Shri Hemkunt Sahib, Uttarakhand

Shri Hemkunt Sahib, Uttarakhand

Shri Hemkunt Sahib is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Sikhs. Hemkund is the breathtaking Lokpal lake located at an altitude of 4329 m from the sea level. The picturesque natural settings make this hill region an amazing place for rejuvenating vacations. One can reach this majestic lake through a challenging but interesting and enjoyable trek from Ghangharia.

Hemkunt Sahib is nestled amidst seven snow capped peaks and marvelous snowy glaciers. The nature is reflected here with all its mighty appearance in the crystal clear alluring water. Hemkund lake is fed by the glaciers from majestic peaks known as Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks. A small stream known as Himganga originates from this imposing lake.

It is recorded in the holy Granth Sahib that the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh mediated on the serene 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 the Sikhs on the banks of Hemkund is located at the place where Guru had meditated. Huge flocks of Sikh pilgrims pay their visit to this Gurudwara every year.

Hemkunt has got mentions in the Ramayana. It is believed that the younger brother of Lord Rama, Lakshmana regained his health by meditating on the banks of Hemkunt after the severe injuries he received from Meghnath during Rama-Ravana war. The Lakshmana temple is built at the place where Lakshmana meditated to regain the health.

City Facts :
District: Chamoli (Uttarakhand
Famous for/as: Pilgrim
Languages: Garhwali, Hindi
Best Season: Jun - Oct
Weather: Summer 2 to 25°C,
Winter -17 to 18°C.
Altitude: 4200 m
Pincode: 249401
STD code: 01372

Distances :
Delhi - Rishikesh 237 Km
Rishikesh - Joshimath 257 Km
Joshimath - Govind Ghat 20 Km
Govind GHat - Govind Dham/Ghangaria : 17 Km ( Approx)
Ghangaria- Hemkund Sahib 6 Km ( Approx)

How to Reach :-
* By Rail : Nearest Rail head: Haridwar
* By Air : Jolly Grant Airport is the Nearest Airport in Dehradun.
* By Road: Till Govind Ghat one can reach by well maintained
motor able road 273 Km from Rishikesh via Devprayag, Srinagar,
Rudraprayag, Karanparayag, Nandprayag, Chamoli, Pipalkothi,

Joshimath and Vishnuprayag. Trek : From Govind Ghat, one has to trek 17 km Approx ( Old 13 Km But now Approx 17 Km Due to New Development ) to Ghangaria/Govind Dham. Ghangaria to Hekmkund Sahib is 6 km. Approx

Transportation

From Rishikesh one can travel by Bus approx Fair 410/- Per Person or by Sumo Taxi at 500-600 Per Person ( Private Taxi 4500- 5400 Approx One side ) ( Taxi is aviable in early morning Maximum upto 8 AM ) 

Pony Rates from Govind GHat - Govind Dham/Ghangaria : 17 Km : Depends on season approx 700-1000 Rupees and Luggage Kandi ( Pithu) from 800-1200 Approx

Pony Rates from Ghangaria- Hemkund Sahib 6 Km Depends on season Approx 400-600 Rupees and Luggage Kandi ( Pithu) from 400-600 Rupees Approx

Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Opens & Close for Darshans :
Open :May last Week
Close : Oct 1 Week

Necessary Material to carry along with you :-

Rain-coat, First-aid Kit, Wind-Sheeter, Water-Bottle, Sweater, Torch and Cell (at Gobind Dham the supply of electricity is only till 10:00 p.m. So torch is very necessary), Gloves, Neckerchief/Muffler, Cloth-Boots, Scissor –Chappal etc.