Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is one of the holiest Sikh pilgrimage sites in the world and the highest Gurudwara at an altitude of 4,329 metres, set beside a glacial lake in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The site is mentioned in Guru Gobind Singh's autobiography Bachitar Natak, where he describes meditating at a lake surrounded by seven peaks — a description that precisely matches the breathtaking setting of Hemkund Sahib. The seven peaks surrounding the lake — Hathi Parvat, Saptrishi, and others — and the sparkling glacial Hemkund Lake create one of the most awe-inspiring high-altitude landscapes in the Himalayas.

The trek to Hemkund Sahib begins from Ghangaria (3,049m), a small settlement accessible from Govindghat on the road between Badrinath and Joshimath. The 6km ascent from Ghangaria is steep — gaining over 1,280 metres in altitude — and takes 3–4 hours. The trail passes through stunning Rhododendron and Birch forests before emerging into the rocky high-altitude zone. On arrival at the Gurudwara, pilgrims are welcomed with langar (community meal) — hot dal, roti, and khichdi served free of charge to all visitors regardless of faith.

Hemkund Sahib is almost always combined with the Valley of Flowers National Park (also accessible from Ghangaria), making it one of the most rewarding combined pilgrimage-trekking experiences in the Himalayas. The Gurudwara opens each May and closes in October before snowfall seals the pass. Helicopter service from Govindghat to Ghangaria dramatically reduces the approach for elderly pilgrims and those short on time.