One of the most important Sikh pilgrimage sites in the world, Hem Kund, at 4600m, is a sacred lake with a temple surrounded by seven peaks where Sikh Guru Gobind Singh is believed to have meditated in a previous life. It's thought that a dip in the frigid waters purifies one's soul, and hundreds or sometimes thousands visit daily between May and October, weather permitting. The experience is well worth the steep 6km hike up from the village of Ghangaria.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Valley of Flowers National Park
2.25 MILES
The bugyals (high-altitude meadows) of tall wildflowers in the Unesco World Heritage–listed Valley of Flowers are a glorious sight on a sunny day,…
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8.23 MILES
Badrinath Temple, in a superb setting below the sacred, snow-topped pyramid-shaped peak of Nilkantha, is holy to Lord Vishnu. Vividly painted, this is the…
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27.73 MILES
Climbing this 4000m summit is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the whole Indian Himalaya. An early-morning start from the village of Chopta can pay…
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27.92 MILES
The highest Shiva temple in the world is a 3.5km hike, gaining 750m, up a well-paved trail from the village of Chopta. Continue beyond the temple another…
Nearby Uttarakhand attractions
1. Valley of Flowers National Park
2.25 MILES
The bugyals (high-altitude meadows) of tall wildflowers in the Unesco World Heritage–listed Valley of Flowers are a glorious sight on a sunny day,…
8.23 MILES
Badrinath Temple, in a superb setting below the sacred, snow-topped pyramid-shaped peak of Nilkantha, is holy to Lord Vishnu. Vividly painted, this is the…
27.73 MILES
Climbing this 4000m summit is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the whole Indian Himalaya. An early-morning start from the village of Chopta can pay…
27.92 MILES
The highest Shiva temple in the world is a 3.5km hike, gaining 750m, up a well-paved trail from the village of Chopta. Continue beyond the temple another…