Hemkund Sahib Travel Guide
Shri Hemkund Sahib is an important pilgrimage destination site for Sikhs and Hindus. Hemkund Sahib is the breathtaking Lokpal Lake located at an altitude of 4329 meters above sea level. One can reach this beautiful lake through a challenging but very interesting and enjoyable trek from Ghangaria. The natural settings make this hilly region an amazing place for spending vacations.
Sikhs consider this site a sacred place where one of the famous Sikh Gurudwara is here in the heart of the region. A Hindu shrine dedicated to mythological the Lord Lakshamana is attractive for Hindu pilgrims. The temple is built on the beautiful banks of Hemkund lake.
Hemkund Sahib is nested amidst seven snow-covered peaks and marvelous snowy glaciers. The natural beauty is reflected here with all its mighty appearance in the crystal clear water of Hemkund Lake. Hemkund lake is fed by the glaciers from the majestic peaks, which are Saptrishi peak and Hathi Parvat. A small stream which is known as Himganga originates from this imposing lake.
It is written in the holy Granth Sahib that the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Shri Guru Govind Singh meditated on the beautiful scenery banks of Hemkund in one of his earlier births. Guru Govind Singh is believed to be the Guru who founded all present characteristics of present Sikhism. The Gurudwara of Sikhs on the banks of Hemkund lake is located at the place where Guru had meditated.
Hemkund has got mentions in Ramayana. It is believed that the younger brother of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, regained his health by meditating on the banks of Hemkund after the injuries he received from Megnath during the war. The Lakshamana temple is built at the place where Lakshmana meditated to regain his health.
Nearby Places to visit in Hemkund Sahib
Valley of flowers
Valley of flowers is a 4Km beautiful easy-grade trek from Ghangaria. The region of the Valley of flowers is rich in flora and fauna. The valley was declared a world heritage site and National park in the year 1982. The virgin beauty of this mystical valley has always lured botanists, trekkers, adventure lovers and photographers.
Ghangaria
Ghangaria is the last human habitation centre on the way to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of flowers. It is a scenic hamlet perched at an altitude of 3,050 meters above sea level at a distance of 13 km from Govind Ghat and 4 Km before Valley of Flowers.
The trek becomes easy grade to moderate from this point if you travel towards Hemkund Sahib. The region is prone to heavy snowfall during winter, the region remains open only from May to October. A Gurudwara, GMVN rest house and a few more hotels provide accommodation facilities at Ghangaria.
How to reach Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib is well-connected to roads up to Govind Ghat, from here you have to commence a trek of 19 KMS to reach Hemkund Sahib. Govindghat is well-connected by roads with major travel destinations in Uttarakhand state. Buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from Kashmiri Gate ISBT (Delhi). Shareable vehicles like Ertiga Mahindra Maxx and Buses to Govind ghat are easily available from major stops of Uttarakhand like Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Srinagar, Pauri, Ukimath, Karanprayag, Chamoli etc. Govind Ghat is situated on national highway NH-58 making it easy to reach the destination.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh from Hemkund Sahib, but the roads are well-connected up to Govind ghat, from where you have to trek 19 KMS to reach Hemkund Sahib. Rishikesh railway station is situated at a distance of 273 Kms on NH-58. Rishikesh city, one of the well-developed cities of Uttarakhand state, is well-connected by railway networks with all the major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Govind ghat is well-connected by roads with Rishikesh. Sharable vehicles(Ertiga, Mahindra Maxx and Tata sumos) and buses are easily available from Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, Chamoli and Joshimath.
By Flight
The nearest Airport to Hemkund Sahib is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Govindghat is situated at a distance of 292 kms from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Jolly Grant Airport is well-connected to Delhi flights. After that, you have to travel with vehicles like buses, shareable jeeps or personal vehicles to reach Hemkund.
Overview Hemkund Sahib
- Temperature: -17 to 18 degrees Celcius(in winters) and 2 to 25(in summers)
- Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Famous for: Pilgrim
- Languages are spoken in the region: Garhwali, Hindi
- Altitude: 4200 meters
- Pincode: 249401
- STD code: 01372
- Best time to visit: January to October