Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib is a pilgrimage site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. With a setting of a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks and each peak is adorned by a Nishan Sahib on its cliff, it is located in the Himalaya Mountains at an elevation of 4632 meters (15,200 ft) as per the Survey of India. It is accessible only by foot from Gobind Ghat on the Rishikesh - Badrinath highway.

Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib is an important pilgrimage destination for Sikhs. Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib is the breathtaking Lokpal lake located at an altitude of 4329 m from the sea level. The picturesque natural settings make this hill region an amazing place for rejuvenating vacations. One can reach this majestic lake through a challenging but interesting and enjoyable trek from Gobind Dham (Ghangaria).

View Hemkund Sahib Yatra Map

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib

Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib has a cool climate in most part of the year and the best time to visit is from May to October.

Summers (May to October) have a pleasant cool weather with maximum temperature reaches to nearly 25°C. It is a good season for viewing the panoramic beauty.

Winters (November to May) are snow covered and difficult to visit the outdoor attractions. Minimum temperature can go well down with average minimum about -4 °C.

June to October is pleasant and ideal for the pilgrimage and also for the visit of the national park. August and September are eye catching months with blooming flowers. December to May is snow bound and road blocks prevent the tourist from visiting the outdoors.

Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib, also spelled Hemkunt Sahib, is a significant Sikh pilgrimage site located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. It is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 4,329 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest Gurudwaras Sikh (Religious Shrine) in the world.

Spiritual Significance

Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib holds great spiritual significance for Sikhs. It is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated in his previous life. Guru Gobind Singh Ji's teachings emphasize bravery, equality, and devotion to God, and Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib represents a place of high spirituality and reverence.

Accessibility

Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib is not easily accessible due to its high altitude and the challenging terrain. The pilgrimage season typically lasts from last days of May, to starting days of September when the snow has melted, and the trekking route becomes passable. The rest of the year, it remains covered in snow.

Trekking

To reach Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib, pilgrims need to undertake a challenging trek of approximately 6-7 kilometers from Govindghat, a small town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The trek involves steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and can take several hours to complete. Ponies and porters are available for those who may find it difficult to walk.

Gurdwara

Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib At the top of the trek lies Gurdwara Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib, a white marble structure surrounded by pristine glacial lake named Hemkund. The gurdwara is a place of worship and accommodation for pilgrims. Langar (community kitchen) serves free vegetarian meals to all visitors.

Natural Beauty

Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib is not only a place of spiritual importance but also a site of immense natural beauty. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and a serene glacial lake, the location offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere.

The Legend

According to Sikh tradition, Guru Gobind Singh Ji is believed to have meditated here during his previous life as a hermit. It is also associated with the story of the devoted Sikh, Bhai Gurdas, who discovered the place through his meditation and informed Guru Gobind Singh Ji about it.

Hemkund Lake

The Hemkund Lake, also known as Lokpal Lake, is a pristine, crystal-clear glacial lake situated near the gurdwara. It is believed to have healing properties, and pilgrims often take a dip in its cold waters as a part of their spiritual journey.

Surrounding Area

The region around Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to various species of flora and fauna. The Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nearby and is famous for its diverse alpine flora.

Conservation Efforts

Due to its high-altitude location and fragile ecosystem, efforts are made to conserve the environment around Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib. Pilgrims are encouraged to follow strict environmental guidelines to minimize their impact on the area.

Visiting Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib is a profound spiritual experience for Sikhs and a journey of self-discovery for many others. It's a place where nature's beauty and spirituality come together in a unique and awe-inspiring way, making it a destination worth exploring for those who are physically and spiritually prepared for the journey.