The revered Hemkund Sahib, a prominent Sikh shrine in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is scheduled to open its doors to pilgrims on May 25. Narendrajit Singh Bindra, Chairman of the Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, confirmed this information recently, emphasising that the shrine will remain accessible until October 10.
Pilgrims are urged to plan their sacred journey accordingly as the opening date approaches, noted Bindra. Hemkund Sahib, located near Badrinath in the border district of Chamoli, Uttarakhand, sits over 15,000 feet above sea level and is closed during winter.
Despite the challenging 17-kilometer trek from Pulna to the Himalayan temple, Hemkund Sahib attracts a significant number of devotees from both India and abroad each year.
Hemkunt Sahib annually attracts a multitude of pilgrims. The holy Granth Sahib recounts that Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru, meditated on the banks of Hemkund Lake in a past life. Encircled by snow-capped peaks, the Gurudwara boasts breathtaking natural surroundings and trekking routes, including the path leading to the Valley of Flowers, making it a sought-after destination for both trekkers and tourists. The origins of Himganga, a small stream, can be traced back to the lake.
Legend has it that Lakshmana, Lord Rama's younger sibling, experienced a health revival through meditation on the banks of Hemkund after sustaining severe injuries in the war. The Lakshmana temple is believed to stand at the very spot where Lakshmana sought solace through meditation.
To reach Hemkund Sahib, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, approximately 334 kilometers away. If travelling by train, the closest railhead is Rishikesh, located 300 kilometers from the destination. For those opting for road travel, the journey involves a 14-kilometer trek from Govindghat to Ghangharia, followed by a 5-kilometer trek to Hemkund Sahib. Govindghat is well-connected by road to Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Haridwar, and other significant hill stations in Garhwal and Kumaon.