Hemkund means Snow Lake and is one of the well-known pilgrimage places of Sikhs. Hemkund Sahib is positioned at an elevation of approx 4,329 meters above sea level in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Hemkund Sahib is enclosed through 7 mountains, jointly known as Hemkund Parvat, which remain enclosed with snow approximately all over the year. At one end of the Hemkund lake is the well-known Gurudwara, which is the sacred pilgrimage spot of Sikhs.
Hemkund Sahib is one of the sacred destinations in all of North India. It is trusted that Guru Gobind Singh had meditation in the Lokpal Lake, in which Hemkund Sahib is sited. After that, Hemkund Sahib Yatra has become a main pilgrimage for devotees. The Lokpal Lake is a main point of the Hemkund Sahib tour because it is trusted that it has healing effects and helps recover health.
History of the Hemkund Sahib
According to a well-known fable, the 10th guru of Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh, completed meditation here on the banks of Hemkund River. This is why a Gurudwara former built at this spot which is visited by a great number of pilgrims annually from far off places. A number of other Hindu sages and saints accustomed meditate at this place. It is too said that Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama, performed penance here and one can as well find a temple on one side of the lake, which is dedicated to Lakshman. Hemkund Lake is the basis of Lakshman Ganga, which begins from Gangaria and up to that place a stream flows from Hemkund Lake through Valley of Flowers.
CLIMATE AND THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HEMKUND SAHIB
Climate at Hemkund Sahib is chilly and it remains cut off from rest of the destinations in the winter months due to the deep snowfall in the region. Temperature in winters drops down up to -10 degree Celsius and a utmost temperature in summer rises up to 15 degree Celsius. The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is from July to October.
ATTRACTIONS OF HEMKUND SAHIB
Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara : Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is construction of sacred pilgrimage of Sikhs, which has been build in a star shape. The whole construction has been build of stone and concrete. It has been built in the reminiscence of Guru Gobind Singh.
Lakshman Temple : There is a attractive small temple on one side of Hemkund Lake, which is devoted to Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama. This is as well one of the well-known temples flocked by a great number of Hindus annually.
Hemkund Lake : Hemkund Lake is as well recognized by the name of Lokpal Lake. Its gemstone clear water presents the tranquil image of the nearby scenery. The lake is feuded by the melting snow of Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peak.
HOW TO REACH HEMKUND SAHIB
By Air : Nearby airport to reach Hemkund Sahib is Jolly Grant, which is positioned in Dehradun (307 km), the capital city of Uttarakhand. It is linked by Kingfisher Airlines from Delhi on every day basis. From Dehradun, one has to cover the distance by road, hiring cab or by Uttarakhand Transport Roadways Corporation buses up to Govindghat. From Govindghat, one has to cover the distance of 19 km on foot.
By Train : Nearby railway stations to Hemkund Sahib are Rishikesh (293 km) and Haridwar (310 km). Some of the major trains which attach Rishikesh with other cities include Doon Express from Howrah Junction and Hemkunt Express from Jammu Tawi, on regular basis. From Rishikesh one can rent a cab or can journey by Uttarakhand Transport Roadways Corporation buses to reach Govindghat, from where one needs to cover rest of the distance on foot.
By Road : Hemkund Sahib is to be found at a distance of 19 km from Govindghat via Ghangaria, which is approachable by foot. Govindghat is linked by road to Rishikesh (270 km) and other towns of Uttarakhand.
TOURIST’S ACCOMMODATION IN HEMKUND SAHIB
Just only some pilgrims can stay at the Gurudwara close to Hemkund Lake. There are no other destinations to stay in Hemkund Sahib. One has to accommodation at Ghangaria. GMVN Tourist Rest House and Forest Rest House at Govindghat and Ghangaria are also obtainable other than Lodge and Hotels.
