Hemkund Sahib is the height Sikh Gurudwara in the world situated at a height of 4200 m or 13700 feet above sea level. Snow clad for much of the year Hemkund Sahib is accessible from June to September only. In fact Indian Army does a hard work to cut ice to pave way for pilgrims to Hemkund Sahib.
History of Hemkund Sahib.
Hem (हिम) means Snow and kund ( कुंड ) means lake. It is the lake of snow. Being at a very high altitude the lake . It is believed that the tenth Guru of Sikh meditated here for years. A small temple of Hindu God Laxman is also situated near to the lake. Sikh Pilgrims take bath in this pious lake. The lake water is always ice cold.
Hemkund Sahib Yatra by Helicopter.
Helicopter can be used to fly from Govindghat to Ghangaria. Helicopter picks up from Govindghat and drops at helipad grounds at Ghangaria. Main Ghangaria village is one kilometer from here. The helicopter service is highly dependent upon weather conditions. If weather is not clear the other option is take a pony from Govindghat to Ghangaria
Weather at Hemkund Sahib
Weather changes very rapidly and so one is not allowed to stay in night at Hemkund Sahib. The Gurudwara Authorities start send back pilgrims by 2.00 pm. The weather is generally very cold at Hemkund Sahib even in summers. In winters it is not at all accessible and whole region is snow clad.
Hemkund Sahib as a destination for nature lovers
Hemkund Sahib is very nice destination for nature lovers too. People who come for Valley of Flowers trip should also come to Hemkund Sahib. Even if you are not Sikh you can find lot of beautiful waterfalls, flowers and glaciers here. There are some varieties of flowers which are available only at Hemkund Sahib and not at Valley of Flowers. Brahamkamal and Blue Poppy are among them. It is highly recommended that you trek beyond Hemkund Sahib Lake to have a real look for flowers. Hemkund Sahib being at a very high altitude the flowers comes very late. So if you are late in coming to valley of flowers you can find flowers at Hemkund Sahib.
The weather changes very rapidly at Hemkund Sahib so be prepared for rains and clouds any time. Do not forget to have Langar (लँगर) at Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. If you are lucky and the weather is clear you can see Neelkanth peak from here. Neelkanth peak is visible from Badrinath.