Hemkund Lake,Uttarakhand

• Hemkund Sahib (Gurudwara) – the white marble gurudwara near the lake which offers langar (community meal) and darshan.
• Hemkund Lake – the glacial lake with striking turquoise water set in a cirque surrounded by seven peaks.
• Surrounding Peaks and Scenic Views – panoramic views of snow-clad mountains and alpine meadows.
• Ghangaria (base village) – small pilgrim/tourist hamlet serving as the base for treks to Hemkund and the Valley of Flowers.
• Valley of Flowers National Park – UNESCO-listed floral paradise frequently combined in the same trip.

• High-altitude glacial lake at ~4,329 m with seasonal melt and vivid blue/green water.
• Encircling seven snow peaks giving a dramatic amphitheater-like setting.
• Alpine meadows and rhododendron/primula blooms in summer (especially during Valley of Flowers season).
• Religious and cultural experience at the gurudwara with daily langar (free community kitchen).
• Unique combination of spiritual pilgrimage and high-altitude natural beauty.

• Pilgrimage and darshan at Hemkund Sahib; participate in langar.
• Trekking (Govindghat → Ghangaria → Hemkund) — moderate to strenuous high-altitude trek.
• Photography of the lake, peaks and alpine landscapes.
• Day hikes and nature walks around Ghangaria and the Valley of Flowers (seasonal).
• Wildflower viewing (late July–August) and basic birdwatching.

May to October (summer and monsoon months open the trail and Ghangaria; peak wildflower bloom usually from mid-July to early September). The lake and trek are closed or difficult during heavy snow months (late October–April).

Alpine weather: cold year-round at night; daytime in summer can be mild but can change rapidly. Expect sub-zero temperatures early/late season, sudden rain or snowfall at higher altitudes, and strong UV exposure at altitude.

Nearest road head is Govindghat. Typical route: Govindghat → trek/jeep to Ghangaria (base) → trek ~6 km uphill to Hemkund. Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) — several hours' drive to Govindghat (approx. 8–10+ hours by road depending on conditions). Nearest major railheads: Rishikesh / Haridwar (followed by road to Govindghat). Roads are hilly and travel times are long; hire local taxis or buses to Govindghat. The final stretch is a steep mountain trek; ponies or porter services may be available for parts of the route but check availability and welfare standards.

2–3 days for a focused Hemkund trip from Govindghat (Govindghat → Ghangaria → Hemkund and back). Combine with 3–4 additional days if including the Valley of Flowers and buffer days for altitude acclimatization or weather delays.

Warm layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece, insulated jacket), waterproof outer layer, sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, trekking poles, sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen, warm hat and gloves. Carry a basic first-aid kit and medication for altitude sickness (consult a doctor beforehand).

You can experience langar at the gurudwara (simple vegetarian meals). In Ghangaria, small eateries serve dals, rotis, soups and local snacks. Souvenirs include prayer beads, Sikh religious items, and small handicrafts; purchase from reputable local vendors to support the community.