Delhi to Govindghat by road or rail (500-520 km), then trek 13 km to Ghangaria, then 6 km up to Hemkund Sahib. Total trek from Govindghat is 19 km. Hemkund Sahib opens for 2026 on May 25, 2026.
If you are planning how to reach Hemkund Sahib from Delhi, the route is straightforward but needs careful planning. The journey combines road travel, an overnight halt, and a serious mountain trek at 15,200 feet.
This guide covers:
- The full route from Delhi to Hemkund Sahib, step by step
- Road, rail, and air options with real distances
- Helicopter booking details
- Trek breakdown and key rules (including the 2 PM descent rule)
- Practical tips to make the trip smooth
No guesswork. Just the facts you need.
Delhi to Govindghat: Transportation Options
Govindghat is your basecamp. It sits roughly 500-520 km from Delhi, and this is where the motorable road ends. From here, you either trek or take a helicopter to Ghangaria.
Here are your three options to get there.
By Air (Fastest Option)
Fly from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. It is the nearest airport to the Hemkund Sahib route.
- Flight time from Delhi is about 1 hour
- From Jolly Grant, hire a taxi to Govindghat
- Taxi takes approximately 8-9 hours (roughly 250 km)
- Best for those who want to save travel time
This is the most comfortable option but also the most expensive.
By Train (Most Popular Option)
Take a train from Delhi to Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station (also called Rishikesh). Several trains run on this route daily.
- Train journey takes about 5-6 hours from Delhi
- From Rishikesh, take a shared taxi or GMOU bus to Govindghat
- Road journey from Rishikesh to Govindghat takes 8-10 hours (roughly 275 km)
- Budget-friendly and reliable
Book your train tickets early during the yatra season (May to October) as they fill up fast.
By Road (Most Flexible Option)
You can drive directly from Delhi to Govindghat or board an overnight bus from Delhi to Joshimath or Haridwar, then connect to Govindghat.
- Delhi to Govindghat via Haridwar and Rishikesh is approximately 500-520 km
- Self-drive or taxi takes 14-16 hours depending on stops and road conditions
- GMOU buses operate from Rishikesh and Haridwar to Joshimath regularly
- Govindghat is about 25 km further from Joshimath
Road conditions in the hills can change, especially during the monsoon season. Always check updates before travel.
Comparison Table
| Mode | Nearest Hub | Approx. Travel Time to Govindghat |
| By Air | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun | 1 hr flight + 8-9 hrs taxi |
| By Train | Yog Nagari Rishikesh | 5-6 hrs train + 8-10 hrs road |
| By Road | Direct from Delhi | 14-16 hrs drive |
All three routes pass through or near Rishikesh and Haridwar before climbing into the Chamoli district hills toward Govindghat.
Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib: The Trek & Helicopter Route
Once you reach Govindghat, the motorable road ends. The remaining 19 km to Hemkund Sahib is split into three clear stages.
Step 1: Govindghat to Pulna (4 km)
You do not need to walk this stretch. Shared taxis run regularly from Govindghat to Pulna village, covering 4 km of road.
- Cost is minimal and shared among passengers
- This saves time and energy before the actual trek begins
- From Pulna, the trekking trail officially starts
Step 2: Pulna to Ghangaria (9 km Trek)
This is the main trekking stretch. The trail is well-marked and passes through forests and mountain streams.
- Expect 4-5 hours of walking depending on your pace
- Mules and palkis (palanquins) are available for those who need them
- Ghangaria is the mandatory overnight halt for all pilgrims
- No pilgrim is permitted to stay at Hemkund Sahib overnight
Plan to reach Ghangaria before evening. Accommodation at Gurudwara Shri Ghangaria is available and is the primary stay option for most pilgrims.
Step 3: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (6 km)
This is the steepest and most demanding part of the journey. The trail climbs sharply to 15,200 feet.
- Trek takes 3-4 hours one way
- The path is rocky and the altitude means thinner air
- Start early, ideally before 7 AM, to give yourself enough time
- All pilgrims must descend back to Ghangaria by 2 PM
- Night stay at Hemkund Sahib is strictly banned due to extreme altitude and weather conditions
This rule is enforced seriously. Do not underestimate the descent time.
Helicopter Booking for 2026
The helicopter service runs only from Govindghat to Ghangaria. It does not go all the way to Hemkund Sahib. The 6 km steep climb from Ghangaria remains on foot regardless.
Key facts for 2026 helicopter bookings:
- Booking is available only through the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal
- Before booking, completing the mandatory Yatra Registration on the Uttarakhand Government portal is compulsory
- Round trip cost is approximately INR 10,080
- Slots fill up fast after the May 25, 2026 opening. Book early.
Do not book through any third-party agent or website. Only the IRCTC portal is official.
Where to Stay and Eat (Govindghat & Ghangaria)
There are no hotels, guesthouses, or any stay facilities at Hemkund Sahib. The top is a visit-only destination. All accommodation is at Govindghat or Ghangaria.
Govindghat
- Gurudwara Shri Govindghat offers free stay and langar (community meals) for pilgrims
- Parking facilities are available here for those driving from Delhi
- This is where most pilgrims spend their first night before starting the trek
Ghangaria
This is your base for the Hemkund Sahib day trek. Options here include:
- Gurudwara Shri Ghangaria – free accommodation and langar, the most popular choice
- Private budget guesthouses for those who prefer a room with more privacy
- GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) rest houses for government-rate bookings
Book GMVN rest houses in advance during peak season (June to September).
Food Along the Trek
You will not go hungry on this trail.
- Small dhabas and stalls are set up at regular intervals between Pulna and Ghangaria
- Common items: Maggi, parathas, chai, and packaged snacks
- Langar at both Gurudwaras provides free hot meals throughout the day
Essential Travel Tips for Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2026
- Altitude sickness (AMS) is real at 15,200 feet. Spend at least one night at Ghangaria to acclimatize before attempting the final 6 km climb. Do not rush.
- Pack heavy woolens regardless of the season. Temperatures at Hemkund Sahib can drop sharply even in July and August.
- Carry a raincoat or poncho. The route falls in a high-rainfall zone and showers can start without warning.
- Keep physical ID proof handy (Aadhaar card or passport). You will need it for Yatra Registration and at checkpoints along the route.
- The yatra season for 2026 runs from May 25, 2026 to approximately October 10, 2026. Plan your trip within this window only.
- Complete your Uttarakhand Yatra Registration before leaving Delhi. It is mandatory and free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the trek safe for beginners?
Yes, the Pulna to Ghangaria trail is manageable for most people with basic fitness. The Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib stretch is steeper and needs preparation. Start slow and take breaks.
Can we stay at Hemkund Sahib at night?
No. Night stays are strictly prohibited at Hemkund Sahib. All pilgrims must descend to Ghangaria by 2 PM without exception.
How difficult is the helicopter booking?
Slots go fast after the opening date. Log in to the IRCTC HeliYatra portal early, have your Yatra Registration number ready, and book as soon as slots open.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to reach Hemkund Sahib from Delhi is half the battle. The route is well-connected, the facilities are solid, and the Gurudwaras make sure no pilgrim goes without food or shelter.
Plan your transport early, register on the Uttarakhand portal before you travel, and respect the 2 PM descent rule. These three things alone will make your 2026 yatra smooth and safe.