Hemkund Saheb Uttarakhand Tour

Hemkund means snow lake and is one of the famous pilgrimage destinations of Sikhs. Hemkund Sahib is located at an altitude of about 4,329 meters above sea level in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Hemkund Sahib is covered by seven mountains, collectively called as Hemkund Parvat, which remain covered with snow almost all over the year. At one end of the Hemkund lake is the famous Gurudwara, which is the holy pilgrimage destination of Sikhs.

History of the Hemkund Sahib

Alaskan Airlines

According to a famous legend, the tenth guru of Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh, did meditation here on the banks of Hemkund river. This is why a Gurudwara has been built at this place which is visited by a large number of pilgrims every year from far off destinations. A number of other Hindu sages and saints used to meditate at this place. It is also said that Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama, performed penance here and one can also find a temple on one side of the lake, which is dedicated to Lakshman. Hemkund lake is the source of Lakshman Ganga, which starts from Gangaria and upto that place a stream flows from Hemkund lake through Valley of Flowers.

Climate and the Best Time to Visit

Climate at Hemkund Saheb is cold and it remains cut off from rest of the places in the winter months because of the heavy snowfall in the area. Temperature in winters drops down upto -10 degree celsius and a maximum temperature in summer rises upto 15 degree celsius. The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is from July to October.

Attractions of Hemkund Saheb

Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara

Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is structure of holy pilgrimage of Sikhs, which has been constructed in a star shape. The whole structure has been built of stone and concrete. It has been built in the memory of Guru Gobind Singh.

Lakshman Temple

There is a beautiful small temple on one side of Hemkund Lake, which is dedicated to Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama. This is also one of the famous temples flocked by a large number of Hindus every year.

Hemkund Lake

Hemkund Lake is also known by the name of Lokpal Lake. Its crystal clear water presents the serene picture of the surrounding landscape. The lake is feeded by the melting snow of Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peak.

How to Reach Hemkund Saheb

By Air : Nearest airport to reach Hemkund Sahib is Jolly Grant, which is located in Dehradun (307 km), the capital city of Uttarakhand. It is connected by Kingfisher Airlines from Delhi on daily basis. From Dehradun, one has to cover the distance by road, hiring cab or by Uttarakhand Transport Roadways Corporation buses upto Govindghat. From Govindghat, one has to cover the distance of 19 km on foot.

By Train : Nearest railway stations to Hemkund Sahib are Rishikesh (293 km) and Haridwar (310 km). Some of the main trains which connect Rishikesh with other cities include Doon Express from Howrah Junction and Hemkunt Express from Jammu Tawi, on routine basis. From Rishikesh one can hire a cab or can travel 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 located at a distance of 19 km from Govindghat via Ghangaria, which is approachable by foot. Govindghat is connected by road to Rishikesh (270 km) and other towns of Uttarakhand.

Hemkund Saheb Uttarakhand Tour