The High altitude lake Hemkund/Lokpal is situated at the height of 4,329 mt. surrounded by heavenly environs. No modernity, no polluting influence from out side, no cars and no other vehicles, you have to reach here walking on your foot. A steep trek from Ghanghria leads one to this holiest of the holy spot in about five to six hours. Encircled by seven snow clad peaks and their associated glaciers, this revered shrine reflects its surroundings in the crystal  clear serene waters. The glaciers from Hathi parvat and saptrishi peaks fill the lake with pristine water and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this celestial lake.

 

One of the important pilgrimage for the Hindus and the Sikhs, Hemkund Sahib houses the most reverd Sikh Gurudwara and the Lakshman temple built on the banks of the lake.

According to the holy Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhfailth had meditated on the banks of this lake in one of his earlier birhths.

This place is also related with the “Ramayan’s” legend Lakshman. It’s believed that Lakshman meditated by the lake and regained his health after being severly wounded by Meghnad the demon prince of Lanka. A beautiful temple is built after the name of Lakshaman.

The long forgotten Hemkund was later discovered by a Sikh Granthi Sohan Singh and became a major pilgrimage centre only after 1930. Best time to visit this spiritual shrine is from the beginning of June till the beginning of October.

How To Reach

 

By Air– Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun) 307 km’s.

By Rail- Nearest railhead is Rishikesh, 300 Km.

By Road- Hemkund Sahib is 5 km from Ghangraiya, which is approachable on foot from Govindghat, which is connected by road with Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon hills.

Taxies- Private taxies and other light vehicles are also plying between Rishikesh and Govindghat .

Where To Stay

• Tourist Rest House, GMVN, Ghanghria.
• Gurudwara at Ghanghria: can accommodate approximately 5,000 visitors/tourist.
• Forest Rest House, Ghanghria.

What To See

The main attraction of Hemkund Lokpal, the holiest shrine is the magnificent Gurudwara. A unique feature of the Gurudwara is that, it is not built following the conventional Sikh architecture. Keeping in mind the heavy snowfall the roof of the Gurudwara is designed in slopes.

The lake at Hemkund Lokpal is viewed as the mirror of seven Himalayan peaks.

Lakshman Temple- The Lakshman Temple creates solemn atmosphere amidst these heavenly surroundings. People visit the temple to meditate and fulfill their wishes.

Beyond Hemkund Lokpal

Badrinath- The holiest Hindu shrine, the abode of the Lord badri Vishal (बद्री विशाल) (Vishnu). it’s mentioned in the Hindu scriptures, Adi Guru Shankaracharya re-enshrined this place back in the 8 th century.

  Surrounded on either side by snow capped mountains, this mesmerizing valley is an irresistible treat for the nature lovers, environmentalists, trekkers and botanists. The alpine valley flora has adopted to the harsh hill climatic conditions through millions of years. A much sought after trekking route for the naturalists and the visitors.

Auli- The internationally acclaimed winter sport resort, has world class arrangements and Snow Skiing facilities.

Joshimath- The gateway to inner Himalayas, is the base for mountaineering to the Trishul, Kamet, Dronagiri and Nanda Devi peaks.

The great Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya attained enlightment here. In a cave, here he wrote his famous treatise on the Geeta, ‘Shankar Bhasya”’

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