Hemkund Sahib weather: today, this week and through the yatra season
Live temperature and a five-day forecast for Hemkund Sahib, Ghangaria and Govindghat, approximate temperatures by month, snow on the route, and when the yatra and the Valley of Flowers are open.
- ~4,630 m Hemkund Sahib
- ~3,050 m Ghangaria
- Late May–Oct yatra season
- Live 3 places
Photo: Naresh Chandra, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh shrine beside a glacial lake at about 4,630 m in Chamoli district, reached on foot from Govindghat via Ghangaria (about 3,050 m). It is open only in the warmer months — usually from late May to early October (in 2026 it closed on 10 October) — and is under deep snow the rest of the year. Even in the season it is cold: days at the lake are only around 5–8 °C and nights near or below freezing, with snow lying beside the path well into June. The monsoon (July–August) brings rain, fog and landslide risk on the road to Govindghat, but it is also when the nearby Valley of Flowers is at its best. June and September usually give the best balance of open paths and clear weather.
- Yatra seasonUsually late May to early October.
- 2026Closed for winter on 10 October.
- At the lakeDays about 5–8 °C; nights near or below freezing.
- MonsoonJuly–August; rain, fog, landslides on the road.
- Valley of FlowersOpen June–October; best July–August.
Hemkund Sahib, Ghangaria and Govindghat weather today
Hemkund Sahib (about 4,630 m), Ghangaria (about 3,050 m) where pilgrims stay, and Govindghat (about 1,830 m) at the road head — current temperature and the next days’ high, low, rain and snow.
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed about once a day — last update —.
Hemkund Sahib and Ghangaria weather by month
There are no weather records for Hemkund Sahib or Ghangaria. The temperatures below are rough estimates: the India Meteorological Department’s 1971–2000 normals for Joshimath (about 1,875 m), the nearest town with published normals, lowered for each place’s height and rounded. Treat them as a packing guide; for your dates, check the live forecast above.
| Month | Hemkund Sahib approx.* | Ghangaria approx.* | Yatra |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | −7° / −16 °C | 3° / −6 °C | Closed; deep snow |
| February | −6° / −15 °C | 4° / −5 °C | Closed; deep snow |
| March | −1° / −11 °C | 9° / −1 °C | Closed |
| April | 3° / −7 °C | 13° / 3 °C | Closed; path being cleared |
| May | 6° / −4 °C | 16° / 6 °C | Usually opens late May; snow on the path |
| June | 7° / −2 °C | 17° / 8 °C | Open; snow beside the path |
| July | 5° / −1 °C | 15° / 9 °C | Open; monsoon rain and fog |
| August | 5° / −1 °C | 15° / 9 °C | Open; wettest |
| September | 4° / −4 °C | 14° / 7 °C | Open; clearer skies |
| October | 4° / −7 °C | 14° / 3 °C | Closes early October |
| November | −1° / −11 °C | 9° / −1 °C | Closed |
| December | −5° / −14 °C | 5° / −4 °C | Closed |
*Estimated from Joshimath’s IMD normals (1971–2000) adjusted for height — not official records. Weather below: Joshimath weather · Badrinath weather.
Hemkund Sahib yatra: the route, snow and the Valley of Flowers
From Govindghat, about 20 km beyond Joshimath on the Badrinath road, the route climbs to Ghangaria, the base village, and then about 6 km — and more than 1,500 m of height — up a steep path to the lake and gurdwara. Most pilgrims stay the night at Ghangaria and go up and back in a day, starting early before the afternoon cloud. Ponies are available, and a helicopter service runs between Govindghat and Ghangaria in the season, weather permitting.
Early in the season, snow lies along the upper path and the lake may be partly frozen; the opening date is announced each spring once the path is cleared. The Valley of Flowers is a separate walk of about 3–4 km from Ghangaria and is usually open from June to October, with the most flowers in July and August. In the monsoon, landslides often hold up the road between Joshimath and Govindghat — keep spare days.
Hemkund Sahib in pictures
The lake and gurdwara, the peaks around them and the flowers of the high meadows — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Best time to visit Hemkund Sahib
Depending on what you are going for.
Snow beside the path
Cold; the lake may be partly frozen.
Valley of Flowers
Most flowers; monsoon rain.
Clearer skies
Fewer pilgrims, cold mornings.
Last weeks
Very cold; closes for winter.
Closed
Under deep snow.
Take care
Rain, fog and landslides on the road.
Hemkund Sahib yatra: what the weather means for you
Clothing: warm layers, a waterproof jacket, gloves and a cap even in June; good walking shoes with grip for the wet, steep path.
Altitude: Hemkund Sahib is at about 4,630 m. Spend the night at Ghangaria, climb slowly, drink water, and come down if you feel unwell. Start early — cloud and rain usually build after midday.
Getting there: drive from Rishikesh to Govindghat via Joshimath (a long day, often two); keep spare days in the monsoon. Cab: Char Dham yatra taxi.
Plan the yatra
Stays, meals and a private car in one quote.
Planning Hemkund Sahib?
Tell us your dates, where you are starting from and how many of you are travelling. We check the weather and the road and send a written plan with stays and a private car. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and plans trips across north India.
Hemkund Sahib weather: frequently asked questions
What is the weather at Hemkund Sahib today?
The top of this page shows the current temperature and the next days’ forecast for Hemkund Sahib, Ghangaria and Govindghat (MET Norway data).
When does Hemkund Sahib open and close?
Usually from late May to early October; in 2026 it closed for winter on 10 October. The opening date is announced each spring.
How cold is Hemkund Sahib in June?
Days at the lake are around 7 °C and nights near freezing (an estimate), with snow beside the path.
Is there snow at Hemkund Sahib in the yatra season?
Yes, especially in late May and June, when snow lies along the upper path and the lake may be partly frozen.
When is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers?
July and August for the most flowers; it is usually open from June to October.
How far is Hemkund Sahib from Ghangaria?
About 6 km on a steep path, climbing more than 1,500 m.
Sources
- MET Norway Locationforecast (CC BY 4.0) — live forecast data
- India Meteorological Department — Joshimath normals 1971–2000 (height-adjusted estimate)
- Wikipedia: Hemkund
Photo credits
Hemkund lake — Photo: Naresh Chandra, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Hemkund Sahib gurdwara — Photo: Wiki maddymadhavan, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The sacred lake — Photo: Kp.vasant, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lake and peaks — Photo: Praveen Negi, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The gurdwara reflected — Photo: Wiki maddymadhavan, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lakshman temple — Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cloud over the valley — Photo: Japleenpasricha, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Himalayan blue poppy — Photo: Rohit Sharma, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Hemkund from above — Photo: Harshit SR, CC BY-SA 4.0
