I happened to visit Hemkund Sahib this month and these are my learnings from this trip-

1. It is a 44km trecherous trek from & to Govind Ghat. It is not for everybody. Even though you can choose your mode of travel in parts, it is still not for the faint hearted. This needs only & only a strong resolve.

2. The trek is not kept well. One of the reasons is locals need work during season and this many earn their livelihood doing mineal jobs. To generate employment, development work gets hampered.

In larger interest of local community, tourist and shrine visitors suffer. This leads to lower footfall and less business activity in comparison to other religious locations.

3. Mobile connectivity not available from Airtel, Vodafone. BSNL is available with poor signal quality. Jio actively spreading its fiber network in the region.

4. Electricity a problem in Govind Dham, 13km from Govind Ghat. Frequent cuts restrict trade. Power back up comes handy. Water supply adequate.

5. The vigour, professionalism and honesty of human resource especially locals here is phenomenal. People are dead honest to their work and do their best.

6. The scenic views are world class. It’s completely worth the effort you put in to reach the valley before shrine.

7. Ideal for personal development.

BIG LEARNING- Sages, Religious Leaders, Gods did not go to such hi-places for seclusion, solidarity and sage-hood. They went there to teach the league of men; that to lead your life well, you need to walk through the path of hell- with rocks and boulders, steps and floors, mountain and valleys. So for good life, keep walking.