Sacred 15,000-ft Uttarakhand Gurudwara needs 19-km Himalayan trek
Nestled in the breathtaking Garhwal Himalayas, Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib stands as a sacred destination for Sikh devotees. Perched at a height of 4,632 meters, it is encircled by seven majestic peaks and a serene glacial lake. Pilgrims undertake a challenging 19-kilometre trek to reach this holy site, which is currently enhancing accessibility with a new ropeway project.
Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib, a revered pilgrimage site for Sikhs, sits in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 4,632 meters. The gurudwara is surrounded by seven Himalayan peaks and a glacial lake, which were revered even before it became a Sikh pilgrimage site. The journey to the gurudwara is challenging, requiring a steep trek of nearly 19 kilometers, but a ropeway project is underway to improve accessibility.
The gurudwara is closely associated with the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who is said to have meditated there in a previous life. The history of the gurudwara dates back to 1934 when it was rediscovered and a small shrine was built. Today, pilgrims must trek from Govindghat, approximately 280 kilometers from Rishikesh, following a well-maintained 13-kilometer route to Ghangaria, followed by a 6-kilometer path to Hemkund Sahib.
The best time to visit is between May and October, when the pilgrimage season is open, and the gurudwara is accessible. Due to its remote location and the impact of heavy snowfall, the gurudwara remains inaccessible for most of the year. Visitors should check the official website for the annual opening dates before planning their trip.
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