Uttarakhand 125
ney, upstream Lakshamanganga. From Ghagharia, as if by in-
tuition he climbed the treacherous rocks and at the end of jour-
ney he climbed the succession of stairs which ultimately led him
to the celestial lake which lay spread over a vast area in lap of
seven towering peaks—Saptsbringa. Here he had a divine vision
which revealed reality and truth to him. He stayed for some time
and then left for Amritsar in order to break the happy news. He
was given a rousing reception and wide acclaim. Encouraged by
the effect created by his find, he again set out for another journey
alongwith Bhai Vir Singh Ji, the famed Gurmukhi poet. They
established a Gurudwara, at a height of 3,400 m. Probably it is
the highest shrine. Havaldar Sohan Singh now became Gyani
Sohan Singh by constant striving and endless pursuit. He stayed
on there for the remaining part of his life and ultimately death
eclipsed his glorious pursuit leaving behind trail of his endeavour
and earnestness.
The route upto Hemkund is same as for the valley of flowers
from Govindghat. At Govindghat, the pilgrim is welcomed and
feasted by the Granthi of the Gurudwara. And after a brief halt,
the pilgrim sets out for the onward journey. At Ghagaria he
is again welcomed by the caretaker of the Gurudwara who not
only offers a hot cup of tea but makes arrangement for the night's
rest. Next day the pilgrims set off for the valley of flowers or
the Hemkund-Lokpal or both. The trek to Hemkund is a steep
climb and at the end of journey there are some 1100 stairs. From
the hill top, the fluttering flag of the Nishan Saheb beckons you
to come up and leave behind the miseries of the world. Lo ! at
long last after day-long tiring journey, the beautiful lake lies there
reflecting the seven snowclad peaks with their flowing glaciers.
Most of the dedicated devotees take a dip in the icy cold water
of the lake which is always followed with a darshan of the Laksha-
man temple and the Gurudwara which has been built where Guru
Govind Singh once meditated. Today, a magnificent Gurudwara
has come up in place of the old.
Trek to the valley
Bhyundar Valley is sandwiched between Niti and Mana. The
approach to this valley lies from Govindghat which is only 11
km. from Joshimath or Rishikesh-Badrinath route at a distance