Hemkund Sahib

DAY 4: GANGRIA TO HEMKUND SAHIB& RETURN

ALTITUDE:2,926 m to 4,300 m and return
TIME TAKEN:9-10hours,6 km each way

What a great day of trekking expedition it had been yesterday, but as a trekkers, we redefine possibilities and keep pushing the bar beyond our comfort zone.

That’s the overview of today’s trail as it stands to be the longest in the entire trek duration.
The route as described by our trek leader did not come as a surprise to most of us since we knew we paid an excellent price in terms of physical effort to reach the holy and revered pilgrimage site of Hemkund Sahib; the temple of worship at the highest point.

ABOUT HEMKUND SAHIB

Established by the 10^thGuru of Sikhism; Guru Gobind Singh.
It is believed that God had ordained Guru Gobind Singh to take a dip in the holy kund while he was engrossed in the highest meditation practices.

The lake remains in a frozen state for six months during the year.The energy present here is powerful and enchanting.

We started off at 5 in the morning.A hot cup of tea and some breakfast was fair enough to keep us filled till the next break-spot.

The weather conditions over the day are unpredictable here and the last thing that you want is to get trapped in a rain shower.

Carrying a rain jacket is essential and a trekking pole would save you from misbalances on the route.

As you ascend up the hill, from the Valley of flower trek route, spot the waterfall caressing and dipping on the rocky structures.2 hours of another walk leads you to a definite place where you can identify the trail route of Valley of Flowers.

While moving ahead with determination you feel a slight difficulty in breathing due to the reduced oxygen levels.Statistics has it that 50% of travelers traveling to Hemkund Sahib face Altitude Mountain Sickness.

There is a steep path from here leading you to the Hemkund Sahib.
Taking short pauses during the difficult steep climb is a must as it regenerates your body and gives you the energy to traverse.

Keep a dry fruit packet handy and keep having them at frequent intervals to keep going.

Finally, you reach the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and you inwardly feel that the climb was worth it.The serenity, peace, and calmness of this mystical place mesmerizes your soul and silences your mind.

The fruitful reward for the trek is hot khichdi served in the Gurudwara, where you warm yourself from the bitter cold.

The Hemkund Sahib lake lies in the vicinity, just behind the Gurudwara.

DAY5: GHANGRIA TO GOVINDGHAT VIA POOLNA

Altitude:2926 m to 1,920 m via 2,195 m
Time taken:4 hours, 9km& (4 km drive)

“Life is a complete circle,
I am here whence I once stood”

The trail remains the same which you had followed while coming on the first day itself.
Reaching by afternoon is the norm so you have a buffer day to write about your experience in a Trek Diary or just have a musical evening with your co-trekkers.