Spiritual Places To Visit In Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand | Pilgrimage Destination India

Spiritual Places To Visit In Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand 

Hemkund Sahib is a high-altitude lake located at an altitude of 4,329 meters in the Himalayas. The word 'Hemkund' means 'lake of snow,' and 'Sahib' is a term of respect used in Sikhism. The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is situated on the banks of this serene lake and is a revered pilgrimage site for Sikhs. The Hemkund Sahib trek is also popular among adventure enthusiasts, as it is a challenging trek with scenic beauty.

Hemkund Sahib is not just a pilgrimage destination but also a place of natural beauty and serenity. The spiritual places in Hemkund Sahib offer visitors a chance to connect with their inner selves and seek enlightenment. The Hemkund Sahib trek is an experience in itself, with stunning landscapes and challenging terrain. A visit to Hemkund Sahib is a must for anyone looking to explore the spiritual and natural wonders of Uttarakhand.

The History of Hemkund Sahib

The history of Hemkund Sahib dates back to the 15th century when Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, visited this place. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated at this site for years, and it is believed that he received enlightenment here. Later, in 1934, Sant Sohan Singh discovered this holy site, and the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara was established.

Spiritual Places to Visit in Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara: The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is the main attraction of this pilgrimage destination. The Gurudwara is situated on the banks of the Hemkund lake and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The Gurudwara is an architectural marvel, with intricate carvings and paintings adorning the walls.

Lakshman Temple: The Lakshman Temple is another spiritual place you can visit in Hemkund Sahib. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama. The temple is situated on the banks of the Hemkund lake and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Ghangaria: Ghangaria is a scenic village located near Hemkund Sahib. It is the base camp for the Hemkund Sahib trek and is surrounded by lush green forests and waterfalls.

Valley of Flowers National Park: The Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located near Hemkund Sahib. The park is famous for its diverse flora and fauna and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

How to Reach Hemkund Sahib

The best way to reach Hemkund Sahib is by road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Govindghat, the base camp for the Hemkund Sahib trek. From Govindghat, you can either trek or hire a mule or a helicopter to reach Hemkund Sahib.

Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib

The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is from June to October. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the trekking trails are open. However, Hemkund Sahib remains closed during the winter

Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is a high-altitude destination, and visitors may experience altitude sickness. It is advisable to acclimatize yourself before undertaking the Hemkund Sahib trek.

Hemkund Sahib is a religious site, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and cover their heads before entering the Gurudwara.

The Hemkund Sahib trek is a challenging trek, and visitors are advised to carry adequate warm clothing, trekking shoes, and necessary equipment.

The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara offers free accommodation and langar (community kitchen), and visitors can also donate to the Gurudwara.

Hidden facts about Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand:-

Hemkund Sahib is a sacred pilgrimage site for Sikhs located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Here are some lesser-known facts about Hemkund Sahib:

Hemkund Sahib is situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest altitude pilgrimage sites in India.

The name "Hemkund" means "lake of snow" in the local language, and it is believed that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated at this place for years.

The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is built on the banks of a glacial lake, which is believed to have medicinal properties. It is also said to be the same place where Lord Rama's younger brother, Lakshmana, regained consciousness after being injured in battle.

Hemkund Sahib is also known for the beautiful flowers that bloom here during the summer months. The Brahma Kamal, a rare and beautiful flower that grows only at high altitudes, can be found here.

The trek to Hemkund Sahib is considered one of the most challenging treks in India, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. It is recommended that trekkers be physically fit and acclimatized to high altitudes before attempting this trek.

Hemkund Sahib is only accessible during the summer months, as heavy snowfall during the winter months makes the trek virtually impossible.

In 2013, the area around Hemkund Sahib was devastated by flash floods, which caused significant damage to the infrastructure and claimed many lives. The Gurudwara and the surrounding areas have since been rebuilt, and the pilgrimage site is once again open to visitors.

Overall, Hemkund Sahib is a place of great spiritual significance and natural beauty, and a must-visit destination for those interested in Sikhism and mountain trekking.

How to travel by road to Hemkund Sahib Uttarakhand and the nearest bus stand

Hemkund Sahib is situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters above sea level in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The nearest town to Hemkund Sahib is Govindghat, which is well connected by road to major cities in India.

If you plan to travel by road, you can take a bus or taxi from Rishikesh or Haridwar, which are the nearest major cities to Hemkund Sahib. The distance between Rishikesh and Govindghat is around 275 kilometers, and it takes around 10-11 hours to reach Govindghat. From Govindghat, you can take a trek of around 19 kilometers to reach Hemkund Sahib.

The nearest bus stand to Hemkund Sahib is the Govindghat bus stand, which is well-connected to major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Regular bus services are available from these cities to Govindghat. Once you reach Govindghat, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach the base camp for the trek to Hemkund Sahib.

How to travel by train to Hemkund Sahib Uttarakhand and the nearest railway station

If you are planning to travel to Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand by train, the nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station. Rishikesh is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai by train.

From Rishikesh Railway Station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Govindghat, which is the starting point of the Hemkund Sahib trek. Govindghat is approximately 22 kilometers away from Joshimath and can be reached by a shared taxi or a bus.

The Hemkund Sahib trek starts from Govindghat and is a 19-kilometer trek that can take anywhere between 2 to 4 days, depending on your fitness level and acclimatization. Visitors can also hire a mule or a porter to carry their luggage during the trek.

It is important to keep in mind that the Hemkund Sahib trek is a high-altitude trek, and visitors may experience altitude sickness. It is advisable to acclimatize yourself before starting the trek and carry adequate warm clothing and necessary equipment.

Overall, traveling to Hemkund Sahib by train is a convenient and affordable option, and Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railway station. From Rishikesh, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach Govindghat and start their trek to Hemkund Sahib.

How to travel by air to Hemkund Sahib Uttarakhand and the nearest airport

If you are planning to travel to Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand by air, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Jolly Grant Airport is approximately 292 kilometers away from Govindghat, the starting point of the Hemkund Sahib trek.

From Jolly Grant Airport, visitors can hire a taxi or a bus to reach Govindghat. The journey can take anywhere between 8 to 10 hours, depending on the traffic and weather conditions. Visitors can also opt for a shared taxi or a bus to reach Govindghat, which can be a more affordable option.

Once you reach Govindghat, you can start your trek to Hemkund Sahib, which is a 19-kilometer trek that can take anywhere between 2 to 4 days, depending on your fitness level and acclimatization. Visitors can also hire a mule or a porter to carry their luggage during the trek.

It is important to keep in mind that the Hemkund Sahib trek is a high-altitude trek, and visitors may experience altitude sickness. It is advisable to acclimatize yourself before starting the trek and carry adequate warm clothing and necessary equipment.

Overall, traveling to Hemkund Sahib by air is a convenient option, and Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport. From Jolly Grant Airport, visitors can hire a taxi or a bus to reach Govindghat and start their trek to Hemkund Sahib.

FAQs

Q.1 Is Hemkund Sahib open throughout the year?

Hemkund Sahib remains closed during the winter months, from October to May.

Q.2 Can I visit Hemkund Sahib with my family?

Yes, Hemkund Sahib is a family-friendly destination. However, visitors are advised to keep in mind the religious sentiments of the place and dress modestly.

Q.3 What is the difficulty level of the Hemkund Sahib trek?

The Hemkund Sahib trek is a challenging trek and requires adequate fitness and preparation. It is advisable to undertake the trek under the guidance of a professional guide.

Q.4 Can I hire a mule or a helicopter to reach Hemkund Sahib?

Yes, visitors can hire a mule or a helicopter to reach Hemkund Sahib. However, visitors are advised to book in advance.

Q.5 Can I donate to the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara?

Yes, visitors can donate to the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. The Gurudwara offers various donation schemes, including langar sewa and prasad sewa.