Hemkunt
Sahib is the Sikh Gurudwara also known as Hemkund Sahib. This guru ka dwar is
located at Chamoli region, Uttarakhand. This is the only Gurudwara located near
the glacial lake covered by 7 high peaks. Each mountain is adorned by the Nishan
Sahib (Flag of Gurudwara). The Hemkund Sahib is only the Gurudwara situated in
the Himalayas with the good height of 15,200 feet. Reaching the gurudwara is possible
only through walk, though the journey starts from Gobindghat of Rishikesh to Badrinath
route.
This Sikh worship
place is recognized as the Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Ji. It is dedicated to
Guru Sri Gobind Singh Ji who was the 10th Sikh Guru. The religious
value of this Gurudwara is more than others place for Sikh community. It holds the
real importance to the people who consider in Dasam Granth.
Etymology: Experts
suggest Hemkunt is the Sanskrit term which is made of two different words. One is
Hem which means snow and other is Kund which means bowl. Dasam Granth states
that Hemkund is the place where the famous King Pandu skilled the Yoga.
The best
part of this amazing Indian tourist place is travelers have to cross the
amazing beautiful way of Hemkund Glacier through walk to reach the Gurudwara.
Attaining to
this God’s home is not possible in winter season due to heavy snowfall. Period among
October to April is not possible for visitors which mean visitors have to go to
this shrine place in summer season only. Sikh pilgrims are arriving to the
Gurudwara in large amount in May month to remove the snow and do the repairing of
damage done by the snow in winter. They manage to clear the path which is completely
covered with high snow. Sikh people call this cleaning process as Kar Seva which
means work service. 
The first
reaching point for Hemkunt Sahib is Govind Ghat which is at the good distance
of 275 kms from Rishikesh. From Govind Ghat tourists have to cover the 13 kms distance
to reach Ghangaria village. Here visitors must not miss another Gurudwara which
is also very special. Ghangaria village offers the night stay to the pilgrims
so tired visitors can take rest at this station. Some hotels and campground are
also available offering tents and mattresses to the visitors. From this spot
travelers have to cross 1100 meter stone climbing to reach Hemkunt Sahib. Between
the village and Hemkund Sahib there is no arrangements for sleep or night stay
so tourist must take rest at Ghangaria village before starting the journey. Leaving
the Hemkund Sahib by 2 pm is best option to reach the Govindghat on time.
Delhi
travelers should reach to Haridwar first and get the bus for Govindghat which
goes through Rishikesh. The closest big religious destination is Joshimath to Govindghat.
National
Park and Gardens: Travelers have to cross 3 km distance from Gobind Dham to
reach valley of flowers. This is the only national park in the area having
countless varieties of flowers. The Park is spread in 5 km distance so tourist
gets ample of space to enjoy the nature beauty. The finest period to enjoy the
park is between July to August. According legends the lotus temple of Lord
Brahma blossoms at this place but in after every 12 years.