With Hemkund hiking, you may immerse yourself in a rainbow of colors. Hemkund’s flower valley gradually hypnotizes you into a world of colors and hues. There are several reasons to visit this location. Despite the fact that it is a lengthy journey, this location provides thousands of reasons to be energetic and enlightened. The silent mountains and the ever-flowing river Pushpawati transport you to a realm of peace and serenity. This incredibly diversified site also allows you to spend some time in the lap of nature while admiring the many types of flora.
If you are traveling to Hemkund, the trekking path is quite intriguing. The journey begins in Haridwar and ends at Joshimath. There’s a lot to see and do on this route. You must trek to Ghangaria after commencing your adventure from here. Ghangaria serves as the starting point for visits to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers. The river will be your companion during the journey from Govind Ghat to Ghangaria. You can spend the night here and prepare for your trip to the Valley of Flowers the next day. Ghangaria’s nightlife allows you to pay attention to every breath you take.
The drive from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers is so gorgeous that you will want to remember it for the rest of your life. The three-thousand-meter-high road provides a beautiful vista of mountains and greenery, with clouds playing hide-and-seek with you as you go. The voyage instills enthusiasm inside you, leading you to a world of colors and happiness. The Valley of Flowers allows you to spend some time in the middle of vibrant hues and a natural garden where you can smell the flowers. After the valley of flowers, you may now prepare for the Hemkund sahib, which is the second hiking destination.
Hemkund Sahib Journey
For Sikhs and Hindus, Hemkud Sahib is a holy site. Every Hindu wants to go on the Chardham yatra at least once in his life, while every Sikh wants to go on the Hemkund yatra at least once. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, is honored at this pilgrimage location. Hemkund is a Sanskrit name that means “Snow Lake” and is formed from the words Hem (Snow) and Kund (bowl). According to Dasam Granth, this is where Pandu Raja performed Yoga. In addition, the Dasam Granth claims that God told Sikh Guru Gobind Singh to bathe while meditating on Hemkund’s mount.
The Hemkund is located at a height of 15000 feet (4329 meters) above sea level and is encircled by seven big mountains, as well as a sacred lake that freezes in the winter. Devotees immerse into this magnificent holy lake beside the Gurudwara Sahib before entering the Gurudwara Sahib. Devotees thought that immersing in the lake washed away all sins. Due to excessive snowfall, this location is inaccessible after September. Hemkund Sahib Yatra is usually only accessible for 4–5 months. Due to a severe snowfall zone, the Hemkund Sahib Yatra begins in June and concludes in September/October. The finest aspect is that visitors to Hemkund Sahib may also visit the Valley of Flower, which is about 3–4 kilometers from Ghangariya base camp.
Valley of Flowers
Rest when you get to Ghangaria in the evening. Acclimate to the temperature and take advantage of the blissful times in the highlands. Ghangaria is around 4 kilometers away from the Valley of Flowers. The path is winding and narrow, passing through lush forests and upward mountain routes. Once you arrive at the valley, you will see Himalayan blue poppies and lilies strewn throughout the landscape, creating a spectacle you will never forget. While traveling into the valley, there are several cascading waterfalls to be seen, as well as the Pushpwati river rushing through the valley.
When is the best time to visit Hemkund Sahib?
Every year, the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara opens in May and shuts right before the start of the winter season, around October. This is the time of year when pilgrims flock to the temple. During these months, the weather in Hemkund Sahib shifts from snow to monsoon.
The optimum time to tackle the Hemkund Sahib trek as a trekker is around July/August. The rainfall would have begun to chill things down. You also have the option of doing the breathtaking Valley of Flowers hike.
Difficulty of the Hemkund Sahib Trek
The complete trip from Ghangharia hamlet to Hemkund sahib is 6 kilometers, and the ascent takes around 3 hours. The whole hike distance from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is around 14 kilometers.
Because the trail is mostly straight and the elevation is moderate, this walk may usually be completed in a day. It is not recommended, however, because the height climb from Govindghat to Hemkund is around 2800 meters. So, if you don’t stop at Ghangharia for a night, you could become sick. The Hemkund Sahib walk is moderate in difficulty. It is not a very tough trip, but due to the constant rain and the concrete stairs built up for pilgrims, it can be a little exhausting.
One of the nicest things about the Himalayas is that you can’t simply visit once; you’ll be drawn back again and again. It is critical to build up stamina before embarking on any expedition. Muscle stretching and exercise are beneficial. Travel light as much as possible and learn as much as you can about the destination before you travel. The mountains are gorgeous, and they provide you with tremendous strength to help you progress in life.
Things to carry in Hemkund Sahib Trek
It’s a good idea to bring floaters or sandals with you to the camp or hotel so you can roam around freely. Aside from that, you should invest in a good pair of hiking shoes. They should be light, strong, and comfortable to hold. Always attempt to acquire a new pair of shoes if your walk is more than 10 kilometers on one side. Medical supplies, woolen clothing, a pair of T-shirts and jeans, a water bottle, a small torch, a waterproof/windproof jacket, a raincoat, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and cold cream should all be included in your bag.
