The Hemkund Sahib Yatra for 2024 will start on May 25 and end on October 10. Narinder Jit Singh Bindra, Chairman of Gurdwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, and Radha Raturi, Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, decided on this information during a meeting.
Snow covers the entire area, with depths ranging from 5 to 8 feet. About a month before the yearly pilgrimage starts, the army will work to clear the snow from the path, making it safe for the devotees to travel.
Emphasizing the importance of the pilgrimage, Bindra mentioned that it has great spiritual significance for devotees. Having confirmed the dates allows interested people to plan their visits. Bindra also encouraged pilgrims and others to make the necessary arrangements for their journey during this time.
According to the records, in 2022, a significant 2.4 lakh pilgrims visited the revered Sikh shrine. In 2023, the number of devotees making the journey decreased to 1.7 lakh. Pilgrims have to trek about 15 kilometers from Govind Ghat to reach Hemkund Sahib, which is located at an altitude of 15,000 feet. Because of the difficult weather conditions, many choose to take a break at Gangharia during their journey.
People who want to go on the pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib are advised to plan their journey carefully. They should think about the weather and the physical challenges of the trek. The journey to Hemkund Sahib is not only a physical trip but also a spiritual one. It attracts devotees from different parts of the country to this holy and peaceful place.
How to reach Hemkund Sahib?
Hemkund Sahib Yatra for 2024 By air
The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 320 km away. To get to the starting point of the trek, Govind Ghat, you can take a taxi or use other transportation options from the airport.
By train
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, around 273 km from Govind Ghat. From Rishikesh, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Govind Ghat.
By road
Govind Ghat is easily accessible by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to get to Govind Ghat. From there, you’ll need to trek to reach the holy shrine.
Trek to Hemkund Sahib
The trek begins at Govind Ghat. Devotees have to walk about 19 km to reach Hemkund Sahib. The journey includes beautiful landscapes and difficult terrains, making it a spiritually fulfilling experience.