Valley of Flowers | Hemkund Sahib | Badrinath
Stretching over an expanse of 8785.5 sq. km, the valley is surrounded by snow capped mountains and with some 500 rare species of flower. Frank S Smith, mountainer, explorer and botanist camped here for several weeks in the monsoon of 1937 and did valuable exploratory work and introduced the valley of flowers to outer world. This is much sought after trekking route for the naturalists and the visitors alike. Lying toward east of Badrinath with river Pushpawati flowing through it, it provides an unparalled experience to visitors.
Another important pilgrimage, Hemkund Sahib houses most revered Sikh Gurudwara and the Laxman temple built at the back of lake Hemkund. Encircled by seven snow clad peaks and their associated glaciers, this revered shrine reflects its surrounding on the crystal clear serene waters. It is situated at height of 4329 mt. and can be reached by trekking through Ghangharia for 5-6 hrs.
Badrinath is the fourth and last of shrine in Char Dham yatra circuit. Encirlced by a beautiful valley on the banks of river Alaknanda with Neelkanth mountains as the backdrop, Badrinath is the holiest of four shrines in the itinerary of char dham. Perched on the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan, Badrinath is the abode of Lord Vishnu. The name Badrinath is derived from wild berries which are referred as Badri. Long time ago, this spot was covered with with badris or wild berries, hence was known as Badri Van or wild berries forest. The revered shrine is still alive wih myriad legends from mythology.
Other key places of interest near Badrinath are
Badrinath is most well known and visited shrine among Panch Badris. The other four are:
