Hemkund Sahib & Valley of Flowers Trek Guide
Hemkund Sahib is a revered Sikh shrine set beside a serene glacial lake at about 4,300 metres in Chamoli district, surrounded by seven snow peaks. The adjoining Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage alpine meadow famous for its carpets of rare Himalayan blooms. Together they make one of the most rewarding pilgrimage-cum-trekking trips in Uttarakhand, combining deep devotion with breathtaking natural beauty. The trek demands reasonable fitness and a few days in hand, but it rewards every step with alpine lakes, gushing streams and meadows few places on earth can match. Here is how to plan it from Haldwani.
How to Reach
From Haldwani, drive via Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli and Joshimath to Govindghat, the road head for both destinations. The drive takes about 11-12 hours, so an overnight halt at Joshimath or Govindghat is usual and sensible. From Govindghat, a shared vehicle runs the short distance to Pulna, from where the trek on foot begins.
The Trek
- Pulna to Ghangaria: About 9-10 km uphill; Ghangaria is the base village serving both Hemkund and the Valley.
- Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib: A steep 6 km climb to the gurudwara and the holy lake; ponies and porters are available for the ascent.
- Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers: A gentler 3-4 km walk into the flower meadow; entry needs a forest permit and it is strictly a day trip with no overnight stay inside.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1: Haldwani to Joshimath or Govindghat.
- Day 2: Drive to Pulna, trek up to Ghangaria.
- Day 3: Trek to Hemkund Sahib and back to Ghangaria.
- Day 4: Visit the Valley of Flowers, return to Ghangaria.
- Day 5: Trek down to Govindghat, drive towards Joshimath.
- Day 6: Return to Haldwani.
Best Time
Hemkund Sahib usually opens from around late May or early June to early October. The Valley of Flowers blooms best from mid-July to mid-August, which falls right in the monsoon, so be prepared for rain and slippery trails if you want the fullest bloom. September brings clearer skies but fewer flowers, so choose according to your priority.
Tips
- Carry a good raincoat, waterproof shoes and warm layers, as weather here is unpredictable.
- Acclimatise properly at Ghangaria before climbing to high-altitude Hemkund.
- Start the Hemkund climb early, as the lake area turns cold and misty by afternoon.
- Carry your forest permit, ID and cash; network is limited beyond Govindghat.
- Ghangaria has basic guesthouses and a gurudwara serving langar, so book or arrive early in peak season.
Because the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund are reached only on foot from Ghangaria, plan to spend at least two nights there so you are not rushing the climbs or the bloom. The road to Govindghat is long and demanding, so a comfortable vehicle and a hill-savvy driver are well worth it for this trip. To book your journey from Haldwani in an SUV, Innova Crysta or Tempo Traveller, contact Arjun Travels at +91 90844 04569 and we will get you to the trailhead rested and on time.
Planning this trip?
Book a clean, comfortable taxi from Haldwani with a professional driver — outstation, one-way or round trip, at transparent fares.