The northern region of state of Uttar Pradesh is washed by the pious waters of the holiest of rivers , the Ganges. It is here that one can find pilgrimage. canters in  abundance primarily owing to their proximity to this holy river. But amongst these, lies a unique pious spot, nestled high up in the lap of the lofty  Himalayas. It is a pilgrimage centre that can boast of being both a wonder of nature as well as a marvel of architecture .As described in the words  above, there lies here a lake by the name of Hemkunt which is surrounded by seven peaks. On the bank of this lake exists a Gurudwara, the marks the  tapasthan of Dusht Daman which is known as Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib.

Located at a height of 15,210 ft above sea level, Gurudwara Hemkunt is the only gurudwara of its kind at such a high attitude. Throughout the months of October to June,  the region is engulfed under snow and is practically inaccessible but with the oncoming season of summer, the snow melts to reveal  a mountain side teeming with activity. With the advent of June begins the endless line of pilgrims and tourists journeying to visit the gurudwara. Drawn to the  place because of its piety and beauty, people brave the hard weather conditions and tread the steep paths amongst the mountains. Pilgrims from within the  country and from abroad come in vast numbers to bathe in the holy waters of the lake. Such is effect on the pilgrims that many make it an annual pilgrimage and visit the gurudwara every year. the natural beauty and the presence of the exotic Valley of Flowers ads to the attraction and draws many a trekker. the sheer difficulty of the traverse, the grit and the enthusiastic spirit of the people forms a combination that never flags. The actual traverse begins from Rishikesh and then builds its way upwards to Gobind Ghat, Gobind Dham and to the final destination .....Hemkunt!. The road and the river both meander  their way through the mountains, teasing and challenging each other, sometimes one rising above the other. The might of the mountains is reflected all around.

The vagaries of nature seen in the unpredictable weather and the landslides do cause hindrances to the pilgrims, sometimes causing them to halt in their vehicles  for hours till the roads can be cleared of debris. But the spirits never lower and stay aloft amidst the chants of kirtans. The pilgrims who complete their  journeys encourage the morale of the ones who are on their way up with the words 'Waheguruji ka khalsa, Waheguruji ki fateh1' - a line that joins everyone together.

The motorable road extends from Rishikesh to Srinagar (which is midway enroute to Gobind Ghat) to joshimath and then to Gobind Ghat, whereupon the  journey has to be taken by foot or on mules. It is picturesque journey, following the river and nestled amidst the mountains. Winding northwards through the valley of the Ganges, the road goes past the Panch  Prayag (the five scared  confluences where major tributaries join the river ). After crossing Joshimath, one finds oneself  following  the river Alaknanda and tracing the ancient route, once taken by foot, to Badrinath.  The scenario is quite overwhelming  and fills one with a sense of tranquility. As one progresses from one place to another, the gurudwaras that are located here and managed by the Hemkunt Trust offer food and lodging with much warmth and hospitality. The route is daunting, the climate even more so, but what keeps  the pilgrim going is the thought of reaching that ultimate destination-Hemkunt!  

RISHIKESH
RISHIKESH TO SRINAGAR
SRINAGAR TO JOSHIMATH
JOSHIMATH
GOBIND GHAT
GOBIND GHAT TO GOBIND DHAM
GOBIND DHAM
GOBIND DHAM TO Hemkunt
VALLEY OF FLOWERS
THE FINAL DESTINATION - Hemkunt