What is Hemkund Sahib?
Hemkund Sahib is one of the holiest Sikh shrines in the world, located at 4,329 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The name comes from two Sanskrit words – Hem (snow) and Kund (bowl), meaning “The Lake of Snow.”
It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated here in a previous lifetime. The Gurudwara sits beside a sacred glacial lake, surrounded by seven snow-capped Himalayan peaks, making it one of the most breathtaking pilgrimage sites in India.
Hemkund Sahib is also considered the 5th Dham of Uttarakhand and holds deep significance for both Sikh and Hindu pilgrims. A small Laxman Mandir (temple of Lord Laxman) also stands on the shores of Hemkund Lake.
Hemkund Sahib Opening & Closing Date 2026
This is the most searched question – here is the officially confirmed information:
| Detail | Date / Info |
| Opening Date (Official) | 23 May 2026 at 12:00 Noon |
| Announced by | Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust (confirmed in meeting with Uttarakhand Chief Secretary) |
| Closing Date | 10 October 2026 |
| Morning Darshan | 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM (confirm closer to visit) |
| Midday Break | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Kapat closed) |
| Evening Darshan | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM (confirm closer to visit) |
Tips- Darshan timings are approximate and may vary. Always confirm exact timings with the Hemkund Sahib Management Trust or at hemkunt.in before your visit.
The Gurudwara S opens for only 4 to 5 months every year due to heavy Himalayan snowfall. After heavy snowfall sets in around October, the shrine closes until the following May.
Hemkund Sahib Yatra Registration 2026
Registration is 100% mandatory and completely FREE for all pilgrims.
How to Register:
- Online – Visit registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Mobile App – Download Tourist Care Uttarakhand on Android or iOS
- WhatsApp – Send “Yatra” to +91-8394833833
- Toll-Free Helpline – Call 0135-1364 for registration assistance
- Offline Counters – Available at Haridwar, Rishikesh & Dehradun (open from 15 April 2026)
Documents Required:
- Aadhaar Card or valid Government-issued photo ID
- Active mobile number for OTP verification
- Medical fitness certificate (recommended for senior citizens)
What You Get: A Yatra Registration Letter with a QR code – carry it digitally or printed throughout your journey. It will be scanned at checkpoints and is mandatory for helicopter booking.
Tips – Over 1.26 lakh registrations were completed on the first day of Char Dham registration opening in 2026. Register early to avoid delays. Registration opened 06 March 2026; offline counters open from 15 April 2026.
How to Reach Hemkund Sahib from Haridwar
Most pilgrims start their yatra from Haridwar – The perfect base for all Uttarakhand pilgrimages.
Route: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Govindghat → Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib
| Stretch | Distance |
| Haridwar to Govindghat | 270 km by road |
| Govindghat to Ghangaria | 13 km trek |
| Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib | 6 km trek |
| Total Trek (one way) | 19 km |
– Over 1.26 lakh registrations were completed on the first day of Char Dham registration opening in 2026. Register early to avoid delays. Registration opened 06 March 2026; offline counters open from 15 April 2026.
Trek Route & Difficulty
Part 1. Govindghat to Ghangaria (13 km): Easy to moderate. Well-marked trail with wayside tea stalls, waterfalls, and rhododendron forests. Ponies and porters available. Most pilgrims complete this in 4–5 hours.
Part 2. Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (6 km): This is the tough part. Steep climb, thin air, and low oxygen at 4,300+ meters. Take small steps. Never rush. Rest every 500 meters if needed. Pony/palki service available.
Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Tip – Stay at Ghangaria for at least one night before the final climb. This is essential for altitude acclimatization and greatly reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
Hemkund Sahib by Helicopter
Not able to do the full trek? Official helicopter service is available.
| Detail | Info |
| Route | Govindghat to Ghangaria (one way 8 min) |
| Official Base Price (IRCTC) | ₹10,080 per person (round trip) – Govindghat to Ghangaria |
| Convenience Fee (IRCTC) | ₹300 per person (round trip) + 18% GST |
| Booking Portal (Official Only) | heliyatra.irctc.co.in (avoid all third-party fraud sites) |
| After Landing | 6 km trek still required to reach the Gurudwara from (Ghangaria) |
| Registration Mandatory? | Yes – complete Yatra registration before booking helicopter |
| Best For | Senior citizens, elderly pilgrims, families, those with healthy conditions |
Tip – The official helicopter price is ₹10,080 (base fare) + ₹300 convenience fee + 18% GST per person for a round trip (Govindghat–Ghangaria), as set by the Uttarakhand Government via IRCTC. Book ONLY at heliyatra.irctc.co.in to avoid cyber fraud.
Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib
| Month | Weather | Our Suggestion |
| May – June | Cool & clear, more crowds, 10°C–20°C | Good for first-timers |
| July – August | Monsoon season, slippery trails, risk of landslides | Avoid if possible (best for Valley of Flowers) |
| September – October | Clear skies, fewer crowds, 5°C–15°C | Best for trekkers & peaceful darshan |
Tip – Best month: September thinner crowds, stunning views, comfortable temperatures between 5°C and 15°C. Book early as packages fill up fast.
Hemkund Sahib + Valley of Flowers
Here is the bonus most pilgrims miss – Valley of Flowers National Park is just 3–4 km from Ghangaria base camp.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the valley explodes with rare Himalayan wildflowers between July and September. If you are already at Ghangaria, adding one extra day to visit Valley of Flowers is absolutely worth it.
We offer Spiritual and Pilgrimage Tours Packages combined Hemkund Sahib + Valley of Flowers package from Haridwar – contact us to get a custom itinerary.
Can You Combine Hemkund Sahib with Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, and many pilgrims do exactly this. Since Badrinath Dham is located on the same highway as Govindghat, it is easy to add Hemkund Sahib to your Char Dham Yatra package.
We offer customized Char Dham Yatra with Hemkund Sahib packages from Haridwar fully private, adjusted to your group size and budget.
What to Pack for Hemkund Sahib Trek
- Warm woolens & thermal innerwear
- Waterproof rain jacket & windcheater
- Sturdy trekking shoes with ankle support
- Water bottle & ORS sachets
- Personal medicines consult your doctor for altitude sickness tablets
- Light snacks dry fruits, energy bars, glucose biscuits
- Walking stick highly recommended for all trekkers
- Yatra registration letter (digital or printed) & valid photo ID
- Cash no ATMs beyond Joshimath
5 Important Safety Tips
| Start light walking or exercise at least 2 weeks before your yatra |
| Spend one night in Ghangaria before the final climb do not skip this step |
| Never rush altitude sickness can hit anyone, even fit and young people |
| If you feel dizzy, breathless, or develop a severe headache descend immediately |
| Start descent from Hemkund Sahib before 2:00 PM to reach Ghangaria before dark |
| Carry sufficient cash no ATMs or card facilities available beyond Joshimath |
Book Your Hemkund Sahib Yatra Package from Haridwar
We are Explore Uttarakhand Holidays Best Haridwar-based travel agency specialising in Uttarakhand pilgrimages for families, groups, and senior pilgrims.
- Private vehicles – Haridwar to Govindghat and back
- Hotel bookings in Joshimath & Ghangaria
- Helicopter booking assistance via official IRCTC portal
- Char Dham + Hemkund Sahib combo packages
- 24/7 support throughout your journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Hemkund Sahib registration free?
Yes. Registration is completely free for all pilgrims via registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
Q. Is Hemkund Sahib registration separate from Char Dham?
No. Hemkund Sahib is included as an optional destination within the same Char Dham registration portal at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.
Q. What is the official Hemkund Sahib opening date 2026?
23 May 2026 at 12:00 Noon, officially announced by the Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust after a high-level meeting with the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary.
Q. How many days are needed for Hemkund Sahib Yatra?
Minimum 4–5 days from Haridwar including travel, trek, overnight acclimatization at Ghangaria, and return journey.
Q. Is Hemkund Sahib safe for elderly pilgrims?
Yes. With helicopter service available from Govindghat to Ghangaria, senior citizens can complete the yatra comfortably. Book exclusively via heliyatra.irctc.co.in to avoid fraud.
Q. Can I visit Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib together?
Yes. both share the same base camp at Ghangaria. Add one extra day to your itinerary for Valley of Flowers (best in July–September).
Q. What is the official helicopter ticket price for Hemkund Sahib?
The official IRCTC base fare is ₹10,080 per person for a round trip (Govindghat to Ghangaria). An additional IRCTC convenience fee of ₹300 per person + 18% GST applies. Book only at heliyatra.irctc.co.in.
Q. What is the altitude of Hemkund Sahib?
4,329 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level making it one of the highest Gurudwaras in the world.
Ready to Plan Your Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2026?
The yatra opens 23 May 2026 and packages are filling up fast.
For further details and assistance, please contact us on WhatsApp +91 7302245393
Waheguru’s blessings await at 15,000 feet. Let us take you there safely.
