If you want to see a piece of heaven beyond the land of clouds, then you can step on the hilly roads of Uttarakhand. Seven sky-high peaks covered with silvery snow all around. In the middle is a calm, blue glacial lake. On its banks stands one of the tallest Gurudwaras in the world – Sri Hemkund Sahib. The journey of 2026 has already begun. Lakhs of people cross this arduous path every year for the attraction of this unique form of nature and spiritual peace.
Located at a height of about 4,632 meters above sea level, this holy land is an absolute wonder not only for Sikhs but also for common travelers. It is believed that the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh was in deep meditation on the banks of this lake in his previous birth. The architecture of this Gurdwara made of white marble stones is eye-catching. Ignoring the intense cold, pilgrims dive into the icy waters of the lake. Laxman temple is next to it. Anuj Lakshman of Sri Ramachandra is believed to have performed penance here during the Treta Yuga. As a result, a wonderful coexistence of devotion and nature has happened here.
How to start the journey?
The main thrill of this journey lies in its trekking. Govindghat is the main basecamp for this tour. From there, one has to cross 13 kilometers to reach Ghangaria. In addition to walking on this route, horse or palanquin arrangements will be available. The real test starts from Ghangaria. From there the distance to Hemkund Sahib is only 6 km but the road is very steep and impassable. But the surrounding mountain beauty makes you forget all the fatigue. Note, there is no overnight stay at Hemkund Sahib. So you have to start the descent by two in the afternoon.
When to go and how to prepare?
The doors of this temple are open from the last week of May to the first week of October. Due to heavy snowfall in winter, this route is completely closed. The weather in June is somewhat favorable. August and September are also considered to be the best time to travel. Mountain weather is always capricious. Even at the end of May, the journey had to be temporarily stopped due to rain. So it is important to complete the mandatory online registration from the government portal before going. Suitable warm clothes and raincoat must be carried.
How to reach?
If you want to come by air, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun. The distance from there to Gobindghat is about 268 km. If you want to come by train, you have to buy a ticket for Rishikesh, Haridwar. Govindghat can be easily reached by bus or taxi from Rishikesh by road passing Alkananda. Limited helicopter service is also available for emergencies. As a bonus with this trip, you can see the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Valley of Flowers’.
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