Information About Hemkund

Chapter - 21

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE

A few days after return from Sri Hemkund Sahib, I reflected on the journey undertaken in order to find out, as to how the holy journey could be made more pleasant and light. Some overdone precautions rebound. For first timers, absence of necessary information creates pitfalls, wherein they stumble. I picked up certain points, which, if, kept in mind, would considerably add to the charm of yatra to the holy shrine.

Beside the devotional fervour, mental and physical preparedness should also be kept in view. Almighty himself is the guide in this respect. Gurbani is panacea for the pilgrims and the yatra should be undertaken with a strong will power.

Light Bedding: - These two words would normally mean a durry, a bed sheet, a blanket and a small pillow. I don't think these items are so necessary. Only a bed sheet and a good ‘lohi’ will do. Gurudwaras at Joshimath, Gobind Ghat, Gobind Dham and Sri Hemkund Sahib etc are well equipped with blankets and langar items to serve the yatris. So, at night stay Gurudwaras, private bedding items are needed least. For emergency and en-route requirements, the yatri bus is supposed to carry a large durry, first aid box etc. for general use. Our group had its own halwai and sufficient quantity of raw material for preparation of langar, whenever and wherever needed. So keeping this in view, carriage of bedding and edible items may be reduced to a minimum.

Utensils, footwear, dry fruit etc.

To keep the weight at the minimum, requisite utensils should also be smaller and light. Good plastic items may be preferred or disposable alternatives could also be considered. Footwear should also be light, comfortable and groove soled. This is essential to cover the long arduous journey. Unfriendly shoes could cause blisters. I did notice a woman carrying her shoes in her hands and walking barefooted. At another place, a yatri was seen walking with hawai chappals. Both these positions do not appear to be comfortable. Regarding use of dry fruits, one should be very clear that they would give energy and heat to body, when the body is perspiring during the tough onward and return journey. One’s body may not absorb extra energy and may not respond positively. Conditions like upset stomach, vomiting, uneasiness etc. may arise. Thus, dry fruits may be taken in small quantity, if felt necessary. It will be better, if it is taken occasionally before start of the journey – just to keep the body toned up. During the course of the tough part of the journey from Gobind Ghat to Sri Hemkund Sahib, glucose water should be sipped only to make up lost water and energy. Intake of too much dry glucose followed by water, was not advised by an experienced yatri. Stomach should not be loaded so as to remain at ease, while walking. Persons undertaking journey on horseback should also take note of this point. Intake of milk and fruits would also provide energy to body and keep it comparatively active and light.



Whether the journey from Gurudwara Gobind Ghat to Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib is undertaken on foot or horseback, the body has to bear the effects. But recitation of Gurbani and His Holy Name infuses confidence and builds strong will power, which enables the yatri to face uneasiness with ease. Every person should also consider his bodily condition, so as to complete the holy journey happily and successfully. It was learnt from some yatris that they now undertake onward journey from Gobind Dham to Sri Hemkund Sahib on horseback and return from Sri Hemkund Sahib to Gobind Dham on foot. They agree that journey on horseback from Sri Hemkund Sahib to Gobind Dham is very dangerous and awful due to downward angle of gravity caused by the force of weight and speed of the horse. The rider feels, as if he would fall down into the valley any moment. So, the yatris mostly prefer to return on foot at this part of the journey. Contrary to this, the upward journey on horseback is considered safe. This aspect of the journey should also be kept in mind and the risk factor avoided.

Aim of the yatri should be to undertake and complete the journey, as happily as possible while passing through all sorts of situations. Also, the charm and feeling of fulfillment of the blessed journey shall be maximum if it is performed and enjoyed in the fortunate company of the fellow travelers and individual comforts en-route are least preferred unless, otherwise, one is helpless.

Altitude Above Sea Level
(In Feet)
(As shown on a sketch route map at Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib, Rishikesh)

Hemkund Sahib 15210

Gobind Dham 12590

Gobind Ghat 5720

Joshimath 6105

Karanprayag 2307

Rishikesh 1201

Haridwar 946

Badrinath 10244

Valley of flowers 11890

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