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India Today
26-05-2025
- India Today
Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2025: Travel guidelines and what pilgrims need to know
On May 25, 2025, the sacred doors of Hemkund Sahib were ceremoniously opened. The inaugural procession, led by the 'panj pyare' (five beloved ones) and gurdwara granthis, commenced from Ghangaria, the base camp in Chamoli district. Accompanied by devotional music from the Garhwal Scouts and Punjab bands, the procession reached the shrine around 10 a.m. Head granthi Milap Singh carried the Guru Granth Sahib into the gurdwara, initiating religious observances including recitations, kirtan, and a collective OF HEMKUND SAHIBHemkund Sahib is a prominent Sikh pilgrimage site associated with Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who is believed to have meditated at this location in a previous gurdwara is situated beside a glacial lake, surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each adorned with Nishan Sahib flags. Its serene and remote setting offers devotees a place for reflection and spiritual ROUTE AND TRAVEL TIPS The journey to Hemkund Sahib begins at Govindghat, approximately 275 km from Rishikesh. Pilgrims undertake a 13 km trek to the village of Ghangaria (also known as Govind Dham), which serves as the base Ghangaria, a further 6 km steep ascent leads to the gurdwara. The trek can be challenging due to the high altitude and rugged advisable for pilgrims to acclimatise properly, stay hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).advertisementHelicopter services are available between Govindghat and Ghangaria for those seeking an alternative to AND FACILITIESThroughout the pilgrimage route, security and assistance are provided by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police, especially at glacier crossings and other critical stays are not permitted at Hemkund Sahib; therefore, pilgrims are encouraged to begin their descent by 2 p.m. to return to Ghangaria before dusk. Accommodation options in Ghangaria include gurdwaras offering shelter, as well as hotels and ATTRACTIONS: VALLEY OF FLOWERSApproximately 3 km from Ghangaria lies the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its diverse valley is in full bloom during July and August, offering a vibrant display of alpine often combine their visit to Hemkund Sahib with a trek to this picturesque on the Hemkund Sahib Yatra is both a spiritual and physical are encouraged to prepare adequately, respect the natural environment, and immerse themselves in the profound serenity of this sacred site.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
Hemkund Sahib opens for pilgrims, over 4k trek to Himalayan shrine on day 1
Dehradun: The portals of Hemkund Sahib, one of India's most revered Sikh shrines, opened on Sunday, drawing over 4,440 devotees from around the world on the first day of the pilgrimage. Perched at an altitude of 15,200 feet near the Valley of Flowers in the Garhwal Himalayas, the shrine is linked to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who is believed to have meditated at the site in a previous life. The first group of pilgrims began their 6km ascent from Ghangaria, the base camp in Chamoli district, early Sunday morning. Led by the 'panj pyare' (five beloved ones) and gurdwara granthis, the procession reached the shrine and opened its gates around 10 am. To mark the occasion, devotional music filled the air as the Garhwal Scouts band and two bands from Punjab accompanied the procession. Head granthi Milap Singh led the sacred march, carrying the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, on his head from its winter abode to the gurdwara. The Indian Army ensured crowd management and maintained order along the steep and often treacherous route. The day's religious observances began with the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, followed by 'kirtan' (devotional singing) performed by Makhan Singh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo A collective 'ardas' (prayer) was offered around 12:30 pm. S Narinder Jit Singh Bindra, chairman of the Shri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust, welcomed the 'sangat' (congregation) and expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for clearing snow from the path and aiding access to the shrine. He also lauded state authorities for swiftly building a new bridge after the original structure at Govindghat was destroyed in a March landslide. Throughout the pilgrimage route, personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police provided security and assistance, particularly at glacier crossings and other critical stretches. On the same day, the nearby Lokpal Temple also opened its doors to devotees, further marking the beginning of the sacred season in the region.
