CHAMOLI Auli | Badrinath | Gopeshwar | Hemkund Sahib Joshimath | Valley Of Flowers | Sacred Prayags   HEMKUND SAHIB This scared Sikh shrine is situated on the shores of the Hemkund lake ( 4320mtrs). It marks the place where Guru Govind Singh, the tenth and last Guru, unified with God after prolonged meditation in his previous birth.    The guru's autobiography which contains a description of the place helped two devout Sikhs, Sant Sohan Singh and Havldar Mohan Singh to rediscover it. According to Hindu mythology, Hemkund or Lokpal as it is also known, is where Lakshman had done his penance.    Hemkund is a 15km trek from Govindghat, which is the gateway to the Bhyundar or Lakshman Ganga valley. Govindghat is one of the bus route to Badrinath. The trek from here to Hemkund takes one through forests of pine and rhododendron where wild roses, ferns and alpine flowers bloom.    The surging waters of the Lakshman Ganga are also visible. The last 5km of the trek entails a steep climb from Ghangharia, which is a base for visiting Hemkund.   Hemkund Lake is about 2km in circumference. Its clear, still waters mirror images of the Saptashringa Peaks (5500mtrs) which surround it. Bits of ice still float on the waters between July and October, the best season to visit Hemkund. The rockstrewn shores of the lake are covered with moss and flowers in bloom.  Places of Interest Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib : This imposing star-shaped structure of stone and concrete masonry is one the shores of the lake. An outlet behind the Gurudwara is source of the Lakshman Ganga.   Temple of Lord Lakshman : A small temple nearby, dedicated to Lord Lakshman. Places around Hemkund Sahib Ghangharia : 5 Kms. situated in the midst of a pine grove Ghangharia serves as a base for visiting Hemkund Sahib. it is the last human habitation in the valley. A tourist Lodge, log huts, tents and a Gurudwara provide comfortable accommodation.   Govind Ghat : 15 kms. the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhyundar or Lakshman Ganga. It has an imposing Gurudwara named after Guru Govind Singh.