JUNE 25 , DELHI
HEMKUNT SAHIB
Hemkunt Sahib is one of the great revered place for Sikhs. In spite of the fact that Hemkunt Sahib was mentioned in the autobiography of Guru Gobind Singh, its site remained oblivion for well over two centuries.
It was the Sikh historian-poet Bhai Santokh Singh(1787-1843) who set his imagination to describe and elaborate the story and taposthan (place where he meditated) of Guru Gobind Singh.
In late nineteenth century, a Nirmala scholar, Pandit Tara Singh Narotam, prepared an epitome of various Sikh pilgrim spots and trekked up to the spot and was able to verify the site of Hemkunt Sahib. More recently the first person to get attracted towards the task of discovering the actual location of taposthan was Sant Sohan Singh, a retired granthi from the army, who along with few other devotees constructed a gurudwara there.
After few hiccups my journey finally began on 18th June 2014. I along with my 2 cousins started from Delhi in the morning. We divided our outward journey in 4 parts. First target was to reach Srinagar (approx 330 km) in Uttrakhand and stay there overnight. The second leg covered distance of 165 km to Govind Ghat and take an overnight hault. The next target was to reach Govind Dham via 13 KM trekking and spend the night there. The last leg included the final hike of 8 Km to Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib. One has to trek down to Govind dham on the same day as overnight stay is not allowed there because of perilous conditions. We reached Delhi on 23rd June 2014 via same itinerary.
This was the third time that I went to Hemkunt Sahib. I go for my pilgrimage not because I am a religious person but because it helps me get closer to nature, understand the people around , know different places and most importantly know myself.
For any queries comment below.
HEMKUNT SAHIB
Hemkunt Sahib is one of the great revered place for Sikhs. In spite of the fact that Hemkunt Sahib was mentioned in the autobiography of Guru Gobind Singh, its site remained oblivion for well over two centuries.
It was the Sikh historian-poet Bhai Santokh Singh(1787-1843) who set his imagination to describe and elaborate the story and taposthan (place where he meditated) of Guru Gobind Singh.
In late nineteenth century, a Nirmala scholar, Pandit Tara Singh Narotam, prepared an epitome of various Sikh pilgrim spots and trekked up to the spot and was able to verify the site of Hemkunt Sahib. More recently the first person to get attracted towards the task of discovering the actual location of taposthan was Sant Sohan Singh, a retired granthi from the army, who along with few other devotees constructed a gurudwara there.
Location
Hemkunt Sahib , known as Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib is located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India.
Located in the Himalayas at 15197 feet (4632 meters) is approachable from Govind ghat from Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway. The Yatra starts on last week of May and is open till first week of October.
My Journey
After few hiccups my journey finally began on 18th June 2014. I along with my 2 cousins started from Delhi in the morning. We divided our outward journey in 4 parts. First target was to reach Srinagar (approx 330 km) in Uttrakhand and stay there overnight. The second leg covered distance of 165 km to Govind Ghat and take an overnight hault. The next target was to reach Govind Dham via 13 KM trekking and spend the night there. The last leg included the final hike of 8 Km to Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib. One has to trek down to Govind dham on the same day as overnight stay is not allowed there because of perilous conditions. We reached Delhi on 23rd June 2014 via same itinerary. Dos And Don'ts
- Must carry- at least 2 blazers , extra pair of briefs, one small torch, an umbrella or raincoat , sports shoes, one blanket and extra money.
- If commuting via own vehicle remember to keep the gas full as landslides can happen.
- Keep a reserve of water and some eatables with you.
- While trekking carry your own water bottles/eatables as things are pretty expenses as you climb.
- Most importantly keep the Environment clean.
- Idea and cell one networks are available till Govind Ghat.
- One can also hire pony to climb 18 Km but rest 3 Km one has to walk/climb on its own
- Both reasonable and expensive hotels are available till Govind Dham.
Attractions
- Free accommodation in gururdwaras like - Rishikesh, Srinagar , Govind Ghat and Govind Dham.
- Free food in gururdwaras and on roads by Sangats .
- One can visit Badrinath and Mana village which are just 25 Km apart
- Valley of flowers-5 Km from Govind Dham
- Snow covering in the months of June and September
- Helicopter services from Govind Ghat to Govind Dham
- Divine Blessings from the god himself.
This was the third time that I went to Hemkunt Sahib. I go for my pilgrimage not because I am a religious person but because it helps me get closer to nature, understand the people around , know different places and most importantly know myself.
For any queries comment below.
