Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund (Snow Lake) Sahib is one of the sacred pilgrimage shrine and a popular trekking destination. Hemkund is situated at an altitude of 4329m, surrounded by seven huge now-covered mountains, which are collectively called Hemkund Parvat. Close to the lake is a sacred Sri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara dedicated to Guru Govind Singh (the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs) who meditated on the very banks of this lake.

The Hemkund Lake is also known as Lok Pal Lake (named after Laxman temple) located on the bank of the lake. According to the Hindu mythology, a number of sages and religious teachers from the Hindu mythology, including Rishi Medhasa of the Markandeya Purana and Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram performed penance.

The Hemkund Lake is the source of the Laxman Ganga (alternatively called Hem Ganga) stream that merges with the Pushpawati stream flowing from the Valley of Flowers, at Ghangaria. From this point on, the river is called Laxman Ganga.

Hemkund is 19 km trek from Govindghat. The trek takes one through pine forests where rhododendron (burans), wild roses, ferns and alpine flowers abound, along the banks of Laxman Ganga River. The first 13km trek from Govindghat takes to you Ghangharia, the base camp for the journey towards Hemkund Sahib through Bhyundar village.

Another 6 km steep trek from Ghangharia leads to Hemkund. The trek is bestowed with several fresh water streams, small glaciers and several varieties of wild flowers including the Brahm Kamal (Brahama Kamal) – the state flower of Uttarakhand.

The lake is about two kilometres in circumference. It has clear, still water mirror images of the Saptashringa peaks (5500 m) that surrounds it.

Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara - This imposing star-shaped structure of stone and concrete masonry is on the shores of the lake. An outlet behind the Gurudwara is source of the Lakshman Ganga river.

Lok Pal Temple- A small temple near by, dedicated to Lord Lakshman.

How to Reach

Hemkund is 19 km trek from Govindghat. The base for journey to Hemkund is Ghangaria which is 13km trek from Govindghat. Govindghat is connected with Joshimath on (Delhi-Bardinath highway) with 18km long motorable road.

Nearest Airport : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 307 kms. (Dehradun 334 kms.)

Nearest Railway Station : Nearest railhead is Rishikesh, 293 kms.

Road Connectivity : Hemkund Sahib is 6 Kms. from Ghangharia, which is approachable on foot or on pony from Govindghat which is connected by road with Rishikesh, Kotdwara, Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, Ranikhet and other important stations of Garhwal and Kumaon.