What is the total distance from Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib by road?

The distance from Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib by road is approximately 475 kilometers. It includes a drive up to Govindghat, followed by a trek to Hemkund Sahib. It’s a rewarding journey, not just in kilometers but in experience.

How long does it take to reach Hemkund Sahib from Amritsar?

It usually takes around 14-15 hours by car or bus from Amritsar to Govindghat, and then about 2 days including the trek to Hemkund Sahib. Many travelers prefer to break the journey for better comfort and acclimatization.

Can I travel from Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib by bus?

Yes, you can take a bus from Amritsar to Rishikesh or Haridwar, and from there connect to Joshimath and Govindghat via local buses or shared taxis. It’s budget-friendly and gives a real feel of local travel in Uttarakhand.

Is Hemkund Sahib trek difficult for first-time pilgrims?

The trek to Hemkund Sahib is moderately challenging due to altitude and steep climbs. But with rest stops, a slow pace, and faith in your heart, even first-time pilgrims can complete it safely. Many locals and elders do it every year.

Are there local food options on the way to Hemkund Sahib?

Yes! We offer connections with local service providers who cook fresh Garhwali meals—no hotel junk. Enjoy plant-based thalis, dal-rice, and traditional rotis prepared with love and served hot even on the road.

Where can I stay during the journey from Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib?

You can stay in clean, budget-friendly accommodations like GMVN guesthouses or Gurudwaras at Govindghat and Ghangaria. We connect you with trusted government-certified local stays for a safe and peaceful experience.

How do I plan a budget-friendly trip from Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib?

Plan ahead, use public transport when possible, and connect with our local travel partners for fresh meals and certified stays. We help you avoid hidden costs and ensure a healthy, spiritual experience—just fill out the travel form in our blog.

Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib Distance by Car, Bus & Trek: A Real Travel Story

Deepak Singh Bhandari
Jun 11
4 min read

It started with a text from a cousin: “Bhai, chalte ho Hemkund Sahib is saal?” I didn’t answer right away. Something in me needed the silence first. Then I opened Google Maps, typed “Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib distance,” and the number blinked back: around 475 kilometers. Not too far, not too near—just enough to make you leave your comfort behind and carry only faith.

We Punjabis often talk big about road trips—but this one? This wasn’t just about wheels and kilometers. It was about surrender, altitude, and being raw with your thoughts. I knew this wouldn’t be a usual escape. It would be a slow climb—inside and out.

In this article you’ll learn:

Actual Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib distance & driving route
Cost comparison of car vs. public transport
How to trek from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib
Where to stay, what to eat (real local food tips)
How you can plan it without any tour guide
Trusted ways to book transport & food with government-verified vendors
Trek to Hemkund Sahib trail with sunset mountain views

When the Road Teaches You More Than the Destination

The distance from Amritsar to Hemkund Sahib is roughly 475 km by road. But spiritually, it feels a lot longer—and much more rewarding.

We left Amritsar before dawn, the Golden Temple still glowing gently behind us. After crossing Pathankot, the plains slowly gave way to the winding roads of Himachal and then Uttarakhand.

The route? Amritsar → Pathankot → Rishikesh → Joshimath → Govindghat → Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib.

Don’t get confused by Google Maps showing 2–3 options; always check road conditions in real time. Uttarakhand Tourism Department regularly posts updates on landslides or blockages on their official portal and X (Twitter) handle.

Car or Bus? Your Journey, Your Style

🚗 By Car (Private)

Drive Time: Approx. 13–14 hours to Govindghat (without overnight halts)
Fuel Cost (Round trip): ₹4,500–₹6,000 (based on car model)
Tolls & Misc.: ₹1,000 approx.
Stay: Guesthouses/Govt lodges ₹800–₹2,500/night

Driving gives freedom—play your playlist, stop for chai where you want. But beware: after Joshimath, the mountain curves get sharp, and parking in Govindghat can be tricky. Try local paid lots that are run by authorities.

🚌 By Public Transport

Step 1: Amritsar to Rishikesh (train or Volvo bus) – ₹400–₹1,000
Step 2: Rishikesh to Joshimath (GMOU or UTC buses) – ₹700 approx.
Step 3: Joshimath to Govindghat (shared taxi) – ₹250–₹300
Stay: Budget dorms, Gurudwara rooms – ₹0–₹500/night

Want an authentic experience? Take public transport. You’ll sit beside locals, sip tea at dusty hill dhabas, and share stories with pilgrims you’ll remember forever.

Trek Begins: Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib

Once you reach Govindghat, that’s where the engines rest—and legs take over. A 14 km walk or mule ride gets you to Ghangaria, the last inhabited village before Hemkund. Most travelers rest here overnight.

The next morning, wake up early. The final 6 km trek to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, at 4,633 meters, is tough but divine. It’s not about speed. It’s about surrender.

No guide is needed here—the path is clear, the people helpful. Langar awaits at the top. Hot khichdi, a prayer, the sight of ice melting into still water—what else do you need to feel alive?

"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase." – Martin Luther King Jr.

Real Food, Not Just Meals

Our partner drivers and service providers cook on-the-go. That’s right—no stale hotel buffet. We eat fresh, local Garhwali thali—cooked in simple wood-fired stoves, plant-based and full of life. Think steaming madua rotis, dal-chawal, fresh greens, and mountain herbs.

We only connect you with government-certified travel providers—they know these routes like their own backyard. And the best part? Clean, budget-friendly guesthouses or Gurudwara accommodation in Govindghat and Ghangaria.

Want to Travel Without a Guide?

You can. Here’s what helped us:

Download offline maps (Google/Maps.me)
Start the trek early (before 6 AM)
Carry dry snacks, electrolytes
Good trekking shoes = saved knees
Listen to locals more than YouTube hacks

Timing, Essentials, and Local Tips

Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to late September
Weather: Sunny mornings, chilly evenings; rain is random
What to Pack:
- Warm layers (even in June)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Rain poncho & wool cap
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Reusable water bottle (lots of refill points)

Avoid plastic bottles and wrappers—this route is sacred, not just scenic.

Before You Scroll Away

You’re not reading this by accident. Maybe you’ve been planning this yatra for months. Maybe you just needed a little nudge. Either way, here’s the truth: Hemkund Sahib isn’t just a trip. It changes you.

And if you want a local’s help—no agents, no fluff, just real Uttarakhandi warmth—fill out our travel inquiry form. We'll connect you with trusted drivers, home-cooked food services, and safe budget stays. Your faith deserves nothing less.

Because sometimes, the route you take doesn’t just lead to a place.It leads to peace.

And that peace? It starts with a single decision—to go.

Want to plan your trip with authentic local help?Tap the link to fill out a quick form and let’s make this spiritual journey simple, safe, and soulful.