Hemkund Sahib, officially recognized as Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji, stands as a significant Sikh sanctuary and revered pilgrimage destination situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This sacred site is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh and is approached via the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway from Gobindghat. Hemkund Sahib remains inaccessible from October to April due to snow-covered paths and glaciers. Sikh pilgrims typically arrive in May, diligently engaging in the tradition of “kar seva” to repair winter damage along the 13-kilometer trek leading to the village of Ghangaria. This path can be traversed on foot or by pony, and a Gurudwara in Ghangaria offers shelter to the pilgrims.
Approximately 3 kilometers from Gobinddham lies the enchanting 5-kilometer-long Valley of Flowers, a national park situated within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The ideal months for visiting are July and August, during the monsoon season. Legend has it that a rare flower known as the Brahma-Kamal blossoms here every 12 years. The trek to this mesmerizing valley is relatively straightforward and serves as a popular secondary destination for pilgrims on their journey to Hemkunt Sahib.
Notable Points of Interest in the Hemkund Sahib Area include:
- Valley of Flowers
- Alaknanda River
- Nanda Devi
- Roopkund
These attractions add to the allure of Hemkund Sahib, making it a spiritual and natural wonder for all who visit.