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  • Hemkund Lake

    Hemkund Lake, Chamoli, Uttarakhand, is a sacred glacial lake in Garhwal, home to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, surrounded by peaks, near the Valley of Flowers.



Hemkund Lake, also known as Hemkund Sahib, is a pristine glacial lake situated at an altitude of approximately 4,633 meters (15,200 feet) in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks, each adorned with a Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag), the lake holds immense religious significance for Sikhs and Hindus alike. The term 'Hemkund' translates to 'Lake of Snow,' aptly reflecting its icy waters and serene ambiance.

Religious Significance

For Sikhs, Hemkund Sahib is a revered pilgrimage site associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. According to the Dasam Granth, Guru Gobind Singh Ji meditated at this very spot in his previous birth. The Gurdwara Hemkund Sahib, situated on the banks of the lake, commemorates this spiritual connection and attracts thousands of devotees annually

In Hinduism, the lake is linked to tales from the Ramayana, where it is believed that Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama, regained his health after being brought to this site.

Nearby Attractions

  • Valley of Flowers National Park: Approximately 3 kilometers from Ghangaria, this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its vibrant meadows of endemic flora and rich biodiversity. The valley comes alive during the monsoon season with a riot of colours, making it a paradise for botanists and nature enthusiasts.
  • Ghangaria Village: Ghangaria serves as the base camp for treks to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers. It offers accommodation and basic amenities for travelers. Situated at the confluence of the Pushpawati and Hemganga rivers, it provides a serene environment for resting before the ascent.
  • Badrinath Temple: One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located about 40 kilometers from Govindghat. The temple's striking architecture and spiritual ambience make it a must-visit for pilgrims.
  • Mana Village: Known as the last Indian village before the Tibet-China border, Mana is rich in cultural heritage and offers insights into local traditions and lifestyles.

Boating at Hemkund Lake

Due to its high altitude and religious significance, boating is not permitted on Hemkund Lake. The lake is considered sacred, and visitors are expected to maintain its sanctity by refraining from recreational activities such as boating or swimming.

Best Time to Visit

  • June to September: During these months, the weather is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). The trekking paths are accessible, and the surrounding flora is in full bloom, especially in the Valley of Flowers.
  • October: Early October offers clear skies and a tranquil environment. However, temperatures begin to drop, and snowfall can occur, leading to the closure of trekking routes by the end of the month.

It's important to note that Hemkund Sahib remains inaccessible from November through May due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions. Pilgrims and trekkers should plan their visit accordingly and be prepared for sudden weather changes, given the high-altitude terrain.

Hemkund Lake and its surrounding regions offer a unique spiritual enrichment and natural beauty blend. Whether you're a pilgrim seeking divine blessings or a trekker in pursuit of Himalayan splendor, a journey to this serene locale promises an unforgettable experience.

1. Apsara Tal Lake 2. Assan Barrage Lake 3. Auli Lake 4. Badhani Taal Lake 5. Baijnath Jheel Lake 6. Baraadsar Lake 7. Baur Reservoir Lake 8. Bedni Kund Lake 9. Bharadsar Tal Lake 10. Bhenkal Tal Lake 11. Bhimtal Lake 12. Bhulla Tal Lake 13. Bisurital Lake 14. Brahmatal Lake 15. Chattrakund Lake 16. Chenab Lake 17. Chipla Kund Lake 18. Chorabari Lake 19. Chorabari Tal Lake 20. Deo Tal Lake 21. Deoria Lake 22. Devaria Tal Lake 23. Dodital Lake 24. Drona Sagar Lake 25. Dugdh Tal Lake 26. Fachu Kandi Tal Lake 27. Girital Lake 28. Gohna Tal Lake 29. Harish Tal Lake 30. Harsil Sattal Lake 31. Hemkund Lake 32. Homkund Lake 33. Jhilmil Taal Lake 34. Juda Ka Talab Lake 35. Kagbhusandi Tal Lake 36. Kamal Tal Lake 37. Kanchani Tal Lake 38. Kedar Tal Lake 39. Khurpatal Lake 40. Kyarkoti Lake 41. Lake Mist 42. Lohakham Tal Lake 43. Macchi Tal Lake 44. Mahasar Tal Lake 45. Maldaru Tal Lake 46. Marinda Tal Lake 47. Masar Tal Lake 48. Mussoorie Lake 49. Nachiketa Tal Lake 50. Naini Lake - Nainital 51. Nal Damyanti Tal Lake 52. Nanak Sagar Lake 53. Nandi Kund Lake 54. Narad Kund 55. Naukuchiatal Lake 56. Painya Tal Lake 57. Parvati Sarovar Lake 58. Purna Tal Lake 59. Rani Jheel Lake 60. Roopkund Lake 61. Ruinsara Lake 62. Ruinsara Tal Lake 63. Sahastra Tal Lake 64. Saptrishi Kund Lake 65. Sariyatal Lake 66. Sarutal Lake 67. Satopanth Lake 68. Sattal Lake 69. Shyamlatal Lake 70. Sukunda Tal Lake 71. Suptaal Jhaltaal Lake 72. Tadag Tal Lake 73. Tapt Kund 74. Tara Kund Lake 75. Taragtal Lake 76. Tarakund Lake 77. Tehri Dam Reservoir Lake 78. Thamri Kund Lake 79. Vaitarani Kund Lake 80. Vasuki Tal Lake