Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib:

At 4,329 meters, where sapphire waters meet snow-white peaks, Hemkund Sahib stands as Sikhism’s celestial crown jewel – a sacred high-altitude sanctuary where Guru Gobind Singh meditated in divine communion.

Perched in the Garhwal Himalayas like a turquoise jewel, Hemkund Sahib (also called Hemkunt Sahib) is the world’s highest Sikh gurudwara, cradled by seven snow-capped peaks beside a glacial lake. This sacred shrine, accessible only during summer months, forms part of the Valley of Flowers pilgrimage circuit, where spirituality blooms amidst breathtaking Himalayan wilderness.

At Sevak247, we revere this journey as the ultimate test of faith – where every step on the steep 6 km trek brings pilgrims closer to enlightenment, just as Guru Gobind Singh Ji described in his autobiographical Bachitra Natak.

The Divine Legend of Hemkund Sahib

Guru Gobind Singh’s Meditative Sojourn
The Tenth Sikh Guru revealed in his writings that in a previous life, he meditated here on the shores of this “Lake of Ice” (Hemkund = Ice + Bowl). The present gurudwara was built in 1960s after military officer Sohan Singh rediscovered the site matching the Guru’s descriptions.

Lakshman’s Ancient Connection
Hindu devotees believe this is where Lakshman (Lord Rama’s brother) performed penance at the adjacent Lokpal Lake, adding a unique interfaith significance to this sacred geography.

The Miracle of Brahma Kamal
The rare Himalayan Brahma Kamal flower blooms around the lake during pilgrimage season (July-Sept), believed to be nature’s blessing to devotees who complete the arduous trek.

Best Time to Visit Hemkund Sahib:

May-June: Ideal weather (5°C to 18°C)
Sept-Oct: Post-monsoon clarity

Must-Visit Places Near Gangotri

1. Ghangaria (Gateway Village)
Location : 13 km from Govindghat
Last habitation before Hemkund – stay overnight to acclimatize

2. Valley of Flowers National Park
Location: 3 km from Ghangaria
UNESCO World Heritage Site with 500+ alpine flower species

3. Lokpal Lake (Lakshman Temple)
Location: Adjacent to Hemkund
Sacred Hindu site with stunning reflections of Hathi Parvat

Day 1: Haridwar → Joshimath (270 km | 10 hrs)
Day 2: Joshimath → Govindghat → Ghangaria (20 km + 13 km trek)
Day 3: Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib (6 km steep trek)
Day 4: Valley of Flowers Exploration
Day 5: Return to Haridwar, Dehradun, Rishikesh

Note: The journey to Hemkund Sahib is both physically demanding and spiritually uplifting. While the 6 km steep trek (gaining 1,300m elevation) tests endurance, the rewards are celestial – sapphire waters mirroring snow peaks, the gurudwara’s white dome against azure skies, and the rare Brahma Kamal blooming like nature’s blessing. This is where Guru Gobind Singh’s verses come alive, where Sikh and Hindu traditions harmonize, and where every step taken in devotion brings you closer to the divine.