HEMKUND SAHIB
Hemkund Sahib is a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters and is surrounded by picturesque snow-capped mountains. The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is a Sikh place of worship and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Sikhs.
The Gurudwara at Hemkund Sahib is situated beside a beautiful glacial lake, also known as Hemkund. The lake is surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks and is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru, meditated in his previous birth. The lake is also believed to be the spot where the sage Rishi Medhasa performed penance and was granted his wish to see the Lord face to face.
The journey to Hemkund Sahib is considered quite arduous, but the stunning beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys makes it worth the effort. The trek to Hemkund Sahib is approximately 19 kilometers long and takes visitors through beautiful forests, valleys, and past several waterfalls.
The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is between June and October, as the region experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months. Visitors are advised to prepare for the cold weather and to bring warm clothing, as temperatures at Hemkund Sahib can drop to below freezing.
The Gurudwara at Hemkund Sahib provides free accommodation and food to all visitors, as per Sikh tradition. The langar, or community kitchen, at the Gurudwara serves delicious vegetarian food to all visitors, irrespective of their religion or caste.
Hemkund Sahib is not only a religious site, but also a popular trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts. The trek to Hemkund Sahib is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The region is also home to several other beautiful trekking trails, including the Valley of Flowers trek, which is known for its beautiful meadows of wildflowers.
In conclusion, Hemkund Sahib is a beautiful and important pilgrimage site for Sikhs, as well as a popular trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts. Its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in Uttarakhand.
Places to visit in Haridwar
The main attraction of Hemkund Sahib is the Gurudwara and the Hemkund Lake, which is surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks. The region is also known for its stunning natural beauty and trekking trails. As Hemkund Sahib is primarily a pilgrimage site, there are not many tourist attractions other than the Gurudwara and Hemkund Lake. However, here are a few places that visitors can explore:
Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning meadows of wildflowers. It is located in Uttarakhand and is only accessible by foot.
Joshimath
Joshimath is a popular hill station located about 45 kilometers from Govindghat. It is known for its ancient temples, including the famous Adi Badri Temple, and scenic beauty.
Ghangaria Village
Ghangaria is a small village located in Uttarakhand and serves as a base camp for trekkers visiting Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers National Park. It is only accessible by foot.
BADRINATH TEMPLE
Badrinath Temple is a popular pilgrimage site located in the town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the four holy sites in Hinduism.
Govindghat
Govindghat is a small town located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers. It is the starting point of the trek to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers.
Auli Uttrakhand
Auli is a popular skiing destination located about 60 kilometers from Govindghat in Uttarakhand. It is known for its beautiful slopes and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.