Hemkund is Sanskrit name derived from two meaning 'Hem' - Snow & "Kund", Bowl so by Hindu mythology it is meant Bowl of Snow, where Sh. Guru Gobind Singh ji(tenth guru of Sikhs)and Lord Lakshman did his penance. Hemkund comes by crossing Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag & Vishnuprayag.

Travel

Hemkund of Chamoli district is inaccessible because of snow from October through April. Each year the first Sikh pilgrims arrive in May and set to work to repair the damage to the path over the harsh winter. This Sikh tradition is called "kar seva" (literally "work service") and forms an important tenet of the Sikh faith of belonging to and contributing to the community.

The take-off point for Hemkund is the town of Govindghat about 275 km from Rishikesh. The 13 km trek from here is along a reasonably well maintained path to the village ofGobind Dham or Ghangaria. There is another Gurudwara where pilgrims can spend the night. In addition there are a few hotels and a well-maintained campground with tents and mattresses. After this a 1,100 m climb in 6 km of stone paved path reaches Hemkund. There are no sleeping arrangements at Hemkund and one is advised to leave by 2PM to make it back to Gobinddham by nightfall.

From Delhi, tourists are advised to take a train to Haridwar and then by bus from Haridwar to Gobindghat via Rishikesh. After Gobindghat, it is a 19 km trek to Hemkund. People can also drive from Delhi to Gobindghat; it will take about 18 hours. You will need to stop for the night at at least one point between Rishikesh and Gobindghat. Hotels are available along the way. Auli, a ski resort at 10,000 ft (3,000 m), is a good place to stop for an extra day - rest and acclimatization to the high altitude. The main town below Auli is Joshimath. Auli is a 20 minutes ride by a Ropeway.

Nature

The tributaries of the Ganges merge along the way and the towns at the confluences carry the suffix "prayag" Sanskrit for "confluence". e.g. Rudraprayag.

At all major "prayags" there are Hindu temples precisely in the V of the confluence and it is generally possible to walk down to these temples and watch the angry merger up close.

Valley of Flowers

About 3 km from Gobinddham is the 5 km long Valley of Flowers. The Indian Government has declared this valley as a national area and all activities are now carefully regulated to preserve this valley in its pristine shape. There are 300 varieties of flowers blossom in Bhuindar Valley or Valley of Flowers orNandankanan. From July 15- Aug 15 the green carpet becomes colourful as flower blossom and it also depends on the rainfall and snowfall.The best months are July and August, during the monsoons. Note that during these same months, the Valley can be closed to visitors if the weather is totally inclement.