Holy Star-Shaped Glacial Lake at 4,329m – Revered in Sikh & Hindu Traditions, Ringed by Seven Majestic Himalayan Peaks
Lokpal Lake (also known as Hemkund Lake) is a sacred and stunning glacial lake located at an altitude of 4,329 metres in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Situated right beside the Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib, this star-shaped glacial lake is one of the most spiritually charged water bodies in the entire Himalayan region. The lake is fed by glaciers from the surrounding seven snow-capped peaks — hence the name Hemkund, meaning "Snow Bowl" in Sanskrit — and its crystal-clear, icy waters are considered sacred by both Sikhs and Hindus.
For Sikhs, Lokpal Lake is revered as the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated in a previous life. The Guru mentioned this sacred lake in his autobiography Bachittar Natak. For Hindus, the lake is associated with Laxman (brother of Lord Rama) who performed penance here to regain consciousness after being struck by Meghnad's arrow. A small Laxman Temple stands beside the Gurudwara on the lake shore. The reflection of the seven surrounding peaks in the still glacial waters of Lokpal Lake is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Indian Himalayas.
June to October is the only time the lake is accessible. July to August for the Valley of Flowers in full bloom alongside the Hemkund trek. June and September for clearer skies and less rainfall. The lake is completely frozen and inaccessible from November to May.
Nearest railway: Rishikesh (270 km). Take bus/taxi to Govindghat, then 13 km trek to Ghangaria, then 6 km to Hemkund.
Buses from Rishikesh/Haridwar to Govindghat. Trek or helicopter from Govindghat to Ghangaria base camp.
Helicopter service available from Govindghat to Ghangaria (saves 13 km trek). Then 6 km trek to Hemkund.