Located in the middle of the Himalayas, Sri Hemkund Sahib is a sacred pilgrimage venerated by thousands of Sikhs every year. This highest Gurudwara in the world, which literally means “snow lake”, lies at an altitude of 4329 m above sea level and is set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. This sacred shrine is also known as Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib and can be reached by walking through many waterfalls, dense forest, and fascinating sceneries of the Himalayas.
The Gurudwara is only open for a few months, i.e. between May and October, as it gets closed due to extreme winters.
For both the Hindus and Sikhs,peaks Hemkund Sahib is a sacred and significant journey site and is devoted to the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The holy Sikh Gurudwara lies in the core of the district on the banks of Hemkund in Chamoli, in Uttarakhand. It is located in the midst of the seven snow cap Rampeak and magnificent aged icy masses. As per the Hindu folklore, it is alluded to where Pandu lord had rehearsed Yoga and meditation. It is additionally alluded to where the younger brother of Lord Ram, Lakshman had meditated here in Hemkunt after the extreme harm he recieved from Meghnath during the Ramayana war. There is a little Lakshman temple close to the Gurudwara.
In’ Bachitra Natak’, in the autobiography of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, it is referenced that he was requested by God to take a bath at the mount of Hemkunt when he was meditating. It is said that Guru Govind Singh had intervened on the banks of Hemkund in his past birth. Master Govind Singh is the otherworldly pioneer who initiated the whole present peculiarity of Sikhism.
The first gurdwara was built in 1935. The bigger and present Gurdwara was developed by General Harkirat Singh. The pleasant and excellent picturesque magnificence of the heavenly spot which offers harmony and serenity is a striking consign to spend your getaways. The completely clear, appealing water of the lake to the glorious pinnacles is a gift to watch.
HOW TO REACH HEMKUND SAHIB
The proper route to Hemkund Sahib is, Delhi–Rishikesh–Devprayag–Srinagar–Rudraprayag–Gopeshwar–Joshimath–Govindghat–Ghangaria -Hemkund Sahib.
To reach Hemkund Sahib, some of the ways are as follows-
By Air- Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the closest airport to the Hemkund Sahib , which is 310 kms away. You can take a taxi or any other public transport from here up till Govindghat from where the motorable street closes and the journey to Hemkund Sahib begins.
By Rail- The nearest rail route station from Hemkund Sahib is at Rishikesh. From here, one can go for a bus or taxi facility to arrive at Govindghat from where the journey begins.
By Road- You can take transports from ISBT or take private transports up till Joshimath. From Joshimath, you can take taxis or cabs to arrive at Govindghat, where the motorable street closes. The trekking journey to Hemkund Sahib begins from here. It is a 10km trek which would take around 5-6 hours, beginning from Govind Ghat. You can likewise take the helicopter administration from Govind ghat to Hemkund Sahib, which would cost around 3000rs per person.
You can likewise choose the option of a pony from horse administration from Pulna or Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back, which would cost around 1200-1600 Rs. for a round trip.The trail is steepy however, is exceptionally delightful. There are various little food stores on the route for bystanders to sit and eat.
Also Read, Sonamarg: Explore the Silent Beauty of Kashmir
BEST TIME TO VISIT HEMKUND SAHIB
Located in the lap of the Himalayan Garhwal mountain range, the holy Sikh Gurudwara is visited by large crowds of believers from all over the country between October and April each year. Since the beginning of May, Sikh pilgrims have been appearing in Hemkund Sahib to restore the path destroyed during winter and later for pilgrimage. This practice is called kar seva, or gallant reparation, which gives a significant insight into the beliefs of the Sikhs. Hemkund Sahib also resided in an enchanting lake, in whose lake the followers bathed. In Hindu mythology, Hemkund Sahib is also called Lokpalsee.
However, the best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is between June and October. This is because, the summer from June to October has a pleasantly cold climate with a maximum temperature of 25 ° C. It is the best time to witness and enjoy the panoramic beauty of this place. And, In the winters from November to May, the path is covered with snow and it becomes difficult to walk. The minimum temperature drops to 4 degrees Celsius.
