The highest gurudwara in the world, perched at an elevation of 14,100 ft. in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most visited Sikh pilgrim sites as well as a popular trekking spot too.
This two storied pentagonal Gurudwara, devoted to Guru Gobind Singh - the 10th Guru of the Sikh. The pilgrims from different parts of India as well as world come here to visit this Gurudwara, offer prayers and seek blessings.
This divine Gurdwara attracts trekkers as well for its glorious height, challenging path and adventurous journey. After soaking in the marvels of nature - the Valley of flowers, the passionate trekkers love to climb this steep slope through the clouds , occasional drizzle and sometimes hard rains to test their limits, to achieve greater heights and to soak in the serenity and divinity of this heavenly place.
Just behind the Gurudwara, there is a small glacial lake called Lokpal Lake. Seven gigantic but picturesque peaks encircled the lake. It is said that Guru Govind Singh meditated on the bank of this lake. The water of the lake is crystal clear and freezing cold. The devotees take a dip in this lake or dip their toes as they believe that taking bath in this holy lake wash away all the sins. They even fill their bottles with this ice-cold holy water to take back home.
Except the couple of hours in the morning, most of the time the lake and gurudwara, is engulfed with clouds.
There is a small Lakshman temple adjacent to Gurudwara. The story said that Lakshman performed penance here.
The Gurudwara has a huge langar khana that offers delicious Dal- khichri and Tea to all the visitors since morning and distributed Halua around 1.30 pm.
There is a shoe zone by the Gurudwara where you can keep your shoes and other belongings except mobile, purse etc .
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The Gurudwara closes by 2 pm. It is normally visited as a day trip as the night stay is not allowed in this high altitude shrine.
How to reach :
This trip begins from Dehradun/ Haridwar. You can made the trek solo or booked with any one of the trekking companies or travel agencies.
The base camp of this trek is Govindghat and advanced base camp is Ghangharia.
The 6 km long steep climb begins from Ghangharia. The entire trail is well defined and picturesque. The rain-drenched emerald green lofty mountains, stupendous waterfalls, small streams, dazzling Blue poppies , occasional sight of pretty Brahmakamals, soft white clouds and shining glaciers will make you forget all the difficulty and hardship of trekking. Generally 6 km trek takes 5 to 6 hours. Pony and porters are also available in this route .
There are plenty of road side dhabas that sell overpriced maggie and cold drinks. The public washroom is also available.
Best time to visit :
This place is accessible only from June to September, when the temperature become pleasant . Rest of the time it is covered with snow.
Where to stay :
Budget hotels and lodges are available in Ghangharia. Swiss Tents are found near Ghangharia Helipad. A GMVN guest house is also there. Both Gobindghat and Ghangharia have a small gurudwara that offers free lodging and fooding to the tourists and pilgrims.
Itinerary :
Day 1 : Dehradun/ Haridwar to Govindghat
Day 2 : Govindghat to Ghangharia
Day 3: Ghangharia to Hemkund Sahib
Day 4 : Ghangharia to Valley of Flowers
Day 5 : Ghangharia to Gobindghat
Day 6 : Gobindghat to Dehradum
Difficulty level :
Easy to moderate. Although the trek is very difficult for the first time trekkers.
Essentials :
1. Good condition waterproof trekking shoes.
2. Thick winter jacket for dealing with the cold
3. Trekking Pants
4. Woolen cap
5. A pair of sunglasses
6. Trekking pole
7. Poncho and raincoats