Posted Date: 09/03/2023 Posted By: Sikh Tours
The Hemkund Sahib Yatra Tour is an enriching and unforgettable experience, offering a perfect blend of adventure, spirituality, and cultural immersion in the lap of the Himalayas. However, this yatra is not open for 365 days of the year. There has been a particular Hemkund Sahib Opening and Closing Date 2023 which will be discussed in this blog. But, you need to get some detailed information about Hemkund Sahib.
Top 7 Highlights about Hemkund Sahib
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Location: Shri Hemkund Sahib is a sacred Sikh pilgrimage site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters (15,197 feet) above sea level in the Himalayas and is surrounded by seven snow-capped mountains.
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Surroundings: Situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings, including lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.
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Number of Pilgrims: Every year, thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world visit Hemkund Sahib to pay their respects and seek blessings.
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Yatra Season: The pilgrimage season typically lasts from May to October, as the weather conditions are favorable during these months.
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Darshan Timing: During this season, the darshan timings at Shri Hemkund Sahib is divided into two intervals, one is in the early morning from 5 am to noon at 12 pm and the second interval is in the afternoon from 2 pm to 9 pm at night.
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An Adventurous Tour: The trek to Hemkund Sahib is a challenging but rewarding experience, as it involves climbing steep mountain trails and navigating through rocky terrain. However, the breathtaking views and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking spiritual solace and adventure in the lap of the Himalayas.
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Near Places: Hemkund Sahib is surrounded by various breath-taking places like Valley of Flowers, Badrinath Temple and to name a few.
Opening and Closing Date of Hemkund Sahib 2023
Hemkund Sahib opens for pilgrims in the month of May 22nd and remains open until October or November, depending on weather conditions. The exact dates of opening and closing vary from year to year and are subject to weather conditions, as the pilgrimage involves a trek through high-altitude areas and is often affected by heavy snowfall during the winter months.
However, many of you asked where Hemkund Sahib is located. It is situated on the Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway.
History of Shri Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib has a rich history and is considered a sacred site by Sikhs. Here's a brief overview of the history of Hemkund Sahib:
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Importance of Tenth Sikh Guru in Hemkund Sahib: According to Sikh tradition, the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, meditated at Hemkund Sahib for several years in the 17th century. He is believed to have attained enlightenment at the site, and it was later named "Hemkund Sahib," meaning "the sacred pond of snow."
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J.S Gandhi’s Discover in 1934: The site was largely unknown to the outside world until the 20th century when a British traveler, named J.S. Gandhi discovered it in 1934. Gandhi wrote about his visit to Hemkund Sahib in his book "Discovering the Himalaya," which helped popularize the site among travelers and pilgrims.
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Final Construction of Hemkund Sahib: In the 1960s, the Indian government and the Sikh community jointly undertook the construction of a gurudwara at Hemkund Sahib to provide facilities for the growing number of pilgrims visiting the site. The gurdwara, which is now a major attraction at the site, was completed in the 1980s.
Places to Visit near Shri Hemkund Sahib
There are several places to visit near Shri Hemkund Sahib that offer breathtaking views and unique cultural experiences. Here are some popular destinations:
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Valley of Flowers National Park: This stunning national park is located about 20 kilometers from Hemkund Sahib and is known for its vibrant meadows of alpine flowers, including Himalayan blue poppies, marigolds, and primulas.
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Badrinath Temple: This ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is located about 50 kilometers from Hemkund Sahib and is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism.
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Mana Village: Located about 50 kilometers from Hemkund Sahib, this traditional Himalayan village is believed to be the last Indian village on the Indo-Tibetan border and is known for its unique culture and traditions.
Different Modes of Transportation
Hemkund Sahib is a sacred pilgrimage site located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters (15,197 feet) and can be reached by several modes of transportation.
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By Road: The nearest town to Hemkund Sahib is Govindghat, which is well connected to major cities in Uttarakhand and other neighboring states. One can reach Govindghat by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from Rishikesh or Haridwar. From Govindghat, one needs to trek for 19 km to reach Hemkund Sahib.
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By Air: The nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 294 km away. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Govindghat and then trek to Hemkund Sahib.
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By Train: The nearest railway station to Hemkund Sahib is Rishikesh, which is about 273 km away. From Rishikesh, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Govindghat and then trek to Hemkund Sahib.
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Helicopter Service: Helicopter services are available from Govindghat to Ghangaria, which is the base camp for Hemkund Sahib. The helicopter service is operated by the Uttarakhand government and private operators, and it is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Ghangaria. From Ghangaria, one needs to trek for 6 km to reach Hemkund Sahib.
Note: It is important to note that the trek to Hemkund Sahib is quite challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness. It is recommended to undertake the trek only after consulting a doctor and taking necessary precautions.
Trekking Way to Hemkund Sahib
The trekking route to Hemkund Sahib is a popular pilgrimage trek in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is a challenging trek due to its steep inclines and high altitude, but it is a rewarding experience for those who make the journey. Here is a general overview of the trekking route:
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Govindghat to Ghangaria: The trek starts from Govindghat, which is the base camp for the trek. The distance from Govindghat to Ghangaria is 13 km, and it takes around 6-7 hours to complete the trek. The trek passes through lush green forests, waterfalls, and river streams.
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Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib: From Ghangaria, the trek to Hemkund Sahib is 6 km, and it takes around 4-5 hours to complete the trek. The trail passes through rocky terrain, and the steep climb makes it challenging for trekkers. The trek offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the serene Hemkund lake is the highlight of the trek.
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Hemkund Sahib to Ghangaria and Govindghat: After visiting Hemkund Sahib, trekkers can either stay at Ghangaria for the night or trek back to Govindghat. The trek back to Ghangaria takes around 3-4 hours, and the trek back to Govindghat takes around 5-6 hours.
Wrapping Up…
First know the Hemkund Sahib Opening and Closing Date 2023 and plan your trip accordingly. The best time to undertake the trek to Hemkund Sahib is from May to October, as the weather during these months is pleasant and suitable for trekking. It is important to carry appropriate trekking gear and essentials, including warm clothes, trekking shoes, a first aid kit, and water bottles. Trekkers should also carry some cash, as there are no ATMs or banks available on the trekking route. Moreover, if you are also planning to visit Hemkund sahib yatra then you may have to go for Hemkund Sahib Yatra Registration for that with the help of Sikh Tours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Ques. Why is Hemkund Sahib famous?
Ans. Hemkund Sahib is famous for being a sacred pilgrimage site for Sikhs, and for its picturesque beauty and challenging trek. Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh shrine situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is located at an altitude of 4,632 meters (15,197 feet) and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green meadows.
