Golden Temple & Hemkund Saheb – Sacred Sites of Essential Sikhism

Amritsar is amongst the most admired sites of the world founded the 16th century and its name is derived from Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar) and the Golden Temple, the most sacred Sikh shrine. Amritsar possesses a rich history encompassing numerous historical and mythological tales including the epic Ramayana. Amritsar is also famous for its thriving industry in textiles, particularly shawls, and carpets.

Amritsar has gained incredible admiration for its dhabas (roadside restaurant) ranging from unlimited list of dishes like kulchas, chola-bhaturas, tandoori chicken and many more. Amritsar makes an all rounded tourist destination due to its ancient folklore, historical shrines like the Durgiana temple, worship homes like Dera Baba Jaimal Singhji, old markets, and colourful festivals. Visit the India-Pakistan border at Wagah is an absolute satisfying experience, especially during the festive times.

The next destination, Paonta Sahib, is small hill pilgrimage center for Sikhs, situated in the heavenly state of Himachal Pradesh. It was established in the reverence of the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who is believed to have lived there for four years. Savouring the beautiful nature, according to Guru Gobind Singh, hunting in the jungle and composing poetry were a perfect experience for one. Pilgrims can also enjoy the tranquil weather, lus green tall evergreen trees around the center.

Explore the sanctified city of Rishikesh, situated along the conjunction of rivers Ganga and Chandrabhaga. It is situated on the foothills of Himalayas and is a major hub of numerous ancient temples, shrines, yoga centers, ashrams (pilgrimage center), Ayurveda, and adventure sports. Rishikesh has become an extremely popular destination due to its beautiful blend of spiritual and power propelling experiences around the world. Explore the famous hanging bridge, Lakshman Jhula, that connects two villages, Tapovan and Jonk along with the wonderful 13 storey, Trimbakeshwar temple to its opposite with significant intricate architecture. Take a stroll at Triveni Ghat, a confluence of three important sanctified rivers of India, the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswathi. It is one of the most sacred bathing spots in Rishikesh, with local tales referring to attainment of salvation. Take a rejuvenating and stress relieving meditation course at Parmarth Niketan Ashram to release positive energy and happiness in your soul.

Travel to the outer Himalayan range of Rudraprayag, named after Lord Shiva, lies at the confluence of the rivers Alkananda and Mandakini. It is a small town located in Uttarakhand and is blessed with nature’s plenteous, especially the weather to its finest. The existence of separate routes for the famous pilgrimage sites such as Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham from Rudraprayag generate a great importance to the place. The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religious importance, lakes and glaciers. Many visitors from around the world travel to the place to witness the phenomenon of two sisters/ rivers meeting at a spot with the area enclosed by immense beauty consisting of lakes, glaciers, rivers and streams. This place comprises of plenty of temples and other such significant pilgrim sites.

Moving on to Govind ghat, another confluence of river Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga, on an altitude of 6000 feet. The most significant landmark is the Gurudwara located on the bank of river Alaknanda, providing accommodation for the pilgrims who set for the trek to beautifully snow-clad, Hemkund Sahib via the famous Gurudwara Govind Dham. Govindghat sprays serenity and natural exquisiteness in the surrounding in the bed of nature. The seasonal, Valley of Flowers is located in the Chamoil District, and is famous for its variety of flower beds, that create an otherworldly view, especially the road from Joshimath to Badrinath. Pilgrims from around the world, especially Sikh, find their way to the holy shrine of Hemkund Sahib and a few numbers of tourist visit this valley every day.

Visit the Hemkund Sahib, a significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs as well as Hindus located on the mesmerising Lokpal lake with an altitude of 4329 m above sea level. The magnificent natural surroundings make this hill heaven an ideal dwelling for revitalizing oneself. The sacred shrine, Hemkund Sahib is accessible from many ways through as it placed in the core. The shrine dedicated to Lord Lakshmana is an auspicious site for Hindu Pilgrims. This temple is built on the banks of Hemkund. This snow-capped peaks, marvelous snowy glaciers and pristine appealing water houses the wonderful Gurdwara. Himganga, a small stream originates from the Hemkund/ Lokpal lake. Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, has been recorded in the holy Granth Sahib to be meditating on the tranquil banks of Hemkund in one of his births. Hemkund has also been mentioned in holy scriptures such as the Ramayana, stating that the younger brother of Lord Rama, Lakshman recovered himself by meditating on the banks of Hemkund after the severe injuries accumulated as aftermath of the Rama-Ravana war!

For more details refer to Travel Planning Guide

This tour will help you indulge in a spiritual journey, of hand-picked sanctified destinations, promising charismatic sceneries, adventure sports and medication centres (Spiritual) within 11 days. Explore the historical city of Amritsar, covering the marvellous Golden temple, the most scared shrine for the Sikh community, visited by tourists and devotees from around the world followed by Paonta Sahib, a sacred town dedicated to the 10^th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh plus the pilgrimage centre and museum, makes it unconditionally alluring.

Moving on to the Rishikesh, elegant and spiritual, well-known for its artistically significant temples, shrines, architecture and most predominantly Nature! Drive deeper into the Himalayan range and you will envisage the charming little town of Rudraprayag (named after Lord Shiva), offering an otherworldly experience by its confluence between the rivers Alakananda and Mandakini.

Joshimath, the next destination is the embodiment of nature, covered with snow-clad mountains around, this place provides adventure sports along with trekking route to different religiously important sites which leads to our last trekking destination from Govind dham to Hemkund Sahib with extremely rare picturesque beauty, adorned with heavy snow and heaven like surrounding. Return to Rishikesh for a meditation treatment course, to rejuvenate your spirit!