Hemkund Sahib

Hemkhund Sahib

Situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state, Hemkund Sahib is an important pilgrimage destination for Sikhs and Hindus. The place is nestled amidst marvelous snowy glaciers and seven snow capped peaks. Hemkund is an incredible lake located at an elevation of 4329 meters above sea level. The picturesque nature views make this region an outstanding place for rejuvenating vacations.

According to Hindu traditions and myths, Shri Hemkund Sahib was earlier known as Lokpal, a lake which was the meditation grounds of Lakshmana. Hemkunt Sahib was also mentioned in the autobiography of Shri Guru Gobind Singh. It is believed that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Hindu God Rama regained his health meditating on the banks of Hemkund after receiving severe injuries from Meghnath during Ravana-Rama war. There is also a Lakshmana temple which is built at a place where Lakshmana meditated in order to regain his health.

Hemkund Lake is fed by the glaciers from majestic peaks known as Saptrishi peaks and Hathi Parvat. The nature is reflected here with all its mighty appearance in the crystal clear alluring water. A small stream, also known as Himganga originates from this lake. One can reach this amazing lake through a challenging but enjoyable and interesting trek from Ghangharia. Holy Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. Dense forest, crystal clear lake and numerous waterfalls are the key highlights of this trekking trip.

Sikhs consider Hemkund as a holy place with one of the popular Sikh Gurudwaras located in the heart of the region. This temple is built on the shores of Hemkund. Huge flocks of Sikh devotees and pilgrims pay their visit to this holy Gurudwara every year. This star shaped Gurudwara is not built with conventional Sikh architecture, but it is built with slopes.

Places to See in Hemkund Sahib

If you are planning to travel to Hemkund Sahib, there are many tourist places and sightseeing options that you must visit in order to make your vacation unforgettable. These include:

  • Valley of Flowers
  • Ghangaria
  • Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara
  • Lakshman Temple
  • Lokpal Lake
How to Reach Hemkund Sahib

As Hemkund Sahib has a well-known Sikh shrine and a beautiful lake, the place is easily reachable from all the major destinations of Uttarakhand state.

Reaching Hemkund Sahib By Air: The nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun but the roads are only accessible up to Govindghat from where one has to commence an enjoyable trek of about 19 km to reach Hemkund Sahib. Govindghat is well connected by roads with this airport. Buses and taxis are easily available from Jolly Grant Airport to Govindghat. This airport is also connected to Delhi and other major destinations of the country with regular flights.

Reaching Hemkund Sahib By Road: Hemkund Sahib is connected up to Govindghat with motorable roads and from here one has to commence trek of around 19 kilometers to reach Hemkund Sahib. Govindghat is located on NH 58 which makes this place very easy to reach from all the major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Taxis and buses are easily available from other major parts of Uttarakhand like Rudraprayag, Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chamoli etc.

Reaching Hemkund Sahib By Train: Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railhead to Hemkund Sahib. Rishikesh railway station is located 272 kms before Govindghat on NH 58. This railway station is also well connected by railway lines with all the other major destinations of India.

Places Near Hemkund Sahib

You can visit these tourist spots while enjoying your stay in Hemkund Sahib. All these places are nearby Hemkund Sahib which can be visited as a day trip. You must add these places in your itinerary to make your trip to Hemkund Sahib more enjoyable.