Hemkund Sahib: History, Trek, Opening Dates, and Full Travel Guide

High up in the Himalayas, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and a peaceful blue lake, sits Hemkund Sahib, one of the most beautiful and spiritual places in India. Hemkund Sahib is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Hemkund Sahib is not just a religious site but a journey of faith, strength, and inner peace. It is also known as Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji, and it holds a special place in the hearts of Sikh devotees and nature lovers alike.

About Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is a place where the soul finds calmness and the body feels the strength of nature. The air is pure, the surroundings are quiet, and the location is so divine that even the most tired traveller feels blessed once they reach there.

The gurudwara is built beside the Hemkund Lake, which is formed by melting glaciers, and its water is ice-cold throughout the year. Devotees often take a dip in this holy lake, believing it washes away sins and brings spiritual purity.

What is special about Hemkund Sahib?

What makes Hemkund Sahib truly special is its connection with the tenth Sikh Guru – Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh Ji meditated here in his previous birth. The place is also mentioned in his autobiography, the Bachitra Natak, where he describes Hemkund as the land of snow where he performed intense meditation.

Because of this spiritual link, thousands of Sikhs travel every year to this sacred destination, no matter how difficult the journey is.

The gurudwara, managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), is a simple yet stunning structure made of white marble and grey stone. It is shaped like a lotus flower and perfectly fits with the natural beauty around it. When you sit inside the gurudwara and hear the peaceful prayers, surrounded by the sounds of wind and water, you truly feel close to God.

Which months is Hemkund Sahib open in 2025?

Hemkund Sahib is not open throughout the year due to heavy snowfall in winter. In 2025, the expected opening month for Hemkund Sahib is May, usually after the snow has melted and the path is safe.

The exact date depends on weather conditions, but it usually opens in the last week of May and remains open till October. After that, it is closed again for the winter season because the area becomes completely covered in snow and is impossible to reach.

About Hemkund Sahib Trek

The journey to Hemkund Sahib is not like a regular temple visit. It involves a tough trek through the mountains, which needs physical strength, patience, and willpower. The trek starts from a small village called Govindghat, which is around 275 km from Rishikesh.

From Govindghat, you travel by a shared jeep or pony up to Pulna village, and from there, you start your trek towards Ghangaria — the base village for Hemkund Sahib.

How many kilometers is the Hemkund trek?

From Ghangaria, the final trek to Hemkund Sahib is about 6 kilometers, but it is steep and fully uphill. In total, the Hemkund Sahib trek is around 12 kilometers one way, and the route tests your stamina at every step. The path is narrow, with sharp turns and stone steps, and oxygen levels are lower as you go higher. Many people find it difficult to breathe or feel tired quickly.

However, the presence of fellow pilgrims, helpful volunteers, and the chants of “Waheguru” keep everyone motivated. People of all ages — from children to elderly devotees — complete the trek with strong belief and prayers in their heart.

Though it is difficult, the trek is also filled with beauty. You walk through forests, waterfalls, and even spot colourful flowers along the way.

What You’ll See During the Trek

During the monsoon months of July and August, the nearby Valley of Flowers blooms with hundreds of rare Himalayan flowers, making the journey even more magical. Local helpers, pony services, and even palki (human carriage) services are available for those who cannot walk.

There are langar facilities at Ghangaria and Hemkund Sahib, where devotees are served free food. Eating this simple, warm meal after a long trek feels truly heavenly. There are also small rest houses and tents available for night stay at Ghangaria.

Visiting Hemkund Sahib is not just a trip – it is a spiritual adventure. It teaches patience, brings humility, and shows the power of faith. It connects you to nature and gives you time to reflect on life in silence. While the trek may be hard, the blessings you feel on reaching the gurudwara make every step worth it.

So if you’re planning your Hemkund Sahib Yatra in 2025, start preparing early, stay fit, and go with a peaceful heart. You’ll return not just with photos, but with memories of a journey that touches your soul forever.

End Words:

Hemkund Sahib is more than just a pilgrimage; it’s a soul-touching journey through nature, devotion, and self-discovery. From the tough trek to the peaceful gurudwara by the lake, every moment teaches strength, faith, and inner peace. Whether you go for spiritual reasons or to experience the beauty of the Himalayas, Hemkund Sahib will leave a lifetime impression in your heart.