The Hemkund Sahib is one of the most revered pilgrimage spots for both, Sikhs as well as the Hindus. Located at an altitude of 4,329 meters above sea level, it can be reached in about four to six hours after a steep trek from Ghangharia. On the banks of the Lokpal Lake that is located here, one can find a Sikh Gurudwara as well as a Lakshman temple.
The whole place is surrounded by snow clad mountains and glaciers which present a mesmerizing view. The water of the lake is crystal clear while the place almost always remains under snow cover. The glaciers from the Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks feed the lake. As a result, a small stream which is known as Himganga flows out of the lake.
It is widely believed that Guru Govind Singh, who was the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, had meditated on the banks of the lake here in one of his earlier births. It was here that Guru Govind Singh introduced the features which are now commonly known in the Sikh religion. It was in the year 1699 that he started the brotherhood called 'Khalsa' which means 'pure'.
The five famous and religious Ks in the Sikh religion date from this period: Kesh (uncut hair) Kangha (comb), Kirpan (dagger), Kara (steel bangle), and Kachh (shorts). The most important out of these is Kesh or the uncut hair, adopted before the other four. It is also believed that apart from Guru Govind SIngh, Lakshman, who was the younger brother of Ram, meditated by this lake and regained his health as he was severely wounded by Meghnath who was the son of the demon king, Ravana.
Hemkund Sahib was actually founded by a Sikh Havaldar, named; Solan Singh and it became a famous pilgrimage spot after 1930.
