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Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh pilgrimage site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,633 meters (15,200 feet) above sea level in the Himalayas.
Hemkund Sahib is associated with Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. According to Sikh history, Guru Gobind Singh meditated at Hemkund Sahib for several years.
The gurdwara at Hemkund Sahib was constructed in the 1960s by Sant Sohan Singh, a Sikh sevadar (volunteer). The gurdwara features a distinctive architecture with a white marble exterior and a gold-plated dome.
Hemkund Sahib is a popular trekking destination, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists every year. The trek to Hemkund Sahib is approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) long and includes steep uphill sections, river crossings, and beautiful alpine meadows.
The region around Hemkund Sahib is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and biodiversity. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including the Hathi Parvat and Saptashringa Peaks.
The area is also home to a variety of Himalayan flora and fauna, including rare species like the Brahma Kamal, a high-altitude flower that blooms only once a year.
Hemkund Sahib is considered a sacred place not only by Sikhs but also by Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, Hemkund Sahib is believed to be the place where Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, performed penance.
The word "Hemkund" translates to "Lake of Snow" in the local language, referring to the glacial lake situated near the gurdwara (Sikh temple).
The Hemkund Sahib trek is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. The trekking season typically begins in May and lasts until October, with the peak months being June to September.