For many pilgrims doing the Uttarakhand Yatra, visiting both Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib in one trip is a dream. One is a Shiva temple deep in the Garhwal Himalayas. The other is a sacred Sikh Gurudwara sitting beside a glacial lake at over 4,300 meters altitude. Both are extraordinary. And yes, you can cover both in a single pilgrimage trip if you plan correctly.
At DistanceData, managed by Rohan, here is everything you need to know about the Kedarnath to Hemkund Sahib distance, route, and travel plan.
Kedarnath to Hemkund Sahib Distance
The Kedarnath to Hemkund Sahib distance is approximately 225 km by road, combined with trekking segments. Total travel time is around 7 to 8 hours by road, excluding trek and rest halts.
There is no direct road connecting Kedarnath to Hemkund Sahib. You first descend from Kedarnath to Gaurikund, then travel by road through Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Joshimath before reaching Govindghat — the base point for the Hemkund Sahib trek.
| Route Segment | Distance |
|---|---|
| Gaurikund to Rudraprayag | ~75 km |
| Rudraprayag to Karnaprayag | 35 km |
| Karnaprayag to Joshimath | 70 km |
| Joshimath to Govindghat | 19 km |
| Govindghat to Ghangaria (Trek) | 13 km |
| Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (Trek) | 6 km |
| Total Road + Trek | ~225 km + 19 km trek |
The Complete Route: Kedarnath to Hemkund Sahib
Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Govindghat → Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib
This route connects two of the most sacred pilgrimage circuits of Uttarakhand — Shaivism and Sikhism. The road passes through some of the most beautiful river valleys and mountain towns in the entire state. After the intensity of the Kedarnath trek, the drive through Karnaprayag and along the Alaknanda river feels genuinely peaceful.
One important thing to know — this journey cannot be done in a single day comfortably. Most pilgrims break it into two days, staying overnight at Joshimath or Govindghat before starting the Hemkund Sahib trek the next morning.
The Hemkund Sahib Trek: What to Expect
The Hemkund Sahib trek distance from Govindghat is approximately 12 kilometers one way. The trek begins at Govindghat, ascends through Ghangaria, and culminates at the serene lake and the Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib. Booking.com
Most travelers take a local taxi from Govindghat to Pulna, which cuts the trek by around 4 kilometers. The actual trail starts from Pulna, passes through Ghangaria, and then climbs steeply to Hemkund Sahib.
The final 6 km stretch from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is a steep ascent. This portion is more challenging due to the elevation gain and thinner air. However, the scenic views of snow-capped peaks and alpine flora keep your spirits high. Booking.com
Ponies and palkis are available at Govindghat for those who cannot trek. Start early in the morning — ideally by 5 or 6 AM — to avoid afternoon rain and crowd on the trail.
Hemkund Sahib: Key Facts Every Pilgrim Should Know
Hemkund Sahib is situated on the shores of the Hemkund lake at 4,320 meters altitude. It marks the place where Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, unified with God after prolonged meditation in his previous birth.
According to Hindu mythology, Hemkund is also known as Lokpal — the place where Lakshman did his penance. This makes Hemkund Sahib one of the rare pilgrimage sites that holds deep significance for both Sikhs and Hindus.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 4,320 meters (14,170 feet) |
| Trek Base | Govindghat (near Joshimath) |
| Trek Distance | 19 km one way from Govindghat |
| Trek from Ghangaria | 6 km steep climb |
| Nearest Town | Joshimath (19 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~270 km) |
| Open Season | June to October |
Kedarnath to Hemkund Sahib: 3 Day Suggested Plan
Since both involve serious trekking at high altitude, rushing this journey is not a good idea. Here is a practical plan.
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Morning darshan at Kedarnath, trek down to Gaurikund, drive to Joshimath, overnight stay |
| Day 2 | Drive Joshimath to Govindghat, trek to Ghangaria, overnight stay at Ghangaria |
| Day 3 | Early morning trek Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib, darshan, return to Govindghat |
Ghangaria has guesthouses and a Gurudwara where free langar is served. Staying here the night before the Hemkund Sahib climb makes the early morning start much easier.
Valley of Flowers — Do Not Miss This
Since Ghangaria serves as the common base for both the Hemkund Sahib trek and the Valley of Flowers trek, most travelers combine both. The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse alpine flora that blooms during monsoon season, located just 3 km from Ghangaria.
If you are already at Ghangaria, spending half a day in the Valley of Flowers costs almost nothing extra in terms of effort. It is one of the most spectacular natural sites in India and shares the same base as Hemkund Sahib.
Best Time to Visit
Both Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib are seasonal destinations. The travel window for this combined yatra is limited.
| Period | Conditions |
|---|---|
| May – June | Both open, peak pilgrimage season, book in advance |
| July – August | Monsoon, beautiful but landslide risk on roads |
| September – October | Best weather, clear views, moderate crowds |
| November onwards | Both close for winter, inaccessible |
September and early October is the best time for this combined yatra. Roads are clear after monsoon, temperatures are manageable, and the scenery around both routes is at its most beautiful.
Practical Tips
Carry warm clothes even in June — Hemkund Sahib sits above 4,300 meters and temperatures are cold even in peak summer. Keep enough cash as ATMs are only available till Joshimath. Carry your Aadhaar card as Char Dham Yatra registration is mandatory. If you are combining Badrinath as well, Govindghat is on the Badrinath highway — making it easy to continue there after Hemkund Sahib.
Physical fitness matters here more than for Kedarnath alone. The Hemkund Sahib climb is steeper and at higher altitude. Take acclimatization seriously and do not rush.