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Hemkund-Badrinath-Valley
of Flowers
HISTORY:
Gharwal is known for its jungle and wild
life.It is very well connected by road/trains
and by air. Hemkund,a sacred lake claiming
connection with past life of Tenth saint
of Sikhs(Guru Gobind Singh)was discovered
by a Bengal Rifles,Sikh sepoy. And from
then on, thousands of pilgrims visit this
lake every year ,situated at 4250
Mtrs.Badrinath is Hindu ancient temple which
is also visited by thousand devotees from
all over the country/world.
POPULAR
ITINERARY:Govind Ghat is road head which
is situated at National Highway. Haridwar-Joshimath
and from here Govind Ghat is approx. 3 hrs.
drive.
POPULAR
ITINERARY
Day1:
Start early from Govind Ghat for Govind
Dham. (Gradual ascending trail with 2-3
hrs. of walking). As this is Sikh religious
place, please do not smoke, take alcohol
or expose in public. Gestures like hugs
and kisses are taken very seriously.
Day2:
Start early from Govind Dham, now trail
ascends bit steeper and soon you shall be
among clouds and climbing rock stairs. Holy
lake of Hem Kund is there. A cup of tea
is given to one and all without any consideration.
For men and women, covering their heads
with a peace of cloth is mark of respect
for sacred book of Sikhs. So, do according
to people around you are doing. Come back
after spending some time up there.
Day3:From
Govind Ghat, trail leads to Valley of Flowers.
This is very magical and mysterious place
and it is recommended not to stay overnight.
Valley of flowers is really a memory to
cherish as in Sept.-October season, all
you will witness is rare species & flower
families in full bloom. Mystical scent of
millions of flowers and combination of colors
is a life long memory.
Day4:
Govind Dham-Govind Ghat: This descending
to road head can be converted to further
traveling to Joshimath.
Day5:
Joshimath-Haridwar & Back .
PHASE1:
For Hem Kund, journey goes through very
scenic mountain view. The river Ganga flows
with its mighty power. This river is soul
of Hindu religion and one can see
impression of religion on common Indian
man..We have to reach Haridwar which is
well connected by trains and buses from
all over the country.From Haridwar,one can
take bus/taxi for anywhere in the mountain.Reaching
Joshimath is somewhat coool experience as
weather changes very dramatically. From
screeching heat of planes to a cool wind
of mountains!! Pilgrims usually visits
Joshimath gurudwara and then advance for
Govid Ghat. Reaching Govind Ghat and you
will see festive mood everywhere. DO NOT
TRY TO SMOKE OR DRINK ALCOHOL IN THIS AREA(TREK).Irrespective
of religion/caste/creed...boarding and lodging
is free for anyone who wants to stay there.
PHASE2:
Start early,many people start their trek
around 5.0 AM. This will help in avoiding
direct sun over your head when you cross
tree line.There are numerous food stalls
and people enjoy sitting there,eating different
dishes and relaxing.The trek is almost of
normal gradient.It can take 3-4 Hrs. for
a average walker to reach Govind Dham. This
is Advance Base Camp. Again
there is free boarding and lodging. One
can see many people complaining of high
altitude syndrome but effective management
of Gurudwara trust had helped people
,always..........Stay here for night .
PHASE3:
Again start early as there will be a ceremony
at lake temple around 7.0 AM which many
people takes pains to see.Now sudden steepness
of trek takes out your breath. Zigzag stairs
and then crossing a glacier and again stairs..after
a good effort..one reaches HEM KUND. For
a guy like me,it was bit of shock to see
people bathing in icy water but perhaps
belief plays great role in human life.Photography
inside the gurudwara is not allowed..so
do not attempt..otherwise you can use your
camera at your will . If you are experienced
trekker,make a descend to Govind Ghat.
Otherwise you can stay at Gurudwara and
next day visit VALLEY OF FLOWERS which is
having bifurcated route from Govind Dham.
If you do not want to stay in religious
places(gurudwara) there are many guest houses/hotels
also.
NOTE
: No photography/smoking
restrictions in Valley of Flowers . Overnight
camping in VOF is not recommended and permitted
by state govt. |
