Most trekkers plan to combine Hemkund Sahib trek with Valley of Flowers. The 20 km trek begins from Govindghat, which is 14 km from the basecamp, Ghangaria. The last 6 km are pretty steep and lead to the Gurdwara and the beautiful Hemkund Lake. There’s also a Laxman temple built on the edge of the lake. Located at a height of 4,329 m, Hemkund Sahib is set in the Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve.
Why is Hemkund Sahib Trek Popular?
Just like Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib is one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing treks in Uttarakhand. On your way to the destination, you will come across snowy mountains, glaciers, blooming alpine flowers and scenic waterfalls. It’s one of the best treks to be in touch with nature. The crystal clear Hemkund Lake receives water from glaciers of Saptarishis and Hathi Parvat peaks.
Hemkund Sahib trek has been extremely popular because of its mythological connections. This place has been mentioned in the holy book of the Sikhs. It’s believed that Guru Gobind Singh meditated in this place in his previous birth. A Gurdwara was commemorated to mark this pious event. Every year, hoards of Sikhs and people from other religions visit Hemkund Sahib for religious reasons.
Apart from this, Hemkund Sahib has also been mentioned in the Ramayana. According to legends, Laxman, the younger brother of Ram meditated on the banks of Hemkund Lake to regain his health after receiving severe injuries from Meghnath. Due to this, Laxman temple has also been built on the edge of the lake.
Religious significance and scenic beauty are two of the most important reasons for the popularity of Hemkund Sahib trek. In case you want to plan a trek to the Valley of Flowers or Hemkund Sahib, click here for details.