Complete Details of Hemkund Sahib

“Place of Worship where Waheguru hears your prayers directly”

Shree Hemkund Sahib is one of the most sacred shrines at the height of 4329 meters above sea level. The place is the pilgrimage destination for Sikhs and Hindus. Located on the bank of the Hemkund Lake, this gorgeous looking tourist destination owns the great natural gift of majestic glaciers. Therefore, it’s better to say that this place is not only naturally beautiful but also has amazing divine beauty.

However, you can use the road transport facility till Govind Ghat only, but the divine power makes things easy for devotees. From Govind Ghat to Hemkund Sahib, there’s a trek of 19 km, and that is approachable via Ghangharia. The entire trek is full of natural beauty, serenity & natural flora & fauna. You can also use the helicopter to reach Ghangharai from the Govind Ghat, and for the rest of 6 Kms, you may do the walking, or you may also hire a pony. Hemkund Sahib is one of the fabulous points of attraction for tourists.

Hemkund sahib is one of the holy pilgrimage sites for Sikhs and is located in Chamoli district of Uttrakhand state in India. Another name of this place is “Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib Ji”, and is the place where Sikhs show endless devotion to the tenth Sikh Guru “Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji”. In addition to the indescribable natural and spiritual beauty, it is one of the highest Gurudwara in the Himalaya Mountains, and have the shape like that of a star. This place is famous for its scenic beauty, beautiful lake and architecture too.

History of Hemkund Gurudwara

Knowing the history of this holy place is a matter of pride, and therefore you should. Hemkund sahib was highly popular as “Lokpal”. Credit to find out this gorgeous looking Shrine goes to Sant Sohan Singh and Bhai Modam Singh. This place is associated with the tenth Guru of Sikhs “Guru Gobind Singh Ji”. The tenth Guru of Sikhs has also mentioned this holy place in his autobiography. Sant Sohan Singh was the first and foremost person, who finds the actual location of this Gurudwara. He met Bhai Vir Singh and tries to convince him that he has found the exact location of Hemkund Sahib. Finally, with the collective support and true efforts of all Sikh pioneers, they could successfully establish this Gurudwara.

There is a Hemkunt Trust of 7 persons who look for all the facilities and requirements of “Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji”. Towards the way to this holy place, you may see lots of other Gurudwaras. Trust also provides food and lodging facility to the pilgrims here. This place has not only the immense beauty but also it’s a highly auspicious place. This place is a source of peace to the pilgrims, who visit the place with hope and full faith in God.

How to travel to Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund sahib is about 6 km away from Gobind Dham, and you will have to cover this distance by walking only. This place is 19 km away from Gobindghat and is to cover by foot. From Rishikesh, the distance to Hemkund Sahib is about 294 Kms.

The weather of Hemkund Gurudwara

Though the weather in summers in Hemkund sahib remains cool. But, it changes very frequently, so traveler must carry important things with them as a safety measure.

You must carry the following things with you while traveling to Hemkund Sahib:

• Warm clothes like jackets, sweaters.
• Raincoat for every family member
• Torch
• Gloves and caps
• The first-aid kit is very necessary to carry
• Wind-sheeter

How to Reach Hemkund Sahib:

How to get to Hemkund Sahib by Flight

Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Dehradun. There are direct flights available from Delhi & other parts of the country. Jolly Grand Airport is approx 290 Kms/11 Hrs from Govind Ghat. Govind Ghat to Hemkunt Sahib is 19 Kms distance, which can be covered through helicopter, trekking & pony. It’s very comfortable, and therefore you should choose it if possible.

How to get to Hemkund Sahib by Train

Nearest Railway Stn is Rishikesh which is approx 270 km from Govind Ghat. You can also use the Haridwar Railway Stn because of good connectivity from remaining of India. Haridwar Railway Station is around 280 Kms from the Govind Ghat, and is connected with NH 58.

How to get to Hemkund Sahib by Road

Hemkunt Sahib is easily approachable & having motor-able roads till Govind Ghat. There are many options available to reach Govind Ghat either using the public or the private transport. State buses are available from Inter States Bus Terminals from Delhi & other nearby states. Sharing taxies can be hired from Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun conveniently. Public bus services are also available from Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun starting from 4 AM to 8 AM. Road conditions are pretty good & getting improved with time. 270 Kms distance from Rishikesh to Govind Ghat can be traveled in 11-12 Hrs.

Best time to visit Hemkund Sahib

The summers season or the month between June to September are the best months to have a visit to the holy Hemkund Sahib. For travelers, the summer season is also very best to enjoy the magnificent scenic beauty as well as the splendid lake. Many devotees from all over the world visit this place every year in summer season just to embrace the magnificent beauty of Hemkund Sahib.

Nearest Tourist Attractions to Hemkund Sahib

Valley of Flowers

Valley of Flowers is the epitome of colorful and captivating stretches of flowers that show the most delightful scenic aura of the beauty created by Mother Nature and therefore looks very amazing. It offers the rarest and endangered species of both Flora and Fauna that will enthrall and surprise your mind. Therefore, it’s a place where you will surely forget all your tears.

Since its discovery, every year, a wide number of visitors take on the trek to explore more than 300 species of flowers during the most spectacular time of the year, i.e. between July and August. Therefore, if you also want to fill your eyes and heart with the beautiful aura created by those lovely flowers, then you must make a visit to the mesmerizing paradise of the valley of flowers. In addition to the amazing natural beauty, you will find the attractive natural smell that will take you to a fairyland.

Ghangharia

Ghangharia is the last village situated at the confluence of river Bhyundar Ganga & Pushpawati from where Laxman Ganga River appears. It is a base camp for Valley of Flowers & Hemkunt Sahib, located at the distance of 13 km from Govind Ghat Gurudwara & can be approached by Trek & Helicopter service from Govind Ghat.It’s a beautiful place having a few luxurious and very cheap hotels, Restaurants & shops etc to serve the tourists.

Shree Lokpal Laxman Temple

The Lakshman Temple is just beside the Shree Hemkunt Sahib. The temple is established by Laxman Ji, brother of Lord Rama. It is believed that Laxman Ji had done remorse there, and therefore, it’s the most auspicious place.

Other Places to Visit

Govind Ghat

Govind Ghat is located on NH-58 on the bank of river Alaknanda at the distance of 21 km from Joshimath. At the height of 6000 Feet above the sea level, Govind Ghat is the gateway for Badrinath Ji, Hemkunt Sahib & Valley of Flowers. The Gurudwara at Govind Ghat is an attraction for the pilgrims always, and therefore, lots of visitors come here every year.

Pandukeshwar

Pandukeshwar has the highly famous Yog Dhyan Badri. It’s the ancient worship place of Shree Badrinath Ji. This is one of the Sapt Badri. It is believed that at Pandukeshwar, Pandav has done Pind Daan of their father Pandu, during their exile/Agyatwas. Therefore, you must visit the holy pride of Hinduism. Pandukeshwar is at a distance of 23 km from Joshimath.

Activities to Do in Hemkund Sahib

Trekking

People visit Hemkund Sahib after undertaking a trek of about 19kms. Those who are adventurous and nature lovers will find the best source of trekking at Hemkund Sahib. So, in addition to devotion, here you may have some adventurous fun activities. Therefore, if you are visiting to this place, get ready to have some adventurous fun.

Pilgrimage

Hemkund Sahib is a beautiful Gurudwara that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Therefore, it is the highest Gurudwara of Sikh Community and a renowned pilgrimage center.
However, the weather of this place is very unpredictable, but if the devotion is true, the things automatically become very easy. Your true faith will surely succeed in facing all the problems and discomforts of the journey. This can be the enchanting experience for the travelers visiting this beautiful place. Therefore, you should never miss out any chance to visit this place.