Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh place of worship and pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand, India. It is located at a high altitude near a glacial lake and surrounded by seven mountain peaks. Hemkund Sahib attracts thousands of pilgrims yearly who trek through the scenic Valley of Flowers to reach the gurudwara. Hemkund Sahib is also associated with the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, and the Hindu epic Ramayana.
If you are looking for a spiritual and adventurous trip, Hemkund Sahib is the perfect destination for you. In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know about the Hemkund Sahib trek, including how to reach, what to see, and what to do. You will also read about my personal experience and feelings about visiting this sacred and beautiful place.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of faith and beauty? Let’s get started!
How to Reach Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. The nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 268 km from Govindghat, the starting point of the trek. The nearest railway station to Hemkund Sahib is Rishikesh, which is about 273 km from Govindghat on NH58. You can also reach Govindghat by road from Delhi, Haridwar, or other major cities of Uttarakhand. Buses and taxis are easily available from these places to Govindghat. From Govindghat, you have to trek 19 km to reach Hemkund Sahib. You can either walk, hire a pony, or take a helicopter service to cover this distance. The trek is divided into two parts: Govindghat to Ghangaria (13 km) and Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (6 km). The second part is the steepest and toughest, so be prepared for a challenging climb.
Hemkund Sahib Trek Route Details
Hemkund Sahib Trek is a moderate-difficult trek with an elevation of 4,633 metres above sea level. The trek starts from Govindghat, a small town on the banks of the Alaknanda River, and follows the river to reach the village of Pulna. From Pulna, the trek continues along a well-marked trail through the forest and crosses several bridges and waterfalls. The trek is about 13 km long and takes around 4-5 hours to reach Ghangaria, a base camp for both Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers treks. Ghangaria has many hotels, guest houses, and campsites where you can stay overnight and prepare for the next day’s trek.
The next day, you will have to trek around 6 km to reach Hemkund Sahib, which is the highest point of the trek. The trek is steep and challenging, as you have to climb over 1,000 metres in altitude in a short distance. The trail passes through dense vegetation and rocky terrain and offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. The trek is also rewarding spiritually, as you will encounter many pilgrims chanting and singing along the way. The trek takes around 3-4 hours to reach Hemkund Sahib, where you can witness the beauty and serenity of the glacial lake, the gurudwara, and the temple. You can also take a dip in the lake, which is believed to have healing powers and pay your respects at the gurudwara and the temple. You can spend some time at Hemkund Sahib, and then trek back to Ghangaria, which will take around 2-3 hours. You can either stay at Ghangaria for another night or trek back to Govindghat, which will take another 4-5 hours.
Things to do in Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib is not just a place of worship, but also a place of wonder and awe. There are many things to do at Hemkund Sahib that will make your trip memorable and enriching. Here are some of them:
- Take a dip in the glacial lake: The lake at Hemkund Sahib is considered sacred by both Sikhs and Hindus, as it is believed to have healing powers and wash away sins. The water is ice-cold, but many pilgrims brave the chill and take a dip in the lake as a sign of devotion and purification. You can also do the same if you are feeling adventurous and spiritual.
- Pay your respects at the gurudwara and the temple: The gurudwara at Hemkund Sahib is a magnificent star-shaped structure that houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs. You can enter the gurudwara, cover your head, and listen to the hymns and prayers that are recited by the priests. You can also offer your donations and receive the prasad, a sweet offering that is distributed to the devotees. The temple at Hemkund Sahib is dedicated to Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama, who is said to have meditated here after being wounded in the war with Ravana. You can visit the temple, bow your head, and light a lamp or incense stick in front of the idol of Lakshmana.
- Enjoy the scenic views and the flora and fauna: Hemkund Sahib is surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks and glaciers that offer a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas. You can admire the beauty and serenity of nature, and capture some stunning photos of the landscape. You can also spot some rare and exotic flowers and plants, such as the Brahma Kamal, the state flower of Uttarakhand, and the blue poppy, which blooms only at high altitudes. You can also see some wildlife, such as the Himalayan bear, the snow leopard, and the musk deer, if you are lucky.
Conclusion
Hemkund Sahib is a place that will fill your heart with joy and peace. It is a place that will challenge your body and mind, and reward you with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. It is a place that will connect you with your faith and spirituality, and inspire you to live a better life. Hemkund Sahib is a place that you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
If you are interested in visiting Hemkund Sahib, you can book your tour package with Travel Acharya, the best travel agency in Haridwar. Travel Acharya offers fully customized and affordable packages for Hemkund Sahib and other destinations in Uttarakhand. You can choose from a variety of options, such as helicopter service, pony service, or trekking service, to suit your preferences and budget. Travel Acharya will take care of everything, from transportation to accommodation to sightseeing, and ensure that you have a hassle-free and enjoyable trip. To book your package, visit Travel Acharya or call 098101 12813. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Hemkund Sahib with Travel Acharya.
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