Overview
Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers are located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state in India. These two are normally visited at the same time because they are nearby and are both endowed with splendid natural scenic views.
Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib or Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji is one of the important sacred places for the Sikhs. Sitting at an altitude of 4,632 meters (15,197 feet) it is among the highest Gurudwaras in the world. The name Hemkund literally translates to the lake of snow and indeed the Gurudwara is nestled next to a lake with water from a glacier and surrounded by seven mountains of snow.
Key Features
Spiritual Significance: This place is considered to have been the meditation place of the tenth Sikh Guru in his previous birth. Many pilgrims visit the Gurudwara every year.
Accessibility: The distance of about 19Kms has to be covered on foot to reach Hemkund Sahib from Govindghat through a strenuous trek. The trek in its entire route covers forests, waterfalls, and streams adding to the beauty of the place.
Best Time to Visit: This gurdwara is open from June to October only because the rest of the year the area is snow clad.
Valley of Flowers
The valley of flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park famous for meadows of flower species and bio-diversity. It lies at an altitude of approximately 3,658 meters above sea level and occupies a space of approximately 87. 5 square kilometers.
Key Features
Floral Diversity: This valley is gifted with more than 500 species of flowers and therefore best suited for botanists and natural lovers. Some of the flowers found here are; Blue poppy, Brahma Kamal and cobra lily.
Wildlife: Apart from the floral species, the valley contains other wildlife species that include Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, and red fox.
Trekking Experience: The track to Valley of Flowers starts at Govindghat which is the same as the Hemkund Sahib yatra. The trek is for 16 km and it covers the fresh forests, bridges made of woods and other fascinating sceneries.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for the valley of flowers trip is in the months of July mid September as the flowers are in full bloom during this time.
Destination
Rishikesh – Joshimath – Govindghat – Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Hemkund Sahib
Duration
08 Days / 07 Nights
