Valley of Flowers is a fairy-land situated high in the Himalayas of the Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,600 meters above the sea-level, protected by snowy mountains. Unknown to humans, for centuries this enchanting valley lay frozen during the colder months, and burst into its youthful beauty every year,
as the snow melted with the advent of summer. Every year, the valley was splashed with color as it bloomed with hundreds of kinds of flowers, taking on various shades of colors as months progressed.
For those who love enjoying the aesthetics of nature, Valley of flowers tour is the best option for vacations.Valley of flowers is a mesmerizing place
nestled between the stunning snow-clad mountains of Himalayas. Based in Uttarakhand and at a distance of some 50 km from the famous hill station Auli, Valley of flowers is flanked with beautiful flowers, trees, oaks and conifers. The valley is slowly becoming a favorite destination for peace-seekers and nature lovers, though it is the couples who are more enchanted with the aesthetics of this place.The wholesome trek to the places nearby this vibrant natural visit can be smoothly accomplished through aValley of flowers tour package which include serene places like Joshimath, Hem Kund Sahib and many more.
T.G. Longstaff and Frank Smythe for the surface world discovered this enchanting place by chance in 1931, though the local villagers of Bandar valley knew it as Nandankanan since time out of mind . They feared venturing into the valley, due to the spirit and fairies that were thought to be haunting the attractive valley. They feared that the spirits would carry them away.
More than 1000 types of flowers, ferns, and Himalayan herbs grow in the valley. the foremost beautiful of all Himalayan flowers, the Blue Primula may be seen blooming in thousands in the valley. the most effective time to see the valley fully bloom is mid-July to mid-September.
This extraordinary valley has invited trekkers for a long time dating back to forever! Trekkers even describe their experiences of losing consciousness because of the sudden more than the sweet aromas of the blooming flowers!
And there are always blooming flowers here, altogether seasons one or the opposite sort of flowers is fully bloom. This place may be a poet’s paradise! And a botanist’s too! There are extraordinary kinds of flowers here including you're guaranteed to see Meadow Geranium, Snake Foil, Hooked Stick Seed, Himalayan Rose, blue poppy, River Anemone, White Leaf Hog Foot and Dog Flower!
This view is certainly enough to overwhelm everyone, and even the nice British mountaineer Frank Smythe couldn’t resist quoting this place as “the most beautiful valley” he’d come across and among “the noblest and purest mountains on earth.”
This trek is more rewarding than most- and that’s why so is that the climbing part more difficult! We’d categorize it into an easy-moderate trek, but the climb to Hemkund Sahib is certainly hard for beginners as well! You’re getting from 9,600 ft to 14,107 ft! So we advise you to arrange well!
The flowers aren't the sole wonderful a part of this trek, though which may be enough on its own. Here’s what we surmised were the opposite incredible parts about the trek!
The Setting of The Valley
The setting of this valley is unlike the other . Your heart’s already jumping amidst the flowers once you notice of the amazing setting of the valley and feel cradled in tall, Snow-covered mountains. Nature has been intricate in designing this valley, you’d realise as you see the calm Pushpavati River flowing through the center of the valley. it's fed by a glacier that's placed 8km at the top of the valley. At this altitude, you’re definitely getting to want to the touch the clouds, as they appear so close! this is often why this setting is super perfect!
Hemkund Sahib Lake
Hemkund Sahib may be a sacred place for Sikhs, and an excellent Gurudwara built at this altitude may be a site that even old people undertake this climb. It rests on a frightening altitude of 14,107 ft. Just behind this Gurudwara may be a beautiful alpine lake. This lake is claimed to be blessed and therefore the calm and meditative atmosphere of the place may be a joy for everybody . The Brahma Kamal flowers growing in abundance are a rare sight too; they need fixed conditions for growth, well, they grow only in altitudes between 10,000 ft. to 15,000 ft. Incredibly pricey, We’d say!
Trekking in Monsoon
Experiencing a trek in Uttarakhand at the time of monsoons may be a sheer chance of excellent luck! a number of the trekkers become reluctant to travel for this trek within the rains, but they’d definitely not do that if they know what’s future for them during this trek! the luxurious green valleys look even more exotic after the breath of freshness that the monsoon brings! and therefore the pleasant petrichor combined with the fragrances of flowers is enough to fill your heart and senses with pleasure! And anyway, the rains don’t last for quite two days at a time, and sometimes it’s only a light-weight drizzle! How a few great cup of chai within the rains and therefore the mountains?
6 Days 5 Night
Group: 2-15 People
Max. Alt. 1440o ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Joshimath
Min Age: 12+Day 01: Rishikesh - Joshimath drive | 9 hours
Morning after breakfast, drive to reach Joshimath (1890 Mt ) which is the winter abode of Lord Badrinath. The entire drive is along the Alaknanda river. Lunch enroute, Evening arrive at Joshimath and check into the hotel for meals and overnight stay.
Day 02: Drive from Govindghat (6,300 ft) to Poolna (7,200 ft). And Trek to Ghangaria (9,843 ft)
● Altitude: 6,300 ft (1,920 m) to 9,600 ft (2,926 m) via 7,200 ft (2,195 m)
● Time taken: 4 km drive to Poolna. 5-6 hours trek, 9 km
● Trek gradient: Easy to moderate with a gradual ascent throughout on a well- defined trail
After breakfast one hour drive to Govindghat (1828 mt ). Start trekking to reach Ghangaria(3049 mt ) with packed lunch. Ghangaria is also known as GOVIND DHAM, It is the base camp for visiting Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers.Arrive and camp. Meals and overnight camp.
Day 03: Trek from Ghangaria (9,600 ft) to Valley of Flowers (11,500 ft) and back; 6 hours, 3.7 km each way
● Altitude: 9,600 ft (2,195 m) to 11,500 ft (3,505 m) and back
● Time taken: 6-7 hours, 3.7 km each way
● Trek gradient: Easy. Flat walk in the valley
Morning after breakfast start trek to Valley of flowers. The frist part of the trek is through thick forest along the Pushpavati river. Later we trek in the open meadow. Arrive and explore the area. After encounter rare flowers Brahmkamal , Blue poppy, Potentilla, and hundreds of others, Latter back to camp. Meals and overnight camp.
Day 04: Trek from Ghangaria (9,600) to Hemkund Sahib (14,107 ft) and back; 8-9 hours, 6 km each way
● Altitude: 9,600 ft (2,926 m) to 14,107 ft (4,300 m) and back
● Time taken: 9-10 hours, 6 km each way
● Trek gradient: Moderate to difficult with a steep ascent for about 4 hours to reach Hemkund Sahib and steep descent all the way back.
Morning after breakfast we trek to Hemkund, One of the finest high altitude lake in the Himalayas, and pilgrimage for Sikhs and Hindu as well. The entire trek today is uphill till we reach Hemkund. Explore the area and trace your steps back to the base camp. Meals and over night camp.
Day 05: Trek from Ghangaria (9,600 ft) to Poolna (7,200 ft) followed by a drive to Govind Ghat (6,300 ft)
● Altitude: 9,600 ft (2926 m) to 6,300 ft (1,920 m) via 7,200 ft (2,195 m)
● Time taken: 4 hours, 9 km + 4 km drive
● Trek gradient: Easy descent to Poolna on the same trail that was trekked on earlier.
Morning after breakfast trek down to Govind Ghat. Lunch enroute. Arrive and commence drive to Joshimath. Evening visit the market. Meals and over night hotel.
Day 06: Depart from Govind Ghat. We will reach Rishikesh between 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm
Morning after breakfast drive to Rishikesh, lunch enroute. Arrive Rishikesh. Tour terminates upon arrival at Rishikes.
● Basic Gear
● Back pack & rain cover (50 – 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
● Day pack + rain cover 20 – 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter)
● Walking stick Advisable (At least one)
● Head torch 1 Nos.
● Water bottle/Hydration pack 2 bottles of one litre each People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one litre Carry at least one thermos flask
● Snacks Energy bars, dry fruits, electoral/ors
● Personal Medical Kit Consult your doctor
● To Wear
● Fleece jacket 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater)
● Down feather / Hollofil jacket 1 Nos.
● Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) 1 Pair.
● Trek pants 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris
● Poncho 1 Nos.
● Thermal inners (upper and lower) 1 Pair
● Sun cap 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well)
● Balaclava 1 Nos.
● Woolen cap 1 Nos.
● Sunglasses Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek) (B)- Photo chromatic glasses.
● For your Feet
● Trekking shoes 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip)
● Floaters/flip-flops 1 Pair (Optional)
● Cotton socks 5 pairs
● Woollen socks 3 pairs
● Personal Utilities
● Sunscreen cream
● Hand sanitiser
● Moisturiser
● Antibacterial powder
● Toilet Paper & wipes
● Toothbrush and toothpaste
● Lip balm
● Quick dry towel
Accommodation at road heads in guest houses and tents during the entire trip.
All meals hygienically cooked and served by our specially trained staff for westerners.
Transportation from Rishikesh to Rishikesh by car.
Service of an English speaking trekking guide, cook & camp staff during the entire trip.
All tourist taxes and others during the trip.
Visit to all important Temples and places during the entire trip.
Camping equipment on trek e.g tents, mattresses, sleeping bag and others.
Porterage of food, vegetable, kitchen, fuel etc.
Certified trekking guide and necessary staff.
Travel and Medical Insurance
Expenses of personal in Nature
Any personal porters or ponies
Any kind of alcoholic and non-alcohol drinks
Hard drinks & Aerated Beverages at the camp
Expenses arising out of any unforeseen circumstances like rain, landslides and situations beyond our control
Items of personal nature e.g table drinks, telephone, insurance, medical and evacuation and others
Riding ponies on trek (can be arranged on actual by the guide)
Anything other than mentioned in the inclusions
There are many scenic places in the world where you can see, nature blooms, waterfalls, small streams, etc but no other majestic place in the world like the Valley of Flowers. Thanks to Mr. Frank S. Smythe who discovered this place and bring it in front of the World. If you are planning to visit Valley of flowers Opening dates 2024: 1 June 2024* and Valley of flowers Closing dates 2024: 31 October 2024(Tentative)
Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand is a vibrant and splendid national park that the world knows very well today. This beautiful place is famous for the charming meadows of alpine flowers, the richness of flora and fauna, and the wonderful view of snow-clad peaks. More than 300 species of flowers like anemones, geraniums, marsh marigolds, primulas, asters, blue poppy, cobra Lily, bluebell, Brahma Kamal, etc can be seen in Valley of Flowers. When the flowers bloom in the valley, the whole valley turns into a flower bed that seems like someone painted the valley with delightful colors. There is also a river stream named Pushpavati that makes the scenery masterpiece which is beyond comparison with any other place in this world. Apart from flowers, you can also see the butterflies and birds and if you are lucky, you may even spot the blue sheep, musk deer, black/brown bear, snow leopards, and many other species of animals birds.
How to Plan Valley of flowers Trek Uttarakhand
The Valley of Flowers is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level. Govindghat is the pilgrimage hamlet beyond Joshimath which is 285 km far away from the nearest Jolly Grant Airport. Govindghat is the last motorable road and it is the place from where the trek starts for both Hemkund Sahib & Valley of Flower. To reach the Govindghat there are two options one is public transport and the second is - to book the cab direct to Govindghat. Here are the steps which you can follow to reach Valley of Flowers National Park -
Step 1 :
To reach Valley of Flower, the nearby railway station is Rishikesh Railway station and the nearby Airport is Dehradun JollyGrant Airport.
Step 2 :
Once you reach Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun you can book a direct cab to Govindghat by any Transport Operator. This option is for those who don't like to travel on public transport. If you want to travel by public transport then you can take a direct GMOU bus or any shared taxi to Govidghat, which mostly runs early morning. If you didn't get the direct bus to Govindghat, then you can also take the bus to Joshimath. Once you reach Joshimath, you'll easily get the local transport for Govindghat.
Step 3 :
Govindghat is the place from where the treks start. On this day you have to trek approx 14 km, to reach the Ghanghriya. It would take approx 4-5 hours to reach Ghanghriya, depending on your trekking speed & skills. Till Bhundyar, the trek is easy, but the last 3-4 km is a bit steeper. So plan accordingly and take the break at a regular interval.
Trek Route:
Govindghat- 4Km - Pulna - 4Km - Bhyudar - 6km - Ghanghriya(basecamp)
Step 4 :
After reaching Ghanghirya book your accommodation and stay for that night. Ghangariya is the base camp for all the tourists and Sikh devotees. This is the place where you can stay in basic budget hotels, with limited facilities. In winter this region is prone to heavy snowfall that’s why this place is closed from November to April. Here you can find a few budgeted hotels and guest houses with basic facilities, a gurdwara, a helipad, and a couple of dhabas and small restaurants, where you can enjoy the food.
Step 5:
After spending the night in Ghanghriya wake up early, take breakfast if you want, and start your trek till 7-8 am. A few hundred meters from the Ghanghriya, the trek is divided into two trails one for Hemkund Sahib Trek and the other for Valley of Flower. After following the Valley of Flowers trail, there is an entry gate to Valley, where you have to pay the nominal entry charges and after filling information and paying charges, you can continue your trek( for so don't forget to carry your wallet and any identity card). From the entry gate to Valley the distance would be around 3-4 km.
The Valley opens for the trekkers in the morning from 7 to 12:00 pm. After 12 no one's entry is allowed to the Valley. And it is advised to come back from the valley before 4:00 Pm. After 4, roaming in the valley is not safe.
In the Valley, you can see high mountains, the chirping of birds, the humming of bees, butterflies, and greenery all around. You can feel the peace of the place and when the cold breeze hits you it makes you delighted and fill you with energy. After a few kilometers, you can see another small bridge after crossing it, a beautiful colorful valley welcoming you with its flowers and strong scent which is flowing in the air. The clear sky, snow-capped mountains, and mighty glaciers add extra charm and turn this beautiful portrait into a masterpiece. Camping is not allowed in the valley so it is mandatory to walk back to Ghangaria and reach it before 5 pm.
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