DESTINATION - HEMKUND

“This is where we had to go”
At a height of 4400m this place is halfway that of Mt.Everest.

In June this year we decided to trek till Hem-Kund, which is a major pilgrimmage for the Sikhs. Our intentions were more personal than religious, but I must say that the place inspires peace and spirituality. The trek starts from Govindghat, a small town on the way to Badrinath. 13 kms. of trek later you reach Ghagria which is a small cluster of hotels providing you with the basic amenities.

The only drawback is the abundance of mules which carry the pilgrims to and fro. I only wish that there was a different path for the trekkers and the mules, anyway except for the smell this aspect of the trek provides some cute moments too.

That’s adaptation for you.

After 4kms. one has to dismount as there is a glacier to cross and the horses cannot go on. Last 2 - 2 1/2 kms. of the climb is the most ardrous that I have ever done. We walked for a couple of minutes and had to stop for at least 5 to still our racing hearts (which was more due to the rarified air rather than the spectacular view).

The peak seems within reach, and after climbing around 500 steps when you feel that you wont be able to go any further you reach the summit.

The most surprising part was the view that suddenly confronts you when you reach the summit is that of a huge frozen lake surrounded by snow capped peaks. I had heard that there are such lakes in the himalayas but never thought that one could be there at the summit of a mountain.

There is a beautiful Gurdwara there called the Hem-Kund Sahib. It’s langar provides you with the most delicious “Khichri” and the most awesome tea that you would ever have had.

There is also a small Lakshman temple there, where Lakshman ji has supposedly done tapasya. All in all the place is worth every pant and puff of the climb.

On the way back you feel rejuvenated and so much at peace with yourself. It cannot be described only felt. Try out the experience, it’s worth it.