Valley of Flowers Trek Uttarakhand
It’s an easy to moderate trek that offers a rare access to Uttarakhand Himalayas that has an expanse of valley covered with flowers. It is also considered an ideal trek for the first timers even including family and kids. One also gets a chance to visit the highest pilgrimage location of Hemkund Sahib.
The valley itself is about 2km wide and 8 km long and the best time to visit is between July to mid of September. The temperature on this trek usually stays somewhere between 5 to 20 degrees celsius. And you can expect moderate rainfall even while trekking and the valley usually has a thick cloud cover. The most difficult part of the trek is the climb to Hemkund Sahib on the last day where we cover an altitude of about 4,300 ft in a day and that can be a bit strenuous.
The valley was first discovered accidentally by a group of mountaineers in 1931 who were returning from an expedition to Mount Kamet. Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton and RL Holdsworth were a part of this team. In 1980, Valley of Flowers was declared a national park and in 2000, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve added it as the second core zone. It now comes under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme.There are about 500 varieties of flowers that are found here and some of them even have medicinal properties. Since a number of plant species are considered threatened, any kind of animal grazing is not allowed in this region. When on the trek, you’ll even get to visit the memorial grave of Joan Margaret.
The visit to Hemkund Sahib i.e. the highest religious place covered in the itinerary is difficult but rewarding and if you happen to have an extra day, you can even visit Badrinath or explore Rishikesh on your last day.
There are well marked trails and a series of steps laid out at some of the sections of the trek. Mules are available from Govindghat to Ghangaria and Hemkund Sahib but are not allowed to go inside the main valley. You must not expect luxurious stay while on the trek, there is no camping on this trek and basic lodges are provided where you can expect a bit of seepage smell. There are very high chances of rainfall during the trek days. Also, keep a buffer day in your itinerary as there can be road blocks due to the rain.
It's a must to carry a good quality rain jacket or a poncho at all the times when on the trails. Weather resistant backpack covers should be used to keep the insides of the bag dry. Waterproof trekking shoes are recommended and you should always carry several pairs of socks when on monsoon treks.
- DAY 1: - Haridwar to Joshimath(1,900m/6,200ft)
- Distance: 275 km
- Pick up: Railway Station, Haridwar
- Time : 10-11 hrs.
- Last ATM point: Joshimath
- Food will be served.
- DAY 2: Joshimath to Govindghat -Pulna Trek to Ghangharia
- Time: 40 minutes from Govindghat to Pulna (2,000m/6,800ft).
- Time : 4 hours from Pulna to Ghangharia (2,290m/9,800ft).
- Water is available along the route
- Food will be served.
- Stay Guesthouse (Shared Accommodation).
- DAY 3: - Trek from Ghangaria to Valley of Flower(3,500m/11,500ft) and back to Ghangaria
- Distance: 4 km (single route)
- Time : 5 hrs.
- Length of the Valley: R6-7 km long & ends with a glacier.
- Food will be served.
- Stay Guesthouse (Shared Accommodation).
- Prominent flowers: Balsam, Angelica, Anemone, Cobra lily, Blue Poppy, Marsh Marigold, Forget me not, and many more.
- DAY 4: Trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib(4,300m/14,100 ft) and back to Ghangaria
- Distance: 5.5 km (single route)
- Time Taken: 7 hours
- Lunch: Gurduwara langar
- Flower:Brahma Kamal(State flower of Uttarakhand) and Himalayan blue poppy can be seen in the midway to Hemkund Sahib.
- Stay Guesthouse.
- DAY 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat and then drive to Joshimath
- Distance till Govind Ghat: 13 km
- Time of Trek: 5 hours
- Driving Time: 20 mins
- Packed food will be served.
- Stay Guesthouse.
- DAY 6: Joshimath to Haridwar
- Post morning Tea/Coffee Departure to home.
- Reach Haridwar: Around 6 -7:00 pm.
- Further travel can be booked any time after 8:00 pm.
Day 1: Haridwar to Joshimath
The journey begins from the holy city Haridwar to Joshimath. Though the journey is long, it provides some amazing viewpoints which make you feel refreshed. In the journey, you will cross Rishikesh and then Panch Prayag namely Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, Nandprayag & Vishnuprayag. You will see majestic mountains along with the river Ganga and the Alaknanda. As you move upward, the temperature reduces and makes the weather lovely. It is suggested to keep an extra pair of warm clothes so that you can enjoy the journey without any destruction.
You can take multiple pictures of the amazing scenery you will see during the journey. Lunch will be done in between the journey.
Day 2: : Govindghat from Joshimath
On the second day, you will head towards Govindghat from Joshimath. The total distance to be covered is 22km. After doing breakfast at Joshimath, we will move towards Govindghat. There are various shops which provide a variety of delicious meals. You will enjoy the whole journey by being environed by the beautiful views of the place.
After wandering some distance, you will arrive at Bhyundar Village from where you can easily have the vistas of Hathi Parvat. And then you will reach Gangharia approximately in the night at an elevation of 10,000 ft. Spend the whole night in the guest house.
Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flower
This day begins from Gangharia and takes you to Valley of Flowers and then again get back to Gangharia. Once you will hit Valley of Flowers, you will see various blossoms like Rose, Meadow Geranium, Canine Flower, Hooked Adhere Seed. The whole trek seems to fill one's soul with peace. The tranquil nature of the place will let you forget all the worries and will make you a lively person.
The Valley of Flowers trek is about 6-7 km although it depends on the trekkers how much time they want to spend in the valley and how deeply they want to know about it. After enjoying the Valley of Flowers Trek, you will get back to Ghangaria and will spend the night in the guest house.
Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib
This day you will visit the Hemkund Sahib. The day begins by doing breakfast at Ghangaria and then trek starts to Hemkund Sahib. The trek is 6 km long. Hemkund Sahib is known to be the planet's greatest Gurudwara at an altitude of 4,329 meters. You will also see the state flower of Uttarakhand,i.e. Brahma Kamal. Gurudwara is located beside Hemkund lake. You can also discover Laxman Temple over here. In short, the place is completely spiritual and gives positive energy to all present there. After having a glimpse of the place, you will return to Ghangaria.
Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat
This is the fifth day of your trek and after having breakfast at Ghangaria you will move back to Govindghat and then will drive back to Joshimath. From Joshimath, Shri Badrinath Ji is located at a distance of 25km. If the weather & roads remain good then you will head towards Shri Badrinath Ji.
Day 6: Joshimath to Haridwar
The day marks the end of the journey and you will be returning to Haridwar from Joshimath. Breakfast & Lunch will be done amid the journey. You will reach Haridwar at about 8 p.m.
Inclusions :-
1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg)
3. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
4. All necessary permits and entry fees.
5. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
7. Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and return (According to itinerary)
8. Mules to carry the central luggage
Exclusions :-
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
6. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Note :
Normally
Trip on Himalaya expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1200/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1500/- if you inform us after reaching Sankri
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
To book Valley of Flowers Trek / adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.
Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee:
The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
When to book:
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)
Cancelation Policy :-
1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg)
3. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
4. All necessary permits and entry fees.
5. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
7. Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and return (According to itinerary)
8. Mules to carry the central luggage
TREKKING GEAR
1. Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
2. Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
3. Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
4. U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1
5. Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
FOOTWEAR
1. Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
2. Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1
CLOTHING
1. Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
2. Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
3. Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
4. Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
5. Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
6. Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
7. Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
8. Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
9. Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
10. Woolen cap. Qty-1
11. Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
TOILETRIES
1. Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream etc.)
2. Sun screen lotion small pack . Qty -1
3. Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
UTENSILS
1. Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
2. Plate. Qty- 1
3. Spoon.Qty-1
4. Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Camera (Optional)
2. Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
3. Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
