Saptarishi Kund is a high-altitude glacial lake that is considered to be the original source of the Yamuna River. It is situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. The Kund is set amidst scenic surroundings, at an elevation of about 4,421 meters (14,505 feet) above sea level, and is regarded as a sacred place by Hindus.
Saptarishi Kund can be reached through a challenging trek that starts from the town of Barkot in Uttarakhand. Trekkers usually visit the Yamunotri Temple first and then embark on a difficult trail to the Kund. The entire trek is strenuous and requires good physical fitness, as well as proper acclimatization to the high altitude.
Hemkunt Sahib, also known as Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji, is a prominent Sikh place of worship. It is located at an altitude of 4,633 meters (15,200 feet) and is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh Ji meditated at this site in one of his previous births. The gurudwara is surrounded by seven snow-covered peaks and a glacial lake, making it a spiritually and aesthetically uplifting location for pilgrims and visitors.
Hemkunt Sahib is open to visitors for a short period each year between May or June and October. The best time to visit is during the summer months of June to September when the weather is more favorable for the trek. However, even during these months, the weather can be unpredictable with sudden rain or snowfall, so it's important to be well-prepared.
Near Hemkunt Sahib, there are various accommodation options ranging from gurudwara-owned guesthouses to private hotels in Ghangaria, which is the last inhabited village on the way to Hemkunt Sahib. Accommodation is basic and often shared due to the remote location. For Saptarishi Kund, the trek is generally completed within a day from Yamunotri, and trekkers can stay at guesthouses or lodges in Yamunotri.
No special permit is required for Indian nationals to visit Hemkunt Sahib. However, if you are a foreign national, you may need to register with the local authorities or obtain an Inner Line Permit, depending on the current regulations. For Saptarishi Kund, it is advisable to check with local authorities or a registered tour operator for any specific permissions needed, as the trek passes through sensitive ecological zones.
While visiting high-altitude destinations like Saptarishi Kund and Hemkunt Sahib, it is crucial to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Carry appropriate clothing for cold temperatures, and necessary gear like walking sticks and good quality hiking boots. It is also advisable to travel with a guide or as part of an organized trek, and always keep local emergency contact numbers handy.
There are several other attractions near these sites that tourists can explore, including the Yamunotri Temple, which is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites; the Valley of Flowers National Park, known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and a variety of flora; and Badrinath Temple, another major pilgrimage site within reasonable traveling distance from Hemkunt Sahib.
