Uttaranchal, Hemkund Sahib

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This very sacred Sikh shrine is situated on the foot of the Hemkund Lake (4,320 mtrs). It marks the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Guru, unified with God after prolonged meditation in his previous birth.The guru's autobiography which contains a detailed description of the place helped two devout Sikhs, Sant Sohan Singh and Havaldar Mohan Singh to rediscover it. According to Hindu mythology, Hemkund or Lokpal as it is also known, is where Lakshman had done his penance. Hemkund is a 15 km trek from Govindghat, which is the gateway to the Bhyundar or Lakshman Ganga Valley. Govindghat is on the bus route to Badrinath. The trek from here to Hemkunt takes one through forests of pine and rhododendron where wild roses, ferns, and alpine flowers bloom. The surging waters of the Lakshman Ganga are also visible. The last 5 km of the trek entails a steep climb from Ghangharia, which is a base for visiting Hemkunt. Hemkunt Lake is about 2 km in circumference. Its clear, still waters mirror images of Saptashringa Peaks (5,500 mtrs) which surround it. Bits of ice still float on the waters between July and October, the best season to visit Hemkund, The rock-strewn shores of the lake are covered with moss and flowers in bloom.

Places To Visit

Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib

This imposing star-shaped structure of stone and concrete masonry is on the shores of the lake. An outlet behind the Gurudwara is the source of the Lakshman Ganga.

Temple of Lord Lakshman

A small temple nearby, dedicated to Lord Lakshman.

General facts:

Altitude:4,320 mtrs. Above sea level
Season:July-October
Clothing:Woolens
Language:, Hindi, Kumaoni, Garhwali
Local Transport: Dandies / Ponies

Ghangharia

5 km. Situated in the midst of a pine grove, Ghangharia serves as a base for visiting Hemkunt Sahib, It is the last human habitation in the valley. A Tourist Lodge, log huts, tents and a Gurudwara provide comfortable accommodation.

Govindghat

15 km. the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhyundar of Lakshman Ganga. It has an imposing Gurudwara named after Guru Govind Singh.

Badrinath

22 km from Govindghat

Guru Nanak's birthday, Guru Govind Singh's Jayanti are celebrated here.

The Govindghat Gurudwara at Ghangharia provides facilities.

State Govt Tourism Accommodation

Tourist Rest House, Joshimath.
Tourist Rest House, Ghangharia.

Local eateries/dhabas

Shopping, Banks, Hospitals, Post & Telegraph, Tourist Information Offices

All Available at nearest town, Joshimath.

Rail
Nearest railhead : Haridwar/Rishikesh. See Rishikesh for rail connections.

Road
Hemkund, off Badrinath is 514 km away from Delhi, the last 15 km of which is a trekking route. DTC and UP roadways buses ply regularly upto Haridwar/Rishikesh from ISBT, Delhi. Govindghat is 20 km beyond Joshimath on the motor road to Badrinath and 4 km before Pandukeshwar, the point at which there is a diversion for Lokpal Hemkunt and the Valley of Flowers. Hemkunt is 20 km from Govindghat. After crossing the Vishnuganga, one has to trek 9 km to reach the Bhyundar valley. At Ghangharia, the Pushpavati River meets the Lakshman Ganga coming from Hemkunt. The 7 km trek from Ghangharia to Hemkunt entails a steep climb. From Rishikesh, buses are also available for Badrinath via Govind Ghat although tourist taxies are more convenient and quicker. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam organizes conducted tours from offices at Chandralok Building, Janpath and Muni-ki Reti, Rishikesh during Yatra season.