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Uttar Pradesh >
Hemkund
Sahib |
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| Hemkund
Sahib |
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Accessbilty
| Accommodation | Places
of Interest | Excursions |
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This sacred Sikh shrine is situated on the foot of the Hemkunt Lake (4320 mtrs). It marks the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Guru, unified with God after prolonged meditation in his previous birth. The guru's autobiography which contains a detailed description of the place helped two devout Sikhs, Sant Sohan Singh and Havaldar Mohan Singh to rediscover it. According to Hindu mythology, Hemkunt or Lokpal as it is also known, is where Lakshman had done his penance.
Hemkunt is a 15 km trek from Govindghat, which is the gateway to the Bhyundar or Lakshman Ganga Valley. Govindghat is on the bus route to Badrinath. The trek from here to Hemkunt takes one through forests of pine and rhododendron where wild roses, ferns, and alpine flowers bloom. The surging waters of the Lakshman Ganga are also visible. The last 5 km of the trek entails a steep climb from Ghangharia, which is a base for visiting Hemkunt. Hemkunt Lake is about 2 km in circumference. Its clear, still waters mirror images of Saptashringa Peaks (5500 mtrs) which surround it. Bits of ice still float on the waters between July and October, the best season to visit Hemkunt, The rock-strewn shores of the lake are covered with moss and flowers in bloom. |
| Altitude |
4320 mtrs. above sea level |
| Season |
July-October |
| Clothing |
Woollens |
| Language |
Hindi, Kumaoni, Garhwali |
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Transport |
Dandies/Ponies
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| Accessbilty |
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Rail
Nearest railhead : Haridwar/Rishikesh. See Rishikesh for rail connections.
Road
Hemkumd, off Badrinath is 514 km away from Delhi, the last 15 km of which is a trekking route. DTC and UP roadways buses ply regularly upto Haridwar/Rishikesh from ISBT, Delhi. |
| Accommodation |
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UP Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Rest House, Joshimath, Ph : 2118
Tourist Rest House, Ghangharia
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| Places
of Interest |
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Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib
This imposing star-shaped structure of stone and concrete masonry is on the shores of the lake. An outlet behind the Gurudwara is the source of the Lakshman Ganga.
Temple of Lord Lakshman
A small temple nearby, dedicated to Lord Lakshman.
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Excursions
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Ghangharia
5 km. Situated in the midst of a pine grove, Ghangharia serves as a base for visiting Hemkunt Sahib, It is the last human habitation in the valley. A Tourist Lodge, log huts, tents and a gurudwara provide comfortable accommodation.
Govindghat
15 km. the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhyundar of Lakshman Ganga. It has an imposing Gurudwara named after Guru Govind Singh.
Badrinath
22 km from Govindghat |
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