Looking for an unforgettable high-altitude adventure this summer? The Hemkund Sahib Yatra and Valley of Flowers trek in Chamoli, Uttarakhand is not just a pilgrimage, but a journey into the heart of the Himalayas—where divinity meets natural beauty. Starting June 1, 2025, the route opens up to travelers, trekkers, and devotees from around the world.
Whether you seek spiritual peace at 4,572 meters or want to walk through a UNESCO World Heritage floral valley, this guide will help you plan your journey step-by-step.
📍 Where Are Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers?
Located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, Hemkund Sahib is the highest Gurudwara in the world, situated beside a crystal-clear oligotrophic lake. The Valley of Flowers is a protected national park known for its rare Himalayan flora and stunning landscapes.
Both are accessible from the same base point—Ghangharia.
🗓 Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Opening Date for Yatra: June 1, 2025
- Ideal Travel Months: June to early October
- Avoid monsoon peak (mid-July) for safety and better views.
🧭 How to Reach Govindghat (Base Point)
Starting Point: Haridwar or Rishikesh
Destination: Govindghat (20 km before Badrinath)
Travel Time: 8–10 hours by bus or shared taxi
- You can board any Badrinath-bound bus and get down at Govindghat.
- Stay Options:
- Gurudwara dormitory (Free)
- Gurudwara rooms (₹1000/night)
- Homestays and budget hotels
- Gurudwara dormitory (Free)
Important: You must check out early (before 8 AM) as the trek to Ghangharia starts early and entry is not allowed after 1 PM.
🥾 Day 1 – Trek to Ghangharia (Start from Pulna)
- Pulna to Ghangharia Distance: ~10 km
- Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
- Taxi to Pulna: ₹50/person from Govindghat
- Entry Checkpoint: Provide name, address & emergency contact
No network after Pulna – inform your contacts beforehand.
On arrival at Ghangharia, you can stay at:
- Gurudwara (limited space, free food)
- Homestays / GMVN Guesthouses
Tip: Rest for the day—do not attempt Hemkund Sahib or the Valley trek on the same day.
🙏 Day 2 – Trek to Hemkund Sahib
- Altitude Gain: 3,000m to 4,572m in just 4 km
- Trek Duration: 4–5 hours (steep incline)
- Start Early: Before 6 AM
Key Tips:
- Take small, slow steps
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid unknown shortcuts
🏞 What to Expect
- Breathtaking views of the Hemkund Lake
- Sacred ambiance of the Gurudwara Sahib
- Tea and Khichdi langar at the top
- You can also take a holy dip in the freezing waters (changing rooms and towels available)
📌 Respect the sanctity of the place—it’s not a picnic spot.
Return to Ghangharia by afternoon (2–3 hours downhill).
🌸 Day 3 – Trek to Valley of Flowers
- Distance: 5 km (one way)
- Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
- Terrain: Moderate, follows Bhyundar River
- Entry Timing: Only before 1 PM
What to Carry:
- Water bottles and packed snacks
- No plastic allowed (eco-sensitive zone)
- Raincoat and trekking shoes
Experience:
- A surreal walk through meadows filled with wild Himalayan flowers
- Enchanting views surrounded by mist and mountain peaks
- Rare species like Blue Poppy, Brahma Kamal, and more
Spend a few magical hours in the valley and return to Ghangharia by evening.
🔁 Day 4 – Return Journey
- Start your trek back to Pulna in the morning (~6–7 km downhill)
- Take a shared taxi to Govindghat
- From Govindghat, catch a bus/taxi back to Rishikesh or Haridwar
⚠️ Important Travel Tips
| Concern | Recommendation |
| Connectivity | No mobile network beyond Pulna |
| Electricity | Frequent power cuts – carry a power bank |
| Weather | Keep sunscreen, moisturizer, and rain gear |
| Footwear | Use trekking shoes with good grip |
| Health | Prepare for low oxygen and cold conditions above 4,000m |
✨ Final Thoughts
The Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers trek is not just an adventure—it’s a spiritual and sensory journey. From the soul-stirring chants at 4,500 meters to the blooming valley straight out of a dream, every moment will leave you transformed.
If you’re planning this journey in 2025, bookmark this guide and share it with fellow travelers. Let the mountains call, and may your journey be safe and divine!
