Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib History

Hemkund Sahib a pilgrimage place for the Sikh community has got its name from the glacial situated right next to it is Hemkund which means the ‘Lake of Snow’. It is the highest Gurudwara, in star shape structure made of white marble and concrete being surrounded by the Garhwal mountains. Tourists and devotees from all around India visit here before the gurudwara closes for heavy winters from October to April. According to the history of Hemkund, it was locally called ‘Lokpal’ meaning Sustainer of the people. It is dedicated to Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru who meditated here for almost 10 years. Hemkund Sahib has been mentioned in the Dasham Grant called ‘Bachitira Nayak’, an auto-biography of Sri Guru Govind Singh Ji himself in which he explained about his previous life and the importance of Hemkund Sahib only after which Hemkund Sahib came into the importance to the Sikh community. According to Hindu Mythology, Hemkund Sahib was known as Lokpal where Laxmana, Lord Rama’s younger brother meditated after the war to heal himself. There is ‘Lakshmana Mandir’ near Hemkund Lake a temple dedicated to Laxmana. Tourists pay a visit to this temple along with Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. The trek to Hemkund Sahib holds a beautiful path with several waterfalls, dense forests plush green mountains, a crystal clear lake, and the holy Gurudwara itself. There is nothing one can miss during the journey. The Hemkund Sahib trek is on an easy to moderate level. The trek to Hemkund Sahib starts from Govindghat which is 22 km away from Joshimath The construction of the current Gurudwara was done by Major General Harkirat Singh, Engineer-in-Chief in the Indian Army in the 1960s. The specialty is it was built with consideration of all environmental and climatic conditions.

Geography Of Hemkund Sahib

Formally known as ‘Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji’ is the Highest gurudwara located at an elevation of 4329 meters in Chamoli district on the banks of sterile Hemkund Lake/ Lokpal Lake at the base of the Saptrishi glacier. It is surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks known as Sapt Sring of the Garhwal mountains. The starting point for the trek to Hemkund Sahib is Govindghat at a height of 1828 meters on the bank of River Alaknanda. The distance from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib is 19km. The Hemkund Sahib trek’s difficulty level is not much and is up to the moderate level. The path is well connected to motorable roads till Govindghat which is 22kms from Joshimath. During the trek, one can witness the alluring meadows, the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Kedarnath Dome, Chaukhamba, Shivling, and other huge glaciers.

Plan My Package Recommends: Places To Visit In Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Lake

Hemkund Lake is believed to be one of the most sacred lakes located near Hemkund Sahib with a circumference of 2km. The name of this lake translates to ‘Lake of Snow’, it is surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks ranging up to 15200ft. Pilgrims take a holy dip here before entering the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. The rocks around the lake are covered with snow most of the year. And one may find the yellow-green flower, the Bramha Kamal known as the ‘Lotus of the Gods’ bloomed in between the rocks. The place is dedicated in name of Guru Govind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru who mentioned Hemkund Sahib in Dasam Granth, a work dedicated by himself.

Valley of Flowers

Valley of Flowers falls en route to Govindghat, the starting point of the Hemkund Sahib trek. Valley of Flowers is an Indian National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful varied Botanics. It is spread over 87.50 sq km, 8km long, and 2km wide. The color of the valley keeps changing during the season of March to October as different flowers are in bloom. The Valley of Flowers remains closed during the winters starting from October. The valley has over 600 exotic flowers like Orchids, Daisies, Poppies, Anemones, etc. The wild streams and cascading waterfalls add charm to the trek of the valley. Valley of Flowers is also home to many wildlife species like flying squirrels, grey langurs, the Himalayan weasel, red fox, black bear, the Himalayan Monal, the snow leopards, lime- butterfly, etc. The distance of Hemkund Sahib to the Valley of Flowers is 6km covered by the trek.

Ghangaria

Ghangaria is the last human settlement in Bhyuntar valley located on the confluence of the River Pushpawati that flows through the Valley of Flowers and the River Hemganga or also called Lakshman Ganga flowing from Hemkund Sahib. Ghangaria has the last human settlement in the Bhyundar valley. It is located at an elevation of 3050 meters. It is a major stop-over for tourists visiting Hemkund Sahib. It is also a helipad for tourists to Hemkund Sahib for their ease. Even Ghangaria receives heavy snowfall and remains covered in snow and is kept closed for tourists during the winters. The distance between Ghangaria and Hemkund is just 2.1 km.

Places near Hemkund Sahib

Badrinath (approx 12.1 Km from Hemkund Sahib)

Badrinath is the temple of Lord Vishnu situated on the Bank of the holy river Alaknanda, established by Adi Shankaracharya during the 9th century. According to the legends Lord Vishnu meditated here being unaware of the hot weather, to protect him from the scorching sun his wife Goddess Laxmi transformed herself into a Badri tree so that she could provide him shade. Impressed Lord Vishnu by this act of love of Goddess Laxmi, he name the place after her Badrikashram. This temple remains open only from May to October, millions of devotees visit it during that time, also it is one of the Char Dham yatra temples. The temple remains closed in winter as it is covered with heavy snow. The distance from Badrinath Temple to Hemkund Sahib is 12.6km away.

Mana village(approx 14.1 Km from Hemkund Sahib)

Mana village is considered as the last village of India situated close to the Indo-Tibet border in Uttarakhand located in the Chamoli District itself. It is situated on the banks of the river Saraswati at an altitude of 3219 meters surrounded by the Himalayas. Often the shops here are named as the last tea shop of India or the last post office of India, etc which are famous among tourists as a photo point. The locals here, inhabited by Indo-Mongolian tribes known as ‘bhotias’. It holds religious importance as according to the Mahabharata it is said the Pandava brothers crossed this village on their way to heaven. Mana is famous for woolen garments and materials. The villagers live in small cottages which are carved and decorated gracefully that are worth visiting. Uttarakhand Government has declared Mana village as ‘Tourism Village’. Mana Village is about 29.4km away from Govindghat.

Joshimath (approx 15.1 Km from Hemkund Sahib)

Joshimath is also known as Jyotirmath is a sacred town, one of the four ‘math’ created by Adi Shankaracharya. It is considered the home of Sri Badrinath during winters, as Lord Badhri’s idol from Badrinath to Joshimath’s Vasudeva Temple in winters. Hindus consider this place as holy and the center of pilgrimage importance. One can find the Kalpavriksha, the oldest tree of India aging to nearing 1200 years old here. There are several Hindu Shrines to pay visit like the temples that are dedicated to Lord Narasimha, Naudevi, Gaurisharkar, Ganesh, Surya, and Hanuman. The Tehsil town of Joshimath is a famous hill station. Two important rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga meet at the confluence of Vishnu Prayag overlooking the town of Joshimath. Joshimath is located at an elevation of 1890mtrs and 26km away from Govindghat. The total distance of Hemkund to Joshimath is 45km

Bheem Pul and Saraswati river

Bheem Pul and Saraswati river is located in Mana, the last village of India. Bheem Pul is built over the Saraswati river, a major tributary of the river Alaknanda. It is believed that the Bheem pul bridge of stone was built by Bheema, one of the Pandavas known for this strength and power by placing a huge stone for his wife Draupadi who was having trouble crossing the river. This bridge helped Draupati to cross the river on their way to Swargrohini.

Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib in Summers (May - June)

Hemkund Sahib in summer is the best time to visit Hemkund Sahib as it opens for pilgrims and tourists when the snow melts and the weather is bearable during the trek. The weather in summers is pleasing and pleasant with cool breezes and beautiful vistas of the Himalayas. The average temperature of Hemkund Sahib in summers ranges from 11℃ to 23℃.

Hemkund Sahib in Monsoon (July-August)

Heavy rains are very common during the Monsoon in Hemkund Sahib in the month of July and August therefore it is suggested to not travel in this season to avoid the marshy lands and the risk of landslides. The temperature during the monsoon ranges between 13℃ to 21℃.

Hemkund Sahib Post Monsoon (September - October)

During post-monsoon in Hemkund Sahib, the weather is cold but tolerable and the trail looks beautiful after the monsoons as if painted in shades of green and is one of the best times to visit as various flora is in fullest bloom. The temperature post-monsoon remains between 8℃ to 20℃.

Hemkund Sahib in Winters ( November to April)

Hemkund Sahib in winters is closed for any visitors as the region receives enough snowfall and the Gurudwara is coved with snow. The average temperature during this season is -2℃ to 21℃. Know More...

How to Reach Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib by Air

The nearest airport for Hemkund Sahib is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) and further taxis till Govindghat. Govindghat is 292 km nearest airport for Hemkund Sahib way from Jolly Grant Airport, daily flights are easily available from Delhi and other major cities of India for Jolly Grant Airport.

There are facilities for Helicopter rides for Hemkund Sahib that are available from Sehastradhara Helipad in Dehradun to Ghangaria Helipad covering the journey in only an hour.

Hemkund Sahib by Train

The nearest railway station for Hemkund Sahib is Rishikesh 273 km away from Govindghat via NH58 and a 19 km trek to Hemkund Sahib. Rishikesh Railway station is well connected with various cities of India. Total 15 trains run from Delhi to Rishikesh. Another nearest railway station for Hemkund Sahib is Haridwar JN 305 km away from Hemkund Sahib.

Hemkund Sahib by Road

The motorable routes for Hemkund Sahib are only up to Govindghat which is well connected to major cities of Uttarakhand. Since Govindghat is located on the National Highway 58 it is easy to reach. Buses are easily available to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Taxis to Govindghat from Rishikesh, Chamoli, Srinagar, Pauri, Haridwar, and other major cities of Uttarakhand. The total distance of Hemkund Sahib from Delhi is 524 km.

Distance from Dehradun to Hemkund Sahib is 330km via NH7.
Distance from Chandigarh to Hemkund Sahib is 493 km

Route from Delhi to Hemkund Sahib: Delhi - Meerut - Haridwar- Rishikesh - Rudraprayag- Joshimath -Govindghat- trekking (19kms)- Hemkund Sahib.

Places to Stay in Hemkund Sahib

It is not allowed to stay in Hemkund Sahib at night unless any exceptions or any member. So one has to trek back to Govindghat or Ghangaria for hotels and lodges.

Hotel Shri Nanda Lokpal Palace, Ghangaria

Hotel Shri Nanda Lokpal Palace is perfect for pocket-friendly tourists as it provides a clean room with an attached bathroom and a restaurant with homely food of Indian, Chinese, and other delicacies. There are 14 deluxe rooms with them and they host nearly 300 to 400 guests every year. They provide trek guides and the service of Massages is also available.

Valley of Flowers Camp, Ghangaria

Valley of Flowers Camp located near the helipad of Ghangaria at an elevation of 10002 ft, provides luxurious swiss tents with gorgeous views of lush green landscape, gushing waterfall and cliffs surrounded. It comes with double and triple sharing options. The tents have attached bathrooms and balconies that give mesmerizing morning and evening views.

Hotel Bhagat, Govindghat

Hotel Bhagat is one of the most preferred and famous hotels at Govindghat for its services with a blend of culture and hospitality and serenity around the hotel. There are multiple options for types of rooms like Standard, Deluxe, and Super Deluxe rooms. They provide free parking, laundry services, Trek/ Travel guide, and restaurant serving multi-cuisine delicacies.

Govindghat Gurudwara

Govindghat Gurudwara is open 24/7 to provide shelter and food (langar) free of cost to the pilgrims who stay here with a touch of spiritual essence. It is situated on the bank of the river Alaknanda. It provides very basic services as it is a social service-based accommodation with a bed and food. Know More...

Places To Eat In Hemkund Sahib

There are no food joints or restaurants on the premises of Hemkund Sahib, Khichri, and Tea is served to all pilgrims free of castor taking packed lunch with you there is another option.

Govindghat Gurudwara

Govindghat Gurudwara provides free food (langar) to pilgrims and trekkers served 24/7. It is situated on the bank of the river Alaknanda. It provides very basic vegetarian food but the taste will flutter your tastebuds.

Cliff Top Restaurant

Cliff Top Restaurant at Govindghat is situated at an elevation of over 1000 feet on the Himalayas proving scenic vistas of snow-clad mountains. It has both indoor and outdoor seating. It is a part of the luxurious ski resort. It provides a variety of choices in the menu to choose.

Roxy Restaurant, Govindghat

Roxy Restaurant, Govindghat is a locally recommended small restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine located a little away from the center of Govindghat.

Do’s and Dont’s

Do’s

Do wear your masks and carry sanitizer
Carry woolen clothes, jackets, and boots during winter.
Carry sun protection stuff during summers.
Do carry proper trekking shoes.
Do carry extra pair of clothes and a suitable waterproof bag.
Wear appropriate clothes and cover your head with a scarf or cloth while participating in religious activities.