It’s a sure a path of faith when you see people walking on a rough trail chanting “Satnam Wahe Guru” without any strain on their faces. The history of Hemkund Lake is always encircled with religious faith. It was centuries ago before Guru Gobind Singh Ji came to this high altitude land for meditation, the local Bhutia and Garhwali community came to this place to pay their reverence to Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama. The high altitude (4632m) shrine is inaccessible in winters because of heavy snowfall.
Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand
Hemkund Sahib Lake is beautiful guarded by seven Himalayan peaks and other snowy glaciers. The crystal clear water of the lake reflects the mighty appearance of nature, and it is fed by the glaciers of Hathi Parbat and Saptrishi peaks. It is a ritual for pilgrims to brave the ice-cold water and dip in the lake before entering into Gurudwara.

Trekking Route to Hemkund Sahib

Due to snow, glaciers and rough terrain, most of the year Hemkund is inaccessible to common people. The main yatra season starts in May and start repairing damage the path caused by rain and snow in monsoon and winter. The yatra season starts its peak in the middle of May and continues to end of June.

The starting route for Hemkund Sahib is a small town named Govindghat. It is the last town where you can recharge your cell phone, take necessary food and other items, buy cheap raincoats and other important stuff.

The next stop of the trek and most arduous one is to walk 14km from Govindghat to Ghangaria. There is a small Gurudwara and tent ground for pilgrims. In addition there are a few small hotels with basic facilities available. Those who cannot walk 14km can take pony from Govindghat. Pilgrims generally take rest overnight at Ghangaria.

The next day trek is to cover 6km, but the steep path of climbing more than 1000m on stone paved path seems difficult for people who don’t have any experience in trekking. The faith actually moves many people including children and older people on this tough path and reach the pilgrimage.

Essential Supplies you need to carry to Hemkund
Some of the essentials you must carry with you while trekking to Hemkund are:
  • Rain Coat (you can find incredibly temporary raincoats in Govindghat market)
  • First-aid kit
  • Windcheater
  • Pullover or one down jacket
  • Inner
  • Torch and extra cell
  • Trekking boot
  • Scissor
  • Dry fruits

Present Gurudwara in Hemkund Sahib
The present Gurudwara construction was started by Major General Harkirat Singh in the mid-1960. Major General along with some selected architect designed the Gurudwara and later on added some complex construction. It was a difficult task because of inaccessibility of road and difficulty to traveled raw materials to that altitude.

Best Season to Visit Hemkund Sahib?

Most of the year Hemkund has a cold climate. The shrine opens from May to October.

Summers have a pleasant weather with maximum temperature can reach up to 25°C. The Yatra season starts from May and ends in October.

In winters the place is fully covered with snow and extreme cold makes it nearly impossible to visit the place. Minimum temperature can go well down to -4 °C.