The yearly journey to one of the most esteemed pilgrimage sites has begun, as the sacred gates of Shri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara were opened and inaugurated with religious rituals, including the arrival of Panj Pyare on May 25th.
- The annual pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib starts in May and runs through October.
- The journey to Hemkund Sahib is a difficult pilgrimage with two parts: first, a 3 km hike from Govind Ghat to Pulna, followed by a steep 6 km ascent to Ghangaria.
- According to the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, around 183,000 pilgrims traveled to Hemkund Sahib in 2024, a strong turnout but lower than the record 240,000 visitors in 2019.
The official inauguration event was overseen by Narendrajit Singh Bindra, President of the Hemkund Gurudwara Trust, along with various other senior officials. Despite snow covering the area, the sacred shrine was opened with traditional ceremonies at 10 AM on Sunday, 25th May 2025, and more than 5,000 pilgrims observed the spiritual activities.
The start of the event included the recitation of Guru Ardas, devotional music, and sacred hymns. The journey was led by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), who represent Sikh spiritual guidance. Planning for the commencement began over the weekend to ensure the holy temple was prepared for visitors.
Ceremonial Flag-Off by Governor and Chief Minister
The official start of the pilgrimage was marked on Thursday when the initial group of pilgrims departed from the Govindghat Gurudwara on Lakshman Jhula Road in Rishikesh, carrying the sacred Nishan Sahib.
Uttarakhand Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the journey. The group stayed overnight at Ghangaria Gurudwara before starting their final trek to Hemkund Sahib, following the traditional pilgrimage route.
The next day, pilgrims chanted “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” as they arrived at the Gurudwara at an auspicious time.
Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib holds immense importance for Sikh followers, as it is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated. Renowned as one of the highest spiritual locations in the world, this shrine offers solace to thousands who undertake the challenging trek for spiritual fulfillment. Since Guru Gobind Singh is believed to have meditated at Hemkund Sahib in a previous life, the site remains sacred and highly revered in Sikhism. Every year, thousands undertake this arduous journey to seek spiritual peace.
Following the successful reopening in 2025, the temple is expected to continue receiving a steady stream of worshippers through the summer season.
READ MORE: Valley of Flowers Trek: Complete Guide
State Administration’s Safety and Environmental Measures
The Uttarakhand administration has implemented several safety and convenience measures for pilgrims. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been strategically stationed along the pilgrimage route to aid worshippers and manage potential emergencies.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a hassle-free pilgrimage experience. He expressed pride in Uttarakhand’s role in hosting pilgrims from around the world and highlighted the extensive preparation done to facilitate a smooth journey.
The Governor extended congratulations to the devotees, praising their dedication to faith. He emphasized that the pilgrimage is a symbol of unwavering belief and offered prayers for a safe and fulfilling journey. The region around Shri Hemkund Sahib is known for its rich biodiversity. CM Dhami emphasized the commitment to environmental preservation, vowing to make the pilgrimage plastic-free. Pilgrims were urged to follow eco-friendly practices and uphold traditions passed down through generations.
Acknowledgements and Future Projects
Governor Gurmit Singh thanked Chief Minister Dhami and the administration for their preparations and hospitality, highlighting the state’s adherence to the philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God).
He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritizing the Hemkund Sahib and Kedarnath ropeway projects.
CM Dhami urged pilgrims to show respect towards Army personnel during their journey to Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib, acknowledging their role in ensuring the safety of travelers. So far, more than 1.1 million devotees have taken part in the Char Dham Yatra, as mentioned during the Hemkund Sahib flag-off event in Rishikesh.
Helicopter and Medical Services in Operation
In addition to the 19 km trek from Govindghat, pilgrims now have the option to take helicopter rides to the shrine. Helicopter services between Govindghat and Ghangaria are now operational, reducing travel time. However, the final 6 km stretch from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib still requires a steep hike on foot.
Due to the high altitude and difficult terrain, medical facilities have been established along the route. All pilgrims must undergo comprehensive health checks before starting the final leg of the journey. Authorities advise senior citizens, children, and those with respiratory issues to take appropriate precautions.
To ensure safety, SDRF and health officials have been deployed along the path. With large crowds expected this season, crowd control measures and regular surveillance are in place. Pilgrims are reminded to avoid littering and using plastic to protect the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region.
Valley of Flowers to Reopen Soon
The Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Hemkund Sahib, is also expected to reopen on June 1. This will offer an additional attraction for pilgrims and travelers looking to explore the Himalayan ecosystem alongside their spiritual journey.
Perfect Itinerary for Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib 2025
- Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath/Pipalkoti (253 Kms, 8 Hrs Drive)
- Day 2: Joshimath/Pipalkoti to Pulna (22 Kms, 1 hour Drive) | Trek to Ghangaria (9 Kms, 5 Hrs trek)
- Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers | Back to Ghangaria (10 Kms, 7 Hrs trek)
- Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (14 Kms, 9 Hrs) | Back to Ghangaria
- Day 5: Ghangaria to Pulna (9 Kms, 5 Hrs) | Drive to Joshimath/Pipalkoti (22 Kms, 1 hour Drive)
- Day 6: Joshimath/Pipalkoti to Rishikesh (253 Kms, 8 Hrs drive)
Places to explore nearby
Near Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, several notable places attract visitors, especially pilgrims and nature enthusiasts:
- Hemkund Lake: A glacial lake adjacent to the Gurudwara where devotees take a holy dip. It is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and is considered sacred.
- Valley of Flowers National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant alpine flowers and rare Himalayan flora and fauna. It is a popular trekking destination near Hemkund Sahib, best visited during July to September when flowers are in full bloom.
- Ghangaria Village: The last human settlement before Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers, located about 13 km from Govindghat. It serves as a base camp for treks to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers.
- Laxman Temple: A Hindu temple near Hemkund Lake dedicated to Lord Laxman, brother of Lord Rama. It is believed that Lakshmana meditated here to regain strength after a battle.
- Govindghat: A small town on the banks of the Alaknanda River, serving as the starting point for the trek to Hemkund Sahib and Ghangaria. It has a peaceful Gurudwara and essential amenities for pilgrims.
- Badrinath: About 40 km from Hemkund Sahib, Badrinath is a sacred town with the famous Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra and offers spiritual and scenic experiences.
- Pandukeshwar: A spiritual site en route to Badrinath, with a temple dedicated to Lord Yogadhyan Badri, believed to be built by King Pandu from the Mahabharata
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