Hemkund (Snow Lake) Sahib, as the name describes itself,  is a high-altitude lake (4329m) surrounded by seven huge snow-covered mountains, collectively called Hemkund Parvat. Close to the lake is a sacred Gurudwara : a pilgrimage center for Sikhs and Hindus from all over the world.
 It is said that Shri Guru Govind Singh Ji (the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs) meditated on the very banks of this lake where a number of sages and religious teachers from the Hindu mythology, including Rishi Medhasa of the Markandeya Purana and Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram performed penance. Besides the Gurudwara, you can also see a temple here. The lake is the source of the Laxman Ganga (alternatively called Him Ganga) stream that merges with the Pushpawati stream flowing from the Valley of Flowers, at Ghangaria. From this point on, the river is called Laxman Ganga.
A very popular trekking destination, Hemkund is a 15Km trek from Govindghat. The trek takes one through pine forests where rhododendron, wild roses, ferns and alpine flowers abound. With breathtaking views of the surging waters of the Lakshman Ganga, the last five kilometres of the trek entails a steep climb from Ghangharia, which is base for visiting Hemkund. The lake is about two kilometers in circumference. Its clear and still waters mirror images the Saptashringa Peaks (5500mtrs) that surround it.
 

Season: Between July and October. You will find water still has shards of ice floating on it, glinting in the sun and the flowers in bright bloom.

Gurudwara Hemkund Shaib
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.

General Information :
Altitude: 4320mtrs. above sea level.
Season: July-October
Clothing: Woolens
Language: Garhwali Hindi
Festivals: Guru Nannak's birthday, Guru Govind Singh's Jayanti.