Hemkund Sahib Trek

The Hemkund Sahib trek is a revered pilgrimage route in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It takes you to the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, a sacred Sikh shrine located at a high altitude. Here’s a sample itinerary for the Hemkund Sahib trek starting from Haridwar:

Day 1: Haridwar to Govindghat

• Start your journey from Haridwar early in the morning.
• You can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Govindghat, which is approximately 270 kilometers away.
• Check in to a guesthouse or hotel in Govindghat and rest for the night.

Day 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria

• Begin your trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria.
• The trek is about 14 kilometers long and takes 5-6 hours to complete.
• You can also hire mules or take a helicopter to cover this distance if you prefer.
• Ghangaria is a small village where you can find accommodation and facilities.

Day 3: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib

• Today, you’ll trek to Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine.
• The trek is about 6 kilometers long and is quite steep.
• Hemkund Sahib is located at an altitude of 4,329 meters.
• Spend some time at the Gurudwara, and if you have the energy, you can also visit the nearby Laxman Temple.
• Return to Ghangaria for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Ghangaria to Govindghat

• Descend from Ghangaria to Govindghat.
• You can either trek back or hire a mule or helicopter.
• Overnight stay in Govindghat.

Day 5: Govindghat to Haridwar

• Start your journey back to Haridwar from Govindghat.
• It’s a long drive, so plan for an early departure.
• You can reach Haridwar by evening.

This is a basic itinerary, and the actual trekking duration may vary depending on your pace and weather conditions. Make sure to check the local weather and trail conditions before your trek, and consider hiring a local guide for a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, you may need to obtain permits to visit Hemkund Sahib, so check the latest permit requirements before your trip. The trek is best undertaken during the summer months, typically between June and September, as the region is covered in snow during the winter.