Hemkund Sahib is an exceptionally sacred Sikh pilgrimage site, nestled high in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is a Gurudwara built beside a glacial lake, dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. Surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks, it offers a breathtakingly beautiful and deeply spiritual experience. Reaching Hemkund Sahib from Haridwar is a multi-stage journey, involving a long road trip to Govindghat, followed by a challenging multi-day trek.
Distance to Hemkund Sahib from Haridwar
The journey is long and demanding, typically requiring at least two days of travel and trekking:
- By Road (to Govindghat): Approximately 290-310 kilometers.
- By Trek (Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib via Ghangaria): Approximately 19-20 kilometers.
How to Reach Hemkund Sahib from Haridwar
There are no direct train or flight services to Hemkund Sahib due to its high altitude and remote location. The journey primarily involves road travel to Govindghat, which is the last motorable point, followed by a significant trek.
1. By Road to Govindghat (The Primary Leg)
The road journey from Haridwar to Govindghat is a long but picturesque drive through the scenic Garhwal Himalayas, following the route of the Alaknanda River.
- Journey Time: The drive from Haridwar to Govindghat typically takes between 8 to 12 hours, depending on the type of vehicle, road conditions, traffic, and the number of stops. Due to the long duration, an overnight halt is often recommended.
- Route: The most common route is via NH7 (previously NH58): Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Chamoli – Joshimath – Govindghat.
a. By Bus (Economical Option)
State-run and some private buses offer services towards Govindghat, particularly popular during the Hemkund Sahib Yatra season.
- Where to Find Them: Buses usually depart from the main Haridwar ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal).
- Operators: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private operators like Garhwal Motor Owners Union (GMOU) are common.
- Types of Buses: Mostly non-AC seater buses. Limited AC options are rare on this mountainous route.
- Journey Time: Expect the bus journey to take 10 to 12 hours or even more, due to multiple stops, mountain road conditions, and potential traffic jams. Buses typically leave very early in the morning (e.g., 4-7 AM) to cover the distance within daylight hours.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares for a non-AC bus from Haridwar to Govindghat can range from ₹800 to ₹1,500 per person.
- Pros: Most economical option.
- Cons: Very long and tiring. Can be crowded. Mountain roads might cause motion sickness. Bus services are highly dependent on the Yatra season and good weather conditions.
- Tips: Book tickets well in advance, especially during the Yatra season. Start very early from Haridwar to ensure you reach Govindghat before dark. Keep snacks, water, and any necessary medication handy.
b. By Private Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Flexible)
Hiring a private taxi offers the most comfortable, flexible, and direct way to reach Govindghat.
- Where to Find Them: You can find pre-paid taxi counters at Haridwar Railway Station or numerous private taxi operators and stands across Haridwar.
- Pros: Door-to-door service to Govindghat. You can stop for breaks, meals, or photos at your convenience. Ideal for families or groups who prioritize comfort and don’t want to rely on fixed bus schedules.
- Cons: The most expensive road transport option.
- Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi from Haridwar to Govindghat can cost anywhere from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the car type (sedan, SUV), the service provider, inclusions (tolls, driver allowances), and the season.
- Tips: Book from reputable taxi services. Clearly negotiate the fare beforehand, confirming all inclusions. An experienced driver familiar with mountain roads is crucial for this long and challenging journey.
c. Self-Drive (For Highly Experienced Mountain Drivers)
Self-driving to Govindghat is an option for highly adventurous travelers with substantial experience driving in the Himalayas.
- Pros: Complete freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.
- Cons: Extremely long and tiring drive, often requiring an overnight halt. Mountain roads can be challenging, narrow, and prone to landslides during monsoon or snow in winter. Parking in Govindghat can be limited.
- Tips: Ensure your vehicle is perfectly maintained. Carry all necessary documents, a spare tire, and a basic toolkit. Start extremely early. Check weather and real-time road conditions before and during your journey, as sections can close due to landslides. Driving at night on these roads is highly unadvisable.
2. From Govindghat to Ghangaria (The First Trekking Leg)
Ghangaria is the base camp for both Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers. It is a small settlement that offers basic accommodation and facilities.
- Distance: Approximately 10-13 kilometers (the motorable road has been extended a few kilometers beyond Govindghat, reducing the trekking distance).
- Journey Time: This trek usually takes 4-6 hours on average.
- Modes of Transport:
- Trek: The most common way. The trail is well-maintained but involves a gradual ascent.
- Shared Taxi/Jeep: From Govindghat, you can often find shared taxis or jeeps that take pilgrims for the first few kilometers (e.g., to Pulna village), further shortening the walking distance.
- Pony/Mule: Available for hire from Govindghat (or Pulna) to Ghangaria.
- Porters/Doli/Palki: Available for hire for those who cannot walk or carry their luggage.
- Helicopter Service: During peak season and favorable weather, helicopter services might operate from Govindghat to Ghangaria, significantly reducing travel time. However, this depends heavily on weather conditions and availability.
- Pros: Options for different fitness levels. Scenic views.
- Cons: Can be tiring. Helicopter service is expensive and weather-dependent.
- Tips: Plan to stay overnight at Ghangaria to acclimatize to the altitude before proceeding to Hemkund Sahib. Book your accommodation in Ghangaria in advance, especially during peak season.
3. From Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (The Final Challenging Trek)
This is the most challenging part of the journey, with a steep ascent.
- Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers (one-way).
- Journey Time: This steep trek takes about 3-5 hours (one-way), depending on your fitness level and pace.
- Modes of Transport:
- Trek: The primary way to reach Hemkund Sahib from Ghangaria. The path is well-defined but very steep.
- Pony/Mule: Available for hire, but ponies are usually only allowed up to a certain point due to the steepness of the final ascent.
- Porters/Doli/Palki: Available for hire.
- Pros: Incredibly rewarding spiritual experience with stunning high-altitude views.
- Cons: Very steep climb, making it physically demanding. High altitude can cause breathing difficulties for some. The Gurudwara has specific closing times (e.g., around 2 PM), so you must start early from Ghangaria to complete the visit and return.
- Tips: Start very early from Ghangaria (e.g., 4-6 AM) to ensure you have enough time to reach the Gurudwara, spend time there, and return before it gets dark or the weather changes. Carry warm clothing, rain gear, water, and some high-energy snacks. Take frequent short breaks.
4. By Train or Air (Not Practical)
- By Train: Hemkund Sahib does not have a railway station. The nearest major railway stations are Rishikesh (RKSH) and Haridwar (HW). Since you’re starting from Haridwar, train travel is not a means to reach Hemkund Sahib.
- By Air: Hemkund Sahib does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which is approximately 296 km from Govindghat. While you could fly to Dehradun from other cities, there are no direct flights from Haridwar to Dehradun, and you would still face a very long road journey to Govindghat, followed by the trek. Hence, air travel is not a practical option for this route.
Important Considerations for Visiting Hemkund Sahib
- Yatra Season (Opening and Closing Dates): Hemkund Sahib is typically open only for a few months of the year, usually from late May to early October, as it remains covered in heavy snow during the rest of the year. For 2025, the Gurudwara is scheduled to open on May 25, 2025, and tentatively close around October 10, 2025. Always confirm the exact opening/closing dates closer to your travel time.
- Pilgrim Registration: Registration for the Hemkund Sahib Yatra is often compulsory. Ensure you complete this process (online or at designated counters) before embarking on your journey.
- Altitude Sickness: The high altitude can cause acute mountain sickness (AMS). Acclimatize properly, especially during your overnight stay at Ghangaria. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity immediately upon arrival.
- Weather: Weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable. Carry warm clothes, rain gear, and appropriate trekking shoes regardless of the season.
- Medical Facilities: Basic medical facilities are available in Ghangaria and at Hemkund Sahib during the Yatra season.
- Proposed Ropeway: The Indian government has approved a significant ropeway project (12.4 km) from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib (via Ghangaria), which will greatly reduce the trekking distance and time once completed. However, this project is still under development and not operational as of now.
The journey to Hemkund Sahib is a profound pilgrimage that combines spiritual devotion with the rugged beauty of the Himalayas. Proper planning and physical preparation are key to a successful and memorable trip.
