Hemkund Sahib does not require an introduction. The populace of India identifies it as a major pilgrimage spot for the Sikhs. Hemkund, meaning a bowl of snow, is nestled amid the Himalayan ranges in Chamoli district of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand. This tranquil place is adorned with breath taking snowy backdrop and evokes religious ecstasy.
Elevated at an enormous height of 15,200 feet above ocean level, Hemkund Sahib is the only pentagonal Gurudwara in the world. Shrouded by the majestic Himalayas, this serene place remains cold throughout the year. The temperatures during winter season stays below 0° and bring heavy snow-fall. It blocks the pathways to the Sikh shrine and it is closed for darshan during the months between October-April. During this period, the blocked paths are cleared and repaired so that access is regained.
Hemkund is not just a center for worship, but it is also a popular trekking spot. On the way to Hemkund Sahib one can spot hundreds of trekkers. Merely 5 kms away from this pristine spot, there lays the Valley of Flowers and rhetorically, it is a blissful place. It is a national park and houses over 1500 species of flowers.