Shri Hemkund Sahib is the sacred place where Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent a long time meditating in his previous birth, as mentioned in Bachittar Natak. Journey to Hemkund Sahib is a heavenly experience and full of lifetime memories because of its importance and adventure. Whole journey starting from Rishikesh is a travel along river Ganges.
Mesmerizing Onwards Journey
The journey to Hemkund Sahib can be very comfortable if planned in advance and properly. I followed this itinerary from Delhi and found it to be most comfortable and time saving Delhi to Haridwar – By Train is ~4 Hrs. Haridwar station to Rishikesh Gurudwara – By road is ~45 minutes. You have 2 major options from Rishikesh Gurudwara to start the Yatra. One is Gurudwara Buses and other one is you can hire a dedicated Taxi.
Rishikesh to Govindghat - By Road 11 – 12 Hrs (This estimate is of travelling by Sumo Taxi). It is Via Joshimath, Joshimath to Govindghat is only ~2 Hrs. This time may vary significantly because of landslides on the way. All this route should be covered during day light, as otherwise it may be very dangerous because of landslides, narrow roads and steep valleys. Ample Boarding/lodging arrangements available at Govind-Ghat in Gurudwara and nearby lodges.
On the way to Joshimath
Gobind Dham
Govind-Ghat to Govind-Dham is ~ 13 KMs. You can to go Trekking or hire a Pony. Palki can be hired for aged people who cannot sit on Pony. For small kids Pitthus are also available. Trekking time is dependent on your fitness level and Pony takes ~4.5 Hrs. This travelling also has to be completed in Day time and should be started as early as possible so that you get maximum rest for the final trekking to Hemkund Sahib next morning. You have ample Boarding/lodging options available at Govind-Dham in Gurudwara and nearby lodges. Luggage has to left here (Gurudwara Cloak room can be used for this if checking out from lodge. From here only Towels and essentials should be carried.
Hemkund Sahib
Govind-Dham to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is ~ 6 KMs. You can to go Trekking or hire a Pony. Palki can be hired for aged people who cannot sit on Pony. For small kids Pitthus are also available. You have to start Early morning and must return back same day. Pony takes around ~2 Hrs and Trekking time strictly dependent on your fitness levels. You have Langar available at Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and a First aid Centre with a Doctor is also available. Snaan and Darshan does not takes much time but you would like to spend anything less than 2 Hrs.
Hemkund Sahib Interiors
Spell Binding Backward Journey
Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara to Govind-Dham. You have to return same day after Snaan and Darshan and Trekking down is much more convenient. Trekking down to Govind-Dham takes ~2.5 Hrs, Pony may take ~1 Hour. Govind-Dham to Flower Valley is ~ 3 KMs. Govind-Dham to Hemkund Sahib and Back requires one day and Govind-Dham to Flower Valley and back requires another day. You can go to Flower Valley from Govind-Dham next day and distance and conditions are similar to Hemkund Sahib Trekking. Flower Valley closes down at 2:00 pm.
Valley in Hemkund Sahib
Govind-Dham to Govind-Ghat - It will take ~3.5 Hrs on Pony. Trekking down would depend on your fitness conditions. In case health is good trekking should be preferred to hiring a Pony as it Pony comes down at a speed and is not a very comfortable experience. If returning by Pony you can consider of reaching same day to Govind-Ghat (On the day of Darshan or on the day of Flower Valley Visit) Govindghat to Rishikesh This Journey depends upon how have you come either by Taxi or By Gurudwara Bus you have both the options.
Important Notes:
Delhi to Hemkund Sahib and back is ~6 days Journey but very much dependent on weather conditions which is impacted primarily by landslides. You must have 2-3 days in hand. Above details does not include travel by Jathaas which originate from most of the big Indian Cities and are well guided travels. Essentials to be carried apart from woollens is rain coat, cheap raincoats are available at Govind-Ghat also.
Tripti – Bed & Breakfast in Rishikesh
To make your journey truly fulfilling, we suggest that you stay at a homestay so that you can have a glimpse into the real life of the locals. The Other Home, has many such friendly homestay options to make your pilgrimage a memory of a lifetime.
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(Guest Author – Tej)
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