Trek Hemkund

Sue took a pony up to Hemkund, 6 km all uphill.  I planned to walk but after going only 2 km in 1 hour I opted for a pony.  Nice lake at the top. Interesting to see all the Punjabis praying, cleansing themselves in the cold sacred lake. We walked down but it took 3 hours for 6 km with a few stops. That’s ridiculous.

Up and Up

Look at the switchbacks

Happy we meet at the top

At top

The pony which took me up the hill. Nice ride, comfortable saddle

Could look up at the scenery while on top of the horse instead of looking at my feet

A Shik cleansing himself in Holy Hemkund Lake.
Chains are attached to the concrete for safety?
Lake is fed by the snow melt of surrounding mountains.
 

We walked down but it took 3 hours for 6 km with a few stops. That’s ridiculous. Sue started talking about taking a helicopter out of here, that's a possibility. We can for 3500 rupees (70 USD) each.  Once we got back to town we inquired: no credit cards, only cash, we are 20 USD short. Other options: horses, 3-4 hours or walk 6 hours. We are strapped for time and the terrain has been rough. Trail is all rock making walking up and down slow.