Hemkund Sahib
Relevance and History
One of Sikhism’s most important shrines, Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib, is set amidst soaring snow-capped mountains and lies adjacent to a lake of spotless azure water. This Sikh shrine even to the not- especially - religious presents a destination of almost unbelievable beauty and peace. The holy shrine is surrounded by seven majestic peaks, collectively called the Sapt Sring - shadowing over lush verdurous meadows.The tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, meditated for several years in these mountains, before finally uniting with the Creator. The star-shaped Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib , at a height of 4329 meters, is a commemorative of Guru Gobind Singh and his mission.Hemkund Sahib gurudwara is the highest Sikh shrine in the world. It is an 18-kilometers trek from Govindghat. The journey is demanding and at times, the snow has to be moved to make way. The last 5-kilometers stretch is the most exigent and devotees determined to reach the gurudwara amidst all the hardships are overwhelmed with a sense of achievement after reaching.
Best Time to Visit
The route to Hemkunt Sahib normally opens on about June 1st and closes during the first week of October. For clear skies and views, the best times to go are June and September. The weather is warmest in June before the monsoon rains begin, but June is also the busiest time. It can be very difficult to find space to stay in the gurdwaras and hotels during mid- to late-June.
How to Reach
By Road
Hemkund Sahib is connected upto Govind Ghat with motoralble roads and from here you have to commence trek of around 18 kms to reach Hemkund Sahib.Buses and Taxis to Govindghat are easily available from Rishikesh.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Hemkund Sahib is Rishikesh which is situated around 273 kms away from Govindghat. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Hemkund Sahib. Govindghat is situated at a distance of 292 kms from Jolly Grant Airport. It is connected by direct flights to Delhi at regular intervals. The distance beyond this has to be covered by road either through bus or taxies upto Govindghat. Beyond Govindghat one has to go on foot.
Sanjay Gaur
A proud resident of Chamoli Garhwal, who wants our state to be famous throughout the world. Everyone should know the diversity in flora, fauna, tourism, mythology and it should become a tourist paradise and people instead of migrating away from it come back to it.