Govindghat

Govindghat is the starting point for trekking to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers. Located on the confluence of the Alaknada and Laxman Ganga rivers, it is roughly 22 km from Joshimath on NH58 at an altitude of 6000 feet. Hundreds of people, mostly Sikh pilgrims on way to the holy shrine of Hemkund Sahib and occasional tourists to the Valley of Flowers, arrive here everyday.

The Gurudwara located right on the bank of river Alaknanda is the most important landmark in the area. It also provides accommodation to pilgrims. The local market has many hotels, guest houses and restaurants. The economy thrives on the traveling season that starts in end May and last till end September. Various agencies manage parking places where one can park their vehicles for long durations, generally till they return from the trek. All essential stuffs, which one may require for trekking, is available in the local market. Mules and porters are available here for trekking to Ghangaria, which is the base camp for visiting Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers.

BSNL mobile network is available, but not all the time. The nearest tower is at Pandukeswar about 2 /3 km away. Availability of network depends on availability of power at Pandukeswar.

External links

* [http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/districts/chamoli/hemkund_saheb.aspx GMVN]
* [http://seven-sisters.blogspot.com/2007/10/govindghat-transit-point-for-trelkking.html Govindghat details on India Travel Diary]