The pristine and serene locale of Hemkund Sahib, situated at a towering altitude of 4,632 meters above sea level in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, is a revered pilgrimage site for Sikhs and Hindus alike. This high-altitude Sikh shrine is adjacent to a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each adorned by a Nishan Sahib on its cliff.
The history of Hemkund Sahib is closely interlinked with the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. According to his autobiography, Bachitra Natak, it is believed that he meditated on the banks of a lake which is identified with the current Hemkund. Despite its ancient connections, the present-day gurudwara at Hemkund Sahib was established in the 1960s after the discovery of the lake by Sikh soldiers post the creation of modern India.
Prior to its current fame, Hemkund Sahib was a less known destination mostly visited by the local shepherds and some devout pilgrims. It gained popularity with the resurgence of pilgrim trails and the establishment of the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. As infrastructure improved, and the location became more accessible, the influx of tourists, both for spiritual and trekking purposes, saw a significant rise.
Alongside the Gurudwara, Hemkund Sahib also houses a notable Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama, which features a Shivling. This symbol of Lord Shiva, held in high reverence by Hindu devotees, plays a dual role in adding to the interfaith sanctity of the place and attracting a blend of tourists seeking both adventure and spiritual fulfillment.
Recently, Hemkund Sahib has noticed a trend in eco-conscious travel. With its delicate ecosystem, initiatives are in place to maintain the area's ecological balance while accommodating tourists. Another trend is the growing interest in trekking and high-altitude hiking, with Hemkund Sahib being a sought-after destination for trek enthusiasts.
The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib is open only from June to October, owing to the heavy snowfall that blankets the region for the rest of the year. The peak season for pilgrims is between July and September. The trek to Hemkund Sahib starts from Govindghat, followed by a halt at Ghangaria, which also serves as a base camp for those continuing to the Valley of Flowers.
The ethereal beauty of Hemkund Sahib, coupled with its religious significance and the majestic presence of the Shivling, offers a holistic experience that continues to inspire and attract countless visitors each year. Its history and the current trend of sustainable tourism mark an example of how spiritual tradition and modernity meet in harmony.
