02/10/2021
Day 4: Ghangria to Hemkund Sahib and back
Trek distance: 6 km one way | 8-9 hours
Altitude gain: 9,600 ft to 14,107 ft
Trek type: Moderate-difficult. Steep ascent for about 4 hours to reach Hemkund Sahib and steep descent all the way back.
To visit world’s highest gurudwara, Hemkund Sahib,We Started early at 7 am. It was raining so We carried poncho(light raincoat) which is highly recommended for this trek.
We Passed the deviation to Valley of Flowers and Continue to trek up the steep path slowly but steadily. A pretty waterfall can be spotted on your right falling through the rock walls on the right.
After about 2 hours of walking, we were higher than the tree line and the views begin to get better.
After another hour of slow walking with numerous breaks, we begin to feel reduced oxygen levels in the air. A melting glacier lies on the way.
We took generous breaks while climbing up the steep path. These breaks are important as going up very fast could only mean inviting altitude sickness. Do not sit down during these breaks. Avoid Sitting down in these breaks as they can relax your muscles.
An hour of stiff climbing brought us to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. The lake lies just behind it. The Hemkund Sahib lake remains frozen for six months.
Around Hemkund, the Himalayan flower, Brahma Kamal grows abundantly. This flower grows only at heights of 10,000 ft to 15,000 ft. It’s recommended to leave Hemkund by early afternoon. The walk down can be strenuous on the knees and toes. It takes 4- 5 hours to walk down the 6 km.
