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This sacred Sikh shrine is situated on the shores of the Hemkund
Lake (4320 mtrs). It marks the place where Guru Govind Singh, the tenth
and last Guru, achieved enlightenment after prolonged
meditation on his previous births. The guru's autobiography, which contains
a detailed description of the place, helped two
devout Sikhs, Sant Sohan Singh and Havldar
Mohan Singh rediscover it. |
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According to Hindu mythology, Himkund of
Lokpal, as it is also known, is where Lakshman had also performed
penance. |
Accessibility
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Rail :
Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest station for Hemkund Saheb. |
Road :
Hemkund, off the Badrinath route, is 514 km away from Delhi, the
last 15 km of which is a trek. Roadways buses ply regularly
upto Haridwar/Rishikesh from ISBT, Delhi.
Govindghat
is 20 kms. beyond Joshimath on the motor road to Badrinath and 4 kms. before
Pandukeshwar, the point at which there is a diversion for
Lokpal, Hemkund and the Valley of Flowers. Hemkund
is 20 kms. from Govindghat. |
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After crossing the Vishnuganga, one has to trek 9 kms.
to reach the Bhyundar valley. At Ghangharia, the Pushpavati River
meets the Lakshman Ganga coming from Hemkund.
The 7 kms. trek from Ghangharia to Hemkund entails a steep
climb. From Rishikesh, also, buses are available for Badrinath via Govind
Ghat although tourist taxies are more convenient and quicker. Garhwal
Mandal Vikas Nigam organises conducted tours
from offices at Chandralok Building, Janpath, New Delhi,
and Muni-ki Reti, Rishikesh, during the Yatra season.
Accommodation
There
are number of guest houses , Ashrams and
Dharamshalas in this place.
Places
to see
Gurudwara
Hemkund 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, is dedicated to Lord Lakshman. |
