Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib (also spelled Hemkunt Sahib) is one of the highest-altitude Sikh shrines in the world, perched at 4,633 meters (15,200 feet) in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. This sacred site is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, who meditated here in his previous life, as mentioned in his autobiographical text, the Bachitra Natak.
The name Hemkund translates to "Lake of Snow" (Hem: Snow, Kund: Bowl)—referring to the glacial lake beside the gurdwara, surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks. The journey involves a steep 6 km trek from Ghangaria, passing through alpine meadows and waterfalls.
Unlike other Himalayan pilgrimages, Hemkund Sahib is accessible only from June to October due to heavy snowfall. It attracts:
✔ Sikh pilgrims – For spiritual solace
✔ Nature lovers – For rare Himalayan flora like Brahma Kamal
✔ Adventure seekers – For challenging high-altitude trekking