Hemkund Sahib is a revered Sikh pilgrimage site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, nestled high in the Himalayas. Amritsar, in Punjab, is a major city known for the Golden Temple and serves as a common starting point for pilgrims heading to Hemkund Sahib.

This route is popular among devotees and adventure travelers who want to experience the spiritual journey along with the scenic beauty of the mountains. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib, covering trains, buses, cars, and trekking details.

Getting from Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and economical way to cover the long distance from Amritsar to the nearest railway stations before continuing by road. Trains are frequent and connect to major junctions near Hemkund Sahib.

• The nearest major railway stations to Hemkund Sahib are Haridwar and Rishikesh, approximately 280-300 km away, accessible via direct trains from Amritsar Junction (ASR).

• Train journeys from Amritsar to Haridwar or Rishikesh take around 10 to 12 hours, with fares ranging from INR 300 to 1500 depending on class and train type.

• Popular trains include the Amritsar Haridwar Express and Amritsar Rishikesh Express, which run daily or multiple times a week, offering both sleeper and AC coaches.

• Booking tickets through IRCTC is recommended, especially during pilgrimage seasons, to avoid last-minute unavailability and to secure preferred classes.

• From Haridwar or Rishikesh railway stations, you will need to take a bus or taxi to reach Govindghat, the base for the trek to Hemkund Sahib.

Bus

Buses are a popular option for budget travelers and pilgrims, connecting Amritsar to Uttarakhand towns closer to Hemkund Sahib. The journey involves multiple bus changes but offers scenic views.

• Direct buses from Amritsar to Haridwar or Rishikesh are available via Punjab Roadways and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, taking about 12 to 14 hours with fares between INR 400 and 700.

• From Haridwar or Rishikesh, frequent state-run and private buses run to Joshimath and Govindghat, the last motorable point before the trek, covering around 250 km in 8 to 10 hours.

• Bus frequency reduces during winter months due to weather; summer and pilgrimage seasons see crowded buses, so booking in advance is advisable.

• Night buses are available on some routes, allowing you to save daytime for trekking preparations and acclimatization.

• Be prepared for basic bus facilities; carry water and snacks as stops may be limited on hilly stretches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for groups or families. The route covers plains and mountainous roads, requiring careful planning.

• The distance from Amritsar to Govindghat by road is approximately 550 km, taking around 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route follows NH 44 from Amritsar to Jalandhar, then NH 3 towards Rishikesh, and finally NH 7 to Govindghat, passing through scenic towns like Dehradun and Joshimath.

• Expect toll plazas on the highways, and mountain roads near Govindghat are narrow and winding; driving during daylight is safer.

• Fuel stations are available along the main highways but become sparse near Govindghat; fill up in major towns before the ascent.

• Parking is limited at Govindghat; plan to leave your vehicle safely before starting the trek to Hemkund Sahib.

Trekking

The final leg to Hemkund Sahib involves a steep trek from Govindghat, suitable for physically fit travelers and pilgrims prepared for high-altitude walking.

• The trek from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib is about 19 km, usually completed in two days with an overnight stay at Ghangaria, a small village with basic accommodations.

• The trail is well-marked but steep and rocky; proper trekking shoes, warm clothing, and trekking poles are recommended.

• Altitude at Hemkund Sahib is around 4,329 meters, so acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.

• During the pilgrimage season (May to October), the path is crowded, and weather is mostly clear; outside this period, snow and landslides can block the route.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks, though small shops are available at Ghangaria; avoid littering to keep the area clean.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.

• Book your train ticket from Amritsar to Haridwar or Rishikesh via IRCTC at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred class and avoid last-minute rush.

• Upon arrival at Haridwar or Rishikesh, purchase bus or taxi tickets to Govindghat; local travel agents can assist with reliable options and timings.

• Plan to reach Govindghat by late afternoon to rest before starting the trek; overnight stay options are limited, so book in advance during peak season.

• Prepare your trekking gear, including warm clothes, sturdy shoes, and a small backpack with essentials; check weather forecasts for safe travel days.

• Start the trek early from Govindghat to Ghangaria, allowing time to acclimatize and avoid afternoon weather changes common in the mountains.

• On the second day, trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib, spend time at the shrine, and descend back to Ghangaria or Govindghat as per your schedule.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a photocopy of your ID and pilgrimage permits if required; police checkposts are common on mountain routes for security and safety verification.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey to avoid stomach issues; carry a reusable water bottle to refill at safe points.

• Book transport and accommodations well in advance during the Char Dham or pilgrimage season to avoid inflated prices and unavailability.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh for safe and fair-priced local travel.

• Pack light but include rain gear and warm layers, as weather can change rapidly in the mountains, especially during monsoon and early autumn.

• Respect local customs and the environment; avoid plastic waste and follow instructions at the shrine to maintain sanctity.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The ideal time to visit Hemkund Sahib from Amritsar is between late May and early October when the weather is pleasant and the trek is accessible. Winters bring heavy snowfall, closing the route.

Monsoon season can cause landslides and slippery trails, so traveling during heavy rains is not recommended. Early mornings offer the clearest weather and less crowded paths.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals in Amritsar like Baisakhi or Diwali due to heavy local traffic and accommodation shortages.

• Summer months (June to September) are peak pilgrimage time; book transport and stays early to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Fog and low visibility are common in early mornings during autumn and winter; plan trekking hours accordingly to ensure safety.

• Depart early in the day from Govindghat to maximize daylight for trekking and reduce risks from sudden weather changes.

Arrival at Hemkund Sahib & What to Expect

Upon reaching Hemkund Sahib, you will find a serene and spiritual environment surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. The shrine is well-maintained but basic in facilities due to its remote location.

Local transport options are limited beyond Govindghat; the final approach is only by foot. At Govindghat and Ghangaria, you can find shared taxis, jeeps, and buses for onward travel. Accommodations range from guesthouses to tents, mostly simple but clean.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available in Haridwar and Rishikesh but not near Hemkund Sahib. At Govindghat, it is advisable to arrange your return transport in advance. The trek ends at a high-altitude lake and the Gurudwara, where you can rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Hemkund Sahib from Amritsar is by combining train travel to Haridwar or Rishikesh, followed by a bus or taxi ride to Govindghat, and then trekking the final stretch. This route balances comfort, cost, and the spiritual experience.

Planning ahead by booking train tickets early, preparing for the mountain trek, and choosing travel times wisely will ensure a smooth pilgrimage. With the right preparation, you can confidently undertake this journey and enjoy the sacred atmosphere of Hemkund Sahib.