Hemkund Sahib
हेमकुंड साहिब
A star-shaped Sikh gurdwara beside a glacial lake at 4,632 m, one of the highest Sikh holy sites in the world.
Hemkund Lake is surrounded by seven snow peaks. According to tradition, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated here in a previous life. From Ghangaria, the climb is about 6 km, with an elevation gain of roughly 1,300 m. It is steep and demanding, and mules or ponies can be hired. The gurdwara offers free tea and vegetarian food, and there is also a small Lakshman temple by the lake. It is often combined with a visit to the Valley of Flowers and requires an overnight stay in Ghangaria. Mountain weather changes quickly in the afternoon, so return down the mountain early.
Opening hours
Open season, approx. 06:00–14:00 (must descend same day)
Nearby sights
- Valley of Flowers National Park
- Yogadhyan Badri Temple
- Tapt Kund
- Brahma Kapal
- Badrinath Temple
- Mana Village
- Vyas Gufa
- Bhim Pul