Hemkund Sahib is snowbound through winter and the yatra usually opens in late May or around June each year, running until about October. The gateway airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (DED). From there you go by road via Rishikesh to Govindghat, then trek to Ghangaria and on to the shrine. Wait for the official opening announcement before you book.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
The 2026 season was due to close around 10 October, so this is the right time to plan for next year. Here is how the yatra season works and how to reach the trailhead by air.
When does Hemkund Sahib open each year?
Hemkund Sahib sits at high altitude in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, and is covered by heavy snow for roughly half the year. The shrine is closed in winter, and the trekking route becomes inaccessible. The yatra generally opens in late May. In 2026, the portals were ceremonially opened on 23 May, and in 2025 the shrine reopened on 25 May. The season usually ends around the second week of October, when snow returns.
No official opening date for the 2027 season has been announced yet, so do not treat any date you see now as confirmed. The management trust and Uttarakhand authorities announce the date, usually a few weeks ahead of time. Weather can shift the opening, so keep your plans flexible.
Which airport do you fly into?
The usual gateway is Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun (DED). It is the nearest major airport for the Garhwal Himalaya pilgrimage routes. From Jolly Grant, the journey continues by road through Rishikesh toward Govindghat, which is the roadhead for the trek. This is a long mountain drive, so plan for a full day of travel and avoid tight connections.
Choosing a morning arrival into Dehradun gives you the best chance of reaching your overnight stop before dark. Mountain roads in Uttarakhand can be affected by weather and landslides, particularly in the monsoon, so build a buffer day into your trip if you can.
What does the trek from Govindghat involve?
From Govindghat, pilgrims walk to Ghangaria, which is the overnight base. One source puts that stretch at around 13 km. From Ghangaria, it is a further climb of about 6 km to the shrine. Helicopter services between Govindghat and Ghangaria are available during the season, which some pilgrims use, though availability and fares are set by the operators and weather can disrupt them.
All pilgrims are required to register before the yatra. Registration arrangements are set by the authorities, so use the official channels. Since HappyFares sells flights only, we cannot arrange registration, treks, lodging or helicopter tickets. Ask the relevant operator or the trust directly.
At altitude, go slowly, drink water, carry rain protection and warm layers, and turn back if you feel unwell. If you have a heart or breathing condition, speak to your doctor before planning the trip.
When is the Valley of Flowers open?
The Valley of Flowers National Park shares the Ghangaria base, and it is also seasonal. It was expected to welcome visitors from around 1 June in recent seasons, though it has no fixed date. Because the park’s exact dates are set by the authorities each year, check the official notice. Many travellers combine the shrine and the valley in one trip from Ghangaria, though the valley is a separate walk.
Did you know that the shrine is shut for much of every year, so the whole pilgrimage has to fit into a few snow-free months? That is why the season feels so busy.
Pack for changeable mountain weather even in the main season: rain cover, warm layers, sturdy shoes and a small first-aid kit. Keep luggage for the trek light, and ask your Dehradun or Rishikesh stay whether you can leave spare bags there while you are in the hills. Check the airline’s cabin baggage limit for your fare before you pack a trekking bag.
How should you plan flights for the yatra?
- Wait for the official opening date, then search flights to Dehradun (DED) for dates a few days after the opening.
- Book return flights with a spare day, since weather can delay your descent.
- Check cabin and checked baggage limits for your fare family, since trekkers carry more gear than usual.
- Set a price alert while you wait for the date announcement.
Web check-in and airport check-in are free on Indian airlines. Carry photo ID, and keep your booking confirmation accessible offline, since mobile signal can be patchy in the hills.
Common Questions
Is Hemkund Sahib open in winter?
No. It is snowbound and closed through the winter, and the trek route is inaccessible.
When will Hemkund Sahib open in 2027?
The date has not been officially announced. It generally opens in late May or around June. Wait for the trust and Uttarakhand authorities.
Which is the nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib?
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED), is the usual gateway. The rest of the journey is by road to Govindghat, then on foot.
How far is the trek from Govindghat?
Around 13 km to Ghangaria, then about 6 km up to the shrine, per published trek guides. Conditions vary, so allow for a slow pace.
Can I fly directly to Ghangaria?
No. There is no airport there. A helicopter service operates between Govindghat and Ghangaria in season, but you still need to fly to Dehradun first.
Do Indian airlines charge for check-in?
No. Web and airport check-in are free on Indian airlines.
Planning for next season? Set a price alert and compare flights to Dehradun on HappyFares, with zero convenience fee on domestic bookings, and ask Meera, our AI assistant, for help picking dates.
Opening dates, rules and fees change; verify current specifics with the shrine’s management trust, the airline or the authorities before you travel.
