Hemkund Sahib Ji Tourist Guide - Himalayan Hill top pilgrimage 

Hemkund Sahib ji tourist guide: Overview

Hemkund Sahib is a pilgrimage site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. With a setting of a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks and each peak adorned by a Nishan Sahib on its cliff, it is located in the Himalayas at an elevation of 4632 meters (15,200 ft) as per the Survey of India. It is accessible only by foot from Gobindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway.

 Hemkunt Sahib is Sikh place of worship Gurudwara, known as Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Ji, devoted to Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708), the tenth Sikh Guru, which finds mention in Dasam Granth, a piece of work believed to be narrated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Thus this temple holds prominence among people who believe in Dasam Granth.

Why you must visit Hemkund Sahib ji?

Hemkund Saheb is amidst several snow capped peaks, which are collectively called Hemkund Parvat. A star shaped gurudwara near the lake is visited by thousands of devotees every month. The tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Govind Singhji mediated at Hemkund Sahib for years. The word Hemkund literally suggests 'Lake of snow' and the immaculate water of this lake is as cold as snow. A temple dedicated to Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama is also located here. The best time to visit this place is from July to November.

Hemkund Sahib, known as Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Ji, is a Sikh as well as Hindu place of worship in Chamoli district. It is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. The Gurudwara is set facing a Glacial Lake, surrounded by seven mountain peaks; it is approached from Govindghat on the Rishikesh Badrinath Highway. The main town near Govindghat is Joshimath. Hemkund is inaccessible from October to April because of snow- bound paths and glaciers.

What is unique in Hemkund Sahib ji?

Hemkund as the name suggests, is a lake in the Himalayas. There are many lakes in the Himalayas, but few are set in as dramatic a setting as Hemkund is. At an altitude of 4,500 m above sea level, which is several hundred meters above the tree line, the lake is set like a jewel in a crown of seven of the most picturesque snow peaks of the Himalayas.

In this surrealistic landscape, made up mostly of rock and ice, there is no habitation-animal or human. The place is as if made to order for a man in search of absolute peace to meditate upon the absolute truth.

It is a pilgrimage in the traditional mould; there are no hotels, no restaurants, no mechanized transport, and not many chai shops either. Hemkund is a two-day walk from the nearest road head. If one cannot walk, one can at best ride a dubious looking pony. The gurdwara is well equipped to accommodate a thousand pilgrims in its four large buildings. All the rooms, although not furnished, are carpeted and quite cozy, especially the ones facing the river. Mattresses and blankets are provided by the gurdwara too. Food and accommodation is provided by two gurdwaras, free of cost to the pilgrims. Staying at the gurdwara, one cannot help getting affected by their religious fervor, and that is probably the main reason for this pilgrimage having retained its austere character.

Etymology of Hemkund sahib

 Hemkunt is a Sanskrit name derived from Hem ("Snow") and Kund ("bowl"). Dasam Granth says this is the place where Pandu Raja practiced Yoga.

Travel to Hemkund Sahib

Pilgrims going across the Hemkund Glacier to visit Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Hemkunt is inaccessible because of snow from October through April. Each year the first Sikh pilgrims arrive in May and set to work to repair the damage to the path over the winter. This Sikh tradition is called kar seva ("work service"), a concept which forms an important tenet of the Sikh faith of belonging to and contributing to the community.

The take-off point for Hemkunt Sahib is the town of Govindghat about 275 kilometers (171 mi) from Rishikesh. The 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) trek is along a reasonably well maintained path to the village of Ghangaria. There is another Gurudwara where pilgrims can spend the night. In addition there are a few hotels and a campground with tents and mattresses. A 1,100-metre (3,600 ft)climb on a 6-kilometre (3.7 mi) of stone paved path leads Hemkunt. There are no sleeping arrangements at Hemkunt Sahib so it is necessary to leave by 2 pm to make it back to Govindghat by nightfall.

From Delhi, tourists take the train to Haridwar and then travel by bus to Govindghat via Rishikesh. It is also possible to drive from Delhi to Govindghat, about 500 km and takes about 18 hours. The main town near Govindghat is Joshimath.

Valley of Flowers at Hemkund sahib Ji

 About 3 km from Gobinddham is the 5 km long Valley of Flowers. The Indian Government has declared this valley a national park. It is situated in Nanda Devi Bio Reserve, and all activities are carefully regulated to preserve the valley in pristine condition. The best months to visit are July and August, during the monsoons. The valley can be closed to visitors if the weather is totally inclement. Legend has it that a flower called Brahma-Kamal blossoms here every 12 years.

 The trek to the valley is relatively easy and is a popular second destination for pilgrims visiting Hemkunt Sahib.

Festivals & events in Hemkund sahib ji

In February-March every year, a winter sports festival is held when exhilaration and speed scale the peaks of frenzy. Besides, the temples observe and follow the Hindu festivals and celebrate it in the presence of a large number of devotees.

Best time to visit Hemkund Sahib ji

Hemkund Sahib is an important pilgrimage centre for the Sikhs and a most pious place in Himalauya. Summer season is the best time to visit Hemkund. In the months of summers that are April to June the temperature remain 15°c - 25°c .There is heavy rainfall in winters, making the passage inaccessible. Monsoons are also recommended to be avoided, due to unexpected showers. So the summer is the pleasant and suitable for the visiting of this beautiful place.