Trek Route and Preparation

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Begining of Journey

Travelling to Siri Hemkunth Sahib — Overview

Hemkund Sahib is located in Uttarakhand, India, with a setting of a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks. It is located in the Himalaya Mountains at an elevation of 4632 meters (15,200 ft). It is accessible only by foot from Gobindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway.

Getting to Haridwar

Haridwar

Haridwar Sacred Gathering

Our meeting place is Haridwar. (Hotel Address would be updated soon)

Haridwar is the place where the river Ganges enters the plains after flowing 250 kms from its origin Gaumukh. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world.

We would be visiting a number of shrines dedicated to Baba Sri Chand and Guru Nanak in Haridwar and meeting with the ancient lineage holders of various Yogic traditions. A bath in the sacred river Ganges, the waters of which have witnessed millions of enlightenments of some of the greatest yogis of the world.

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Himalayan Travel Progression

After the celebrations we would start our journey through towns of Rishikesh, Joshimath, Badrinath, GobindGhat etc. The journey offers a unique glimpse of centuries old history, culture and traditions in the backdrop of breathtaking Himalayan scenery.

We would be staying at various sacred sites. Accommodation would be in hotels except for Flower Valley, where we would be tenting.

Tenting / Meditation / Sadhna — Flower Valley

There are about 520 species of flowering plants and the area was declared a National Park in 1982. Animals like Himalayan black bears, musk deer, brown bears, Bharal and a rich variety of birds and butterflies are found in this national park.

Legend has it that a flower called Brahma-Kamal blossoms here every 12 years.

Once a lifetime opportunity to sit in the lap of the mighty living Himalayas and doing the highest practice, Kundalini Yoga & Meditation.

We would be doing a 3 day tenting in this sacred valley of Rishi Dushat Daman.

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PARTICIPANT PREPARATION

Distances and Altitudes

  • 265 km by road, 12 hours


    GobindGhat — 1828 m altitude

  • 13 km by footpath, 4 to 7 hours


    GobindDham — 3049 m altitude (~10000 ft)

  • 6 km by footpath, 2 to 4 hours


    Hemkund Sahib — 4329 m altitude (~15000 ft)

  • 5 km by footpath, 2 hours


    Valley of Flowers — 3500+ m altitude

Attire & Equipment

Bring good footwear for walking. Waterproof hiking boots with ankle supports are best. At times it is necessary to walk across snow. There may also be muddy or washed-out sections of the path.

Be prepared for bad weather. The temperatures at GobindDham and Hemkund can be very cold. Dress in layers which can be added or removed depending on conditions.

Bring woollen clothing, waterproof jacket, rain pants if possible, head covering, gloves, and warm socks.

Dress lightly when you begin the trek at GobindGhat. Change to warm dry clothes when arriving in GobindDham. When going to Hemkund, bring an extra sweater or shawl.

Raincoat is essential.

Required Items:

  • Hiking boots with Vibram sole or sturdy shoes

  • Base layer, fleece jacket or pullover OR down jacket

  • Windproof/waterproof shell

  • Wool socks and liner socks

  • Warm hat

  • Gloves

  • Polyester blend hiking pants

NO Cotton garments. Cotton kills. When wet it can cause hypothermia and does not dry quickly. Synthetic fabrics are best for trekking.

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Things to keep in mind

  • Do some sort of training before coming. Walking, hiking, bicycling to get in shape. You will be climbing high altitude.

    • Flashlight or headlamp

    • Backpack for gear and clothing layers

    • Water bottle

  • Always carry a torch or flashlight if walking after sunset or before sunrise. Carry one when visiting Siri Hemkunth Sahib as journeys can take longer than expected and return may occur after dark.

  • Carry glucose, sweets, dried fruits and nuts for energy during the trek. Always carry water. Dehydration occurs easily during strenuous exercise.

    Using a walking stick helps maintain balance and rhythm.

  • Bring pain killers, antibiotics, cough medicine, breathing apparatus (if used), stomach remedy, gauze, tape, and bandages.

    Government doctors are available in GobindGhat and GobindDham, army dispensaries exist in gurudwaras, and an army hospital is in Joshimath. Medical care remains very basic and limited.

TREK ROUTE & PILGRIMAGE MOVEMENT

The Yatra —
An Overview

GobindGhat — Beginning the Foot Journey

We would be starting our journey on foot from GobindGhat as early in the morning as possible. The journey by foot to GobindDham takes approximately 5 to 7 hours. By pony or mule it takes 4 hours.

The path from GobindGhat to GobindDham is approximately 12 km. It zig-zags up a steep hillside for the first 2 km, then levels out.

Pulna village (2,104 m) is visible 3 km above GobindGhat and is winter residence of valley inhabitants. From Pulna it is 5 km to Bhyundar (2,592 m). Crossing Lakshman Ganga bridge indicates only 3 km remain to GobindDham.

Gobind-Dham

Food and goods selection is limited because all supplies are transported by mule or porter. Prices can be high.

A private company pitches tents for accommodation. We would be tenting here.

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Journey from GobindDham to Hemkund Sahib

The journey to Hemkund Sahib can take as little as 1½ hours or as much as 6 hours. Average journey is 3 to 4 hours.

Because of uncertain weather conditions, departure from GobindDham should occur early. We would be starting between 5 and 6 a.m.

The path from Ghangaria to Hemkund is approximately 6 km.

Experience at Siri Hemkunth Sahib

Tea is available continuously in the Gurdwara. If planning to bathe in the lake, do it before taking tea and before body temperature cools from climbing.

Men and women take sacred dips on separate sides of the lake.

Facilities exist to check shoes before entering the Gurdwara. Remove footwear on lower storey, cover head, and climb cement steps.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined under a brass canopy. Blankets are available for visitors.

Morning chanting ends around 10:00 a.m. with Ardas and again at 1:00 p.m. daily. Kirtan continues throughout the day. Langar of tea and Khichri is served following Ardas.

Weather conditions are unpredictable. Begin descent to GobindDham early. Descent takes 1 to 2 hours, possibly longer with rest or difficult trail conditions. Sunset occurs around 6 p.m.

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SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

IMPORTANT!

  • Landslides are common along motor roads during rainy season (July and August) and may delay travel.

    Walk on the inside of paths to avoid being knocked off edges by mules, cows, sedan chairs, or other travelers.

  • Altitude sickness is a serious risk.

    Health Tips:

    • Spend as much time as possible acclimatizing in the hills before ascending to Siri Hemkunth Sahib.

    • Avoid becoming chilled or dehydrated. Dress warmly and drink tea, water, juice, or soft drinks.

    Avoid over-exertion.

    Watch for symptoms:

    • Headaches

    • Difficulty breathing

    • Cold extremities

    • Dizziness

    • Disorientation

    • Vomiting

    If symptoms occur, immediate descent is required. Altitude sickness can be life-threatening. Symptoms usually improve quickly once lower altitude is reached.

  • Garbage disposal facilities are limited along the route. Avoid throwing wrappers, juice boxes, plastic raincoats, and other waste along the path. Use garbage cans if available.

    Participants are asked to carry back all wrappers, containers, and bottles from consumed food and drink.

  • There are no bathroom facilities between GobindGhat and GobindDham, or between GobindDham and Hemkund. At Hemkund facilities are limited and located down a staircase from the lake.

    Participants are requested to use these facilities to avoid polluting the holy lake.

“Connect with the mountains, the peaks, the trees. They are most conscious yogis on the planet earth. You would find “Yoga” here, everywhere, the trees are standing in tree poses, the mountains are in mountain poses, the clouds are in Simran; constant remembrance.

The idea to come here is to sit in their lap, it’s called Satsangh; to sit in the company of those who have dissolved. Those who have stopped in the present moment, those who have sat still, no movement, only beingness, only pure presence remains.

Let me introduce you to these beings, who have been worshiped by the ancient ones as Gods.”

-Yogi Amandeep

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