TREK TO VALLEY OF FLOWERS AND HEMKUND SAHIB, 'THE ABODE OF GOD'

 "The mountains are calling and I must go", It may sound as a cliche but it aptly describes the enthusiasm of any trekker, the challenge of conquering the climb and experiencing the nature to  its fullest .   Uttarakhand is a paradise for trekkers having a terrain that has number of trek routes and destinations. Being myself an adventure seeker and mountain lover, i had been planning for quite a long time .However the  last one which stretched over 10 days ,was 15 years back   and therefore it felt like a herculean task to prep myself mentally and physically to undertake a trekking trip.But after doing some research, the destinations of valley of flowers and hemkund sahib popped up as the appropriate choice to a fresh start of this old passion of mine. Though the journey to Hemkund sahib is more of a pilgrimage trip but the climb is as arduous as any other trek route.As for the timings, the best months are beginning august to september for the valley as it is the blooming season of flowers.

The Valley of flowers and Hemkund is a combined trek because from the base camp at ghangria ,the route forks into two paths so you get to visit both the places . Govindghat is the starting  point for the trek . Distance covered is 14 kms till the base camp at Ghangria. The route is well paved and wide  with gradual incline and descents as we cross the mountains. On the way there are small thatched corner shops  where you can rest to catch up your breath ,enjoy a cup of   piping hot tea with  maggie. Infact you dont need to burden yourself with carrying lot of water bottles or eatables .The route from govindghat to ghangria is well developed  also being  part of the pilgrimage route for Hemkund sahib  .Once you reach the base camp, the kms to valley of flowers and Hemkund sahib is shorter.

                                                                BASE CAMP AT GHANGRIA

 The valley of flowers trek is usually described easy and Hemkund sahib as moderate or difficult  by the tour guides as well as most of the online writers. However my experience differs with them as i found that the incline to valley is acutely steep with a narrow path though the distance is only 4kms whereas the path  to hemkund sahib is quite wide ,smooth  and well paved comparatively making it comfortable walking. The entire slope for valley is rugged with huge stones which gets very slippery in rain.I had to be quite focussed on my steps especially at the time of descent because you may twist an ankle if not careful. However , once you reach the destination, the breathtaking views of the flowers spread over the  vast grasslands  amidst misty mountains takes away the fatigue of climb.

                                                            VALLEY OF FLOWERS

                                        

                           80 RARE SPECIES MENTIONED WITH  DIFFERENT MONTHS OF    BLOOM

The valley of flowers is a national park and UNESCO world heritage site .The blooming season as well as timings of different species  varies so you may not witness the simultaneous bloom of all flowers.Still , to behold such an enchanting view of carpet of colors in the high altitude himalayan valley  is amazing but surprisingly, i met few disgruntled  tourists who  it seems were expecting something like the mughal gardens .It s a pity that they fail to understand and appreciate that without any human intervention ,such a diversity of flowers exist at at a height of more then 3500 meters above sea level . 

 DIFFERENT SPECIES OF FLOWERS FOUND IN VALLEY

Next day we went to Hemkund Sahib  dedicated to the tenth guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji .  It is the most revered  pilgrimage site of the sikhs though people of all religion visit .The trek is longer 6kms but steeper then valley , at a height of 4632mtrs .As you ascent gradually ,the scenic beauty keeps getting spectacular flushed with waterfalls,rare varieties of flowers and  lowlying misty clouds passing over you .As you reach the top ,the gurudwara area with the water kund is the ultimate place of purity and tranquility. The experience  and beauty of place is  undescribable in words . The kund is so crystal clear that even the stones lying underneath are  visible . I have visited many other temples/religious places  in mountains but this is no doubt the most beautiful place of worship . It is true that only gods can reside in such places  . And this is accentuated by the fact that the rare flower 'brahmkamal' also called 'lotus of God'' only grows near the Gurudwara of Hemkund Sahib. The flower itself is so unique that it blooms only after sunset .

GURUDWARA HEMKUND SAHIB

                                                                           BRAHMKAMAL, 

The  surrounding landscape of  lush green forests, surging and plunging water falls  ,  pristine beauty and vastness of mountains makes the entire experience of trek  exhilirating with motivation to keep going.  On this journey of four days trek ,  i realised that trekking is not just about adventure and  thrill  but  also a meaningful spiritual experience . our routine lives are so cluttered that  not only physical but mental exhaustion sets in gradually , negatively impacting our whole self. I personally feel that trekking rejuvenates the soul and provides an opportunity to enjoy the solitude and oneness with nature. The connection with nature is very  powerful and invigorating . What your senses behold and feel can never be captured by a camera .You can soak in the  mother earth in its purest form only by getting out of your cocoon of comfort and luxury. 

So travellers get out of your comfort zone to undertake this immemorable journey to the abode of gods!!!