Friday 9 December 2011

Hemkund Sahib

This very sacred Sikh shrine is situated on the foot of the Hemkund Lake (4,320 mtrs). It marks the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Guru, unified with God after prolonged meditation in his previous birth.The guru's autobiography which contains a detailed description of the place helped two devout Sikhs, Sant Sohan Singh and Havaldar Mohan Singh to rediscover it. According to Hindu mythology, Hemkund or Lokpal as it is also known, is where Lakshman had done his penance. Hemkund is a 15 km trek from Govindghat, which is the gateway to the Bhyundar or Lakshman Ganga Valley. 


Govindghat is on the bus route to Badrinath. The trek from here to Hemkunt takes one through forests of pine and rhododendron where wild roses, ferns, and alpine flowers bloom. The surging waters of the Lakshman Ganga are also visible. The last 5 km of the trek entails a steep climb from Ghangharia, which is a base for visiting Hemkunt. Hemkunt Lake is about 2 km in circumference. Its clear, still waters mirror images of Saptashringa Peaks (5,500 mtrs) which surround it. Bits of ice still float on the waters between July and October, the best season to visit Hemkund, The rock-strewn shores of the lake are covered with moss and flowers in bloom.






Places To Visit 


Gurudwara Hemkunt 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, dedicated to Lord Lakshman.


General facts


Altitude:4,320 mtrs. Above sea level
Season:July-October
Clothing:Woolens
Language:, Hindi, Kumaoni, Garhwali
Local Transport: Dandies / Ponies


Excursion


Ghangharia
5 km. Situated in the midst of a pine grove, Ghangharia serves as a base for visiting Hemkunt Sahib, It is the last human habitation in the valley. A Tourist Lodge, log huts, tents and a Gurudwara provide comfortable accommodation.


Govindghat
15 km. the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhyundar of Lakshman Ganga. It has an imposing Gurudwara named after Guru Govind Singh.


Badrinath
22 km from Govindghat


Festivals


Guru Nanak's birthday, Guru Govind Singh's Jayanti are celebrated here.


Accommodation


The Govindghat Gurudwara at Ghangharia provides facilities.


State Govt Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Rest House, Joshimath.
Tourist Rest House, Ghangharia.
Local eateries/dhabas


Shopping, Banks, Hospitals, Post & Telegraph, Tourist Information Offices


All Available at nearest town, Joshimath.


Accessibility


Rail


Nearest railhead : Haridwar/Rishikesh. See Rishikesh for rail connections.


Road


Hemkund, off Badrinath is 514 km away from Delhi, the last 15 km of which is a trekking route. DTC and UP roadways buses ply regularly upto Haridwar/Rishikesh from ISBT, Delhi. Govindghat is 20 km beyond Joshimath on the motor road to Badrinath and 4 km before Pandukeshwar, the point at which there is a diversion for Lokpal Hemkunt and the Valley of Flowers. 


Hemkunt is 20 km from Govindghat. After crossing the Vishnuganga, one has to trek 9 km to reach the Bhyundar valley. At Ghangharia, the Pushpavati River meets the Lakshman Ganga coming from Hemkunt. The 7 km trek from Ghangharia to Hemkunt entails a steep climb. From Rishikesh, buses are also available for Badrinath via Govind Ghat although tourist taxies are more convenient and quicker. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam organizes conducted tours from offices at Chandralok Building, Janpath and Muni-ki Reti, Rishikesh during Yatra season.

3 comments:

  1. your blog is fantastic. how did you make this blog. i give you 100/100. its really very nicely done. i want to learn blog making from you. will you help me? irrespective of sex, caste, creed, colour, country? will you help me. i am desperately looking forward on how to make blogs.

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  2. As i don't know how to make blogs next time you pick this topic for sadhus,sanyasis who are learned, educated and uses the net. i am one of them. Most of the ascetics search for free staying places in pilgrim places as they cannot afford hotel,motel,dharmshalas, etc rent. It is highly very pathetic to see most of holy places in india running hotels in the name of dharamshalas and when you ask for free staying for a month or so as the sadhus do, they simply ask for money in thousands beyond sadhus sadhus capabiliities. so if you take out do some research on dharamshalas or places to live free in holy places then it would be very nice. There are many temples providing free fooding and staying. This would be a nice topic to attempt. Its my request. I know it is not easy, but not difficult too. What do you say..?

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  3. @Li Sung... Thanks..Definitely we will see to it... you can contact me at vishnuprakaash@gmail.com

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