Overview of the destinationThe only way to get here is a 2-day trek. A fairly rigourous trek. A trek that is undertaken by both adventurers seeking the beauty of the Hem-Kund - a high altitude lake - and pious Sikhs seeking to visit the meditation spot of one of their key saints.
Very beautiful, amazing views of Kailash Parbat, a very fascinating Gurudwara by the Lake, and an opportunity to watch the power of religion - watching hundreds of Sikhs, young, old, and very very old, trek to Hemkund.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping
No shopping. The whole point is to get away from shopping. Hemkund is a place to either watch the wonders of nature or experience the devotion to a Saint by his followers; or both.
The Valley of Flowers is very close and should not be missed.
Activities & things to do
Trek, click pictures, trek, come back
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Train to Haridwar. Long road journey to Govind ghat, 22 kms from Joshimath. One day trek to Gangharia. Hemkund is a 3-5 hour trek from Ghangaria. A fairly steep one. Valley of flowers is a 2-4 hour easy trek from Ghangaria. There are plenty of hotels and camping sites at Ghangaria.
Season for this trek is from April-Sept. Porters can be hired at Govindghat, Ghangaria or enroute to help you carry your bags or even you!! People can be transported by a horse/mule, on the back of a porter or even a palaquin kind of structure!
The route is fairly well marked, there are plenty of hikers and devotees taking on the same journey and several small shops selling snacks/food/water/etc.
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