 20 km from Joshimath and serves as the main base for your journey to Hemkund Sahib. From Joshimath, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Govindghat. Trek to Hemkund Sahib: From Govindghat, you need to trek approximately 6 km to reach Hemkund Sahib. The trek is well-marked and typically takes about 4-6 hours, depending on your pace.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is from May to October, as the temple remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Enjoy your pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib! It’s a serene and spiritually enriching experience amidst stunning Himalayan scenery.
Related Treks & Posts Hemkund Sahib Chamoli Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun Rishikesh Joshimath
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View Packages & Yatra OptionsHemkund Sahib is not a destination you can reach entirely by road. The practical journey is a combination of road travel and trekking: reach Govindghat by road, continue to Ghangaria, and then take the final high-altitude route to Hemkund Sahib. Uttarakhand Tourism currently describes Ghangaria as a popular trekking base and lists the Govindghat–Ghangaria trek at about 13 km. The official Uttarakhand yatra portal currently provides registration for Hemkund Sahib Yatra.
At a glance
Road access
Govindghat
Trek base
Ghangaria
Ghangaria altitude
About 3,050 m
Yatra registration
Check the official portal before travel
Understand the Route
Road Journey Reach Govindghat by road from the lower parts of Uttarakhand. Govindghat is the practical road-access point for the trek.
Trek Journey From Govindghat, continue to Ghangaria. From Ghangaria, the route to Hemkund Sahib becomes steeper and reaches much higher altitude.
Govindghat to Ghangaria
Uttarakhand Tourism currently lists the trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria at about 13 km. Ghangaria is around 3,050 m and is the main base for travellers heading towards Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers. Plan this as a proper trekking day rather than treating it as a short walk after a long road journey.
Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib
The final climb from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is the more demanding part of the journey because of the steep terrain and altitude. Give yourself enough time, start early and do not rush the climb. Exact route conditions and access arrangements can change by season, so check the current local instructions before starting.
Registration Before Travel
Register before the yatra: The official Uttarakhand portal currently provides online registration for Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib Yatra.
<strong>Carry the registration letter:</strong> The official portal says pilgrims should download and carry the Yatra Registration Letter.
Carry ID: Keep valid personal identification with you.
Check current instructions: Registration, verification and access arrangements can change by season.
What to Carry
<strong>Warm layer:</strong> Temperatures can be very different from the plains.
Rain protection: Weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Water and snacks: Keep basic supplies with you for the trek.
<strong>Walking shoes:</strong> Use footwear suitable for a long mountain route.
Medicines: Carry any prescribed medicines you need.
Combine With Valley of Flowers
Ghangaria is also the base for the Valley of Flowers. If you want to visit both, plan the itinerary around the time needed for each route rather than trying to fit everything into one rushed day.
What the journey really looks like
Hemkund Sahib journey stages
| Topic | What to know | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh/Haridwar → Govindghat | Long mountain-road journey | Allow a full travel day; road times vary |
| Govindghat → Ghangaria | About 13 km in the current Tourist Care route | Trek, mule/palki or limited helicopter options may be available |
| Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib | About 5–6 km depending on the official source used | Steep high-altitude ascent; plan the return the same day |
| Hemkund → Ghangaria | Descend after darshan | No sleeping arrangement at Hemkund; return to Ghangaria |
Opening season, snow and current registration
Hemkund pre-departure checklist
Registration: Complete the official Uttarakhand Yatra registration.
<strong>Documents:</strong> Carry the Yatra Registration Letter and valid identification.
Season: Confirm the current opening/closing dates before booking transport.
Weather: Check the forecast and local route advisory before the trek.
<strong>Altitude:</strong> Take the high-altitude final climb seriously and pace yourself.
Return: Plan the descent to Ghangaria; there is no overnight stay at Hemkund.
Altitude, snow and safety
Important safety considerations
High altitude
Hemkund is above 15,000 ft. Do not treat the final ascent as an ordinary short walk.
Snow and cold
Conditions at the shrine can be dramatically colder than the lower valley. Carry warm and waterproof layers.
Start early
Keep enough daylight and energy for the return to Ghangaria.
Know when to stop
If you feel seriously unwell at altitude, stop and seek local medical help rather than pushing on.