Hemkund Sahib is a pilgrim place for Sikhs. It is located at Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Other name of this place is Gurudwara Sri Hemunt Sahib Ji.
What to see at Hemkund Sahib: This Gurudwara is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He is the 10th Sikh guru. Seven mountain peaks and glacial lake surrounds this Gurudwara. Design and architecture of this Gurudwara is the major attraction of this place. In the trekking season lakhs of people visits this place. Snow fall is heavy at this place. Every year thousands of people are becoming sick due to lack of awareness regarding altitude sickness. Best care should be taken to visit this place. Trekking is other attraction of the trip. During trip to this Gurudwara through trekking visitors can enjoy crystal clear lake, spectacular view of Himalayas, dense forests, numerous waterfalls. Weather at this place changes very fastly. In the Sikhs community, this gurudwara is highest Gurudwara of Sikhs. Shape of this Gurudwara is in star shape. Concrete Masonry and stones were used to construct this gurudwara. Sports festival celebrates during February – March every year.
Hemkund Lake: Reflection of Saptashringa peaks is so beautiful.
Lakshman Temple: Other name of this temple is Lokpal Temple. It is believed that at this place Lakshman meditated here. He feels ill at this place when he was fighting with Meghnad.
What to see around Hemkund Sahib:
Gobindghat: Pilgrimage of Hemkund Sahib Starts from this ghat. It is located between Badrinath and Joshimath. This is 5kms away from Hemkund. Because of steep gradient journey is quite arduous. Trekking from this place to Hemkund, visitors can see alpine flowers, ferns, wild roses, forests of pine, etc. Lakshman Ganga, Surging Waters Lake is also visible here.
Yogadhyan Badri: It is believed that Father of Pandavas meditated here. This is the birth place of Pandavas. It is located 19kms away from Hemkund.
Auli: This is most popular winter destination of Uttarakhand. From this place visitors can have best view of the Himalayan Mountain range. It is located 49kms away from Hemkund.
Badrinath: Major attraction of this town is Badrinath Temple. Badrinath Attractions are Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund, Surya Kund, Charanpaduka, Brahma Kapal, Narada Kund. It is located 42kms away from Hemkund.
Joshimath: It is one among the 4 Peeths (centres). This is most sacred place to the Hindus. It was established by Adi Shankaracharya. . It is located 36kms away from Hemkund.
Valley of Flowers: Major attractions of this place are Pristine air, snow clad peaks, milky white streams, meadows and alpine shrubs. It is located 35kms away from Hemkund.
Roop Kund: The edges of the kund are covered with snow round the year. Presence of skeletons can be seen when the snow melts. No one knows why these skeletons are there. So this is called Mystery Lake.
Rudranath Temple: It is one of the Panch Kedars. It is located in the middle of the thick forest.
Tapovan: It is located 15kms away from Joshimath. Hot springs are famous here.
Getting to Hemkund Sahib: Trekking, walking or by pony are the options of visitors to reach this place. Before visiting this place tourists have to reach Govindghat via Rishikesh from Delhi. Nearest village is Ghangaria which is 13kms away from Hemkund. 1100 meters climb on 6kms of stone paved path leads to Hemkund. Nearest airport is at Delhi.
Getting around Hemkund Sahib: From Ghangaria, buses and taxis are available to reach the surrounding places.
Best time to visit Hemkund Sahib: Between October to April path to this place is covered by snow. At that time it is not possible to access this place. Remaining months is the only option to visit this place.
Where to stay at Hemkund Sahib: No accommodations are available at Hemkund. Staying at this place is not allowed. It is necessary to leave by 2 PM from this place.
Where to eat at Hemkund Sahib: Eateries will not be available at Hemkund Sahib. Eateries are available at Ghangaria.