Hemkund Sahib is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites, especially for Sikhs. It is also the world's highest Gurudwara, which is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas at an elevation of 4,329 meters, the sacred pilgrimage site is only accessible during summers and monsoon months due to heavy snowfall, which not only increases the cold in the region but also blocks the path, making it inaccessible. However, devotees who were waiting to visit the shrine have good news. Now, the Gurudwara will finally open on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Hemkund Sahib reopens for devotees
The revered Sikh shrine Hemkund Sahib will reopen for devotees starting from Saturday, May 23, 2026. Hemkund opened with traditional rituals, and around 7,000 devotees are expected to arrive at Hemkund Sahib today. Earlier, on Friday, a group of devotees, led by the Panj Pyaras, departed from Govindghat for Hemkund Sahib with the Nishan Sahib, chanting the sacred slogan, "Jo Bole So Nihal-Sat Sri Akal." Prior to this, the Gurbani (sacred words of the Guru) was recited at the Govindghat Gurdwara.
The prayer will be held at 12:30
Today, the Guru Granth Sahib was brought from Sachkhand to Darbar Sahib under the leadership of the Panj Pyaras. After that, Sukhmani was recited. The traditional rituals of the Gurudwara will also include other religious events like Shabad Kirtan. According to reports, the doors of Hemkund Sahib will be opened, and the first Ardas will be performed at the Gurdwara. The Hukamnama will be taken at 1 PM, marking the beginning of this year's Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage.
About Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, who is known as the tenth and final Sikh Guru. This sacred site is mentioned in the Dasam Granth (a text associated with the Guru) as the place where he meditated intensely in a previous life. The site features a glacial lake known as Lokpal Lake and is surrounded by seven snow-capped mountain peaks. Pilgrims typically begin the trek from Govindghat, passing through Ghangaria to reach the holy site. The glacial Hemkund Lake is guarded by seven majestic mountain peaks, known as Sapt Sring, which are adorned with the Nishan Sahib, a triangular Sikh flag.
