Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib (also spelled Hemkunt), known as Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Ji, is a Sikh place of worship and pilgrimage site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. It is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708), the tenth Sikh Guru, and finds mention in Dasam Granth, a work believed to be dictated by Guruji himself. With its setting of a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each adorned by a Nishan Sahib on its cliff, it is according to the Survey of India located in the Himalayas at an elevation of 4,632 meters (15,197 feet). It is approached from Gobindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. The main town near Gobindghat is Joshimath.
Hemkund is a 15km trek from Govindghat, which is the gateway to the Bhyundar or Lakshman Ganga valley. Govindghat is one of the bus route to Badrinath. The trek from here to Hemkund takes one through forests of pine and rhododendron where wild roses, ferns and alpine flowers bloom. The surging waters of the Lakshman Ganga are also visible. The last 5km of the trek entails a steep climb from Ghangharia, which is a base for visiting Hemkund.
Valley of Flowers
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Valley of Flowers is beautiful 4 kms, easy trek from Ghangaria. The region of Valley of Flowers is rich in varied flora and fauna. The valley of flowers was declared as the National Park of India in the year 1982 and it is now a world heritage site. The virgin beauty of this mystical valley has always lured botanists, nature lovers and adventure lovers.
Ghangaria
It is the last human habitation center on the way to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers. Ghangaria is a scenic hamlet perched at an altitude of 3,050mts above sea level at a distance of 13km from Govind Ghat and 4kms before Valley of flowers. The trek becomes easy to moderate from this point if you are travel towards Hemkund Sahib. The region is prone to heavy snowfall in winters, therefore the region remains opened from May to October. A Gurudwara, GMVN rest houses and a few hotels provide accommodation facility at Ghangharia.
Joshimath
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Joshimath is a popular hill station and a famous centre for pilgrimage located at a height of 1,890 mts above sea level in Chamoli district of Garhwal division in Uttarakhand and is also known as Jyotrimath as well. The rivers Alkananda and Dhauliganga meet at the confluence of Vishnuprayag located just below Joshimath. And the view of Hathi Parvat and other Himalayan Peaks is mystifying. It is also the gateway of many Himalayan expeditions, trekking trails, camping and pilgrimage centres.
Govindghat
Govindghat is situated on NH58 at an elevation of 1828mts above the sea level. It is the commencement point of the trek to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers. Located on the banks of the holy Alaknanda River, a major part of Govindghat was damaged during the flash floods of 2013, but now it has been restored though not as much as before. There are many hotels, restaurants, resorts and lodges in Govindghat providing good and comfortable accommodation facilities. There is also a large Gurudwara where you can stay and have free meals.
Hemkund Lake
Sri Hemkunt Sahib is situated 4000 mt above sea level on the shore of "Hemkunt lake". The holy pilgrimage of Sikhs, Hemkunt Sahib, is covered with snow capped mountains, giving it a mesmerizing look. The Sapt-Sring, seven hills, have surrounded the holy shrine and the lake.