Valley of Flowers Trek 2024 – Details, Cost, Itinerary
Region: Uttarakhand
Base Camp: Govindghat
Days: 6
Altitude: 14,000 ft
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 42 km
Min Age: 10 Years+
Best Season: July – Sept
Trek Description
Locally known as “Foolon Ki Ghati”, Valley of Flowers is located in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. It is famous for various types of flowers that bloom here during the Monsoon season. Valley of Flowers National Park is one of the core zones of Nanda Devi Biosphere and top of the most beautiful National Parks in India.
The journey to the Valley of Flowers begins in Rishikesh. Govindghat is around 265 km away from Rishikesh and it takes 9-10 hours to reach there. From Govindghat trek starts towards Valley of Flowers. Over the course of 4 days, you cover Phulna, Ghagharia, Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
Prominent flowers seen in Valley of Flowers are Himalayan Balsam, Blue Poppy, Orchids, Geranium, Brahma Kamal, and Aconitum Balfourii. In addition to flowers you will get to witness waterfalls, glaciers, and various rivers.
Pushpavati, Lakshman Ganga, and Bhuldhar Ganga flows through the national park. Pushpavati River emerges from Tipra Glacier and joins Bhuldhar Ganga. Afterward, both rivers merge and are called Lakshman Ganga.
Prominent peaks visible during this trek include Gauri Parvat, Rataban and Nilgiri Parvat. You will also get to see Tipra Glacier during your trek.
Our trek journey will also take us to Hemkund Sahib Ji which is the world’s highest Gurudwara at an elevation of 14,100 ft. Every year lakhs of Sikh pilgrims visit Hemkund Sahib Ji and pay their visit.
Whether your quest is for flora and fauna, adventure or spirituality Valley of Flowers is the perfect trek for you.
Itinerary
Drive Distance: 250 km
Drive Time: 9-10 hours
Altitude: 6,150 ft
Start early in the morning from Rishikesh. Our drive will take us from Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gopeshwar, and Joshimath.
The whole journey is scenic through the Himalayan ranges. At the foothills of Rudraparayag, we will drive through the Shivalik Ranges. After Gopeshwer we will be in the Middle Himalayas with higher elevation mountains.
By evening we will reach Joshimath. Joshimath is the gateway to various expeditions, treks, and Badrinath. Check into your hotel and rest for a while. Late evening you have the option to visit the local market, the Narsing Devta temple, and Shankaracharya Math.
Drive Distance: 20 km
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Trek Distance: 9 km
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 10,200 ft
We will drive from Joshimath to Govindghat by our transport. Pulna is around 5 km from Govindghat and local taxis will take us there.
Our trek will start from Pulna and go to Ghangaria. Ghangaria from Pulna is 9 km and takes around 5-6 hours to cover. The gradual ascend takes us through the valley along Bhlundhar Ganga. Near Bhlundhar we will cross the bridge and go on the other side of the valley. After a few kilometers of trekking, we will reach Ghangaria. Various hotels, restaurants, a GMVN, and a Gurudwara are at Ghangaria. From Gahangaria two routes diverge, one leading to Hemkund Sahib ji and the other to Valley of Flowers.
Trek Distance: 9 km
Trek Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 11,900 ft
Start early morning to the Valley of Flowers, with packed lunch provided. Today we will cover 8-9 kilometers round trip. We will cross water streams at various points. The path in the valley is well laid out with stones and you must follow the trail. Don’t enter into the flower meadows.
August and September are the best months to witness the flowers in the Valley. Prominent flowers in the valley are Orchids, Poppies, Himalayan Balsam, Daisies, Geranium etc.
On clear days peaks visible from the valley are Rataban, Nilgiri and Gauri Parvat.
Enjoy your time at the Valley of Flowers and follow Leave No Trace principals. By evening we will be back at Ghangaria after the wonderful experience.
Trek Distance: 11 km
Trek Time: 8-9 hours
Altitude: 14,100 ft
Hemkund Sahib Ji is the world’s highest Gurdwara at an elevation of 14,100 ft. The ascent is steep with an altitude gain of 3,900 ft over 5.5 kilometers. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated, walk slowly and steadily, taking necessary rests in between.
The round trek to Hemkund Sahib and back to Ghangaria is around 11 km and takes around 8-9 hours to complete round trip.
Along the route, you will cross various water streams. View of the valley from above is one of the experiences on its own. Hemkund is a glacial lake that is formed by streams from nearby peaks. There is a Lakshman temple at Hemkund dedicated to Lord Lakshman.
Take darshan at Hemkund Sahib Ji, and enjoy the surroundings and peace. By noon we will start descending down to Ghangaria. Walk slowly and steadily as rain can make the path slippery. By evening we will be back in Ghangaria.
Trek Distance: 9 km
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Drive Distance: 20 km
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Head back to Pulna following the same trail. From there we will take a taxi to Govindghat and then drive back to Joshimath. Trek will take 5-6 hours to complete and the drive will take around 1.5 hours. By late afternoon we will be at Joshimath. Check in to your hotel and rest. In the evening explore Joshimath.
Drive Distance: 250 km
Drive Time: 9-10 hours
Drive back to Rishikesh starting at 6 am. It’s a 250 km drive and takes around 8-9 hours. Keep in mind that heavy rainfall can cause landslides, blocking the roads. Sometimes hours can take to reopen up the road again.
What’s Included and Excluded?
Price Inclusion
- 5 Night stay in the guest house in triple and quad sharing.
- Meals from day 1 dinner to day 6 breakfast
- All the required national park permits
- Govindghar to Pulna local transport
- Trek completion certificate
- Certified trek leader
- First aid kit
- Transport from Rishikesh
Price Exclusion
- Travel Insurance
- Meals during the transportation
- 5% GST is not included
- Any expenses or items not mentioned in the inclusion section are not covered
- Any expenses arising from emergencies during the trek
- Any personal expenses
Things to Carry
- 45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
- Hot & Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil & Milton
- Energy Bar, Dry Fruits & ORS
- Personal Medical Kit
- 2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
- 1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
- 1 Fleece Jacket (Woollen Or Sweater)
- 1 Down Feather/Hollofil Jacket
- 1 Poncho (Must have)
- 1 Pair Thermal Inners (Upper And Lower)
- 2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts & Denim Pants)
- 1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
- 1 Pair of Woollen Gloves
- Sun Cap
- Woollen Cap
- 4 Pairs Of Cotton Socks
- 1 Pair Of Woollen Socks
- 1 Pairs Of Sunglasses (U/V Protected)
- Power Bank
- 1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
- Tiffin Box
- 1 Waterproof & High Ankle Trekking Shoes
- 1 Pair Of Floaters
- Hand Sanitizer & Sunscreen Lotion
- Toothbrush And Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper And Wet Wipes
- Quick Dry Towel
- Lip Balm & Antibacterial Powder
- Moisturizer
How To Reach Govindghat
The nearest airport to Govindghar is the Jolly Grant Airport, located approximately 21 kilometres from Rishikesh. Several domestic airlines operate regular flights to and from Dehradun. Upon landing at the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rishikesh.
Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh are well-connected to major Indian cities by train. The Dehradun Railway Station is the primary railway station serving the area or you can also come to Haridwar or Rishikesh Railway Station. You can book tickets on various trains connecting Dehradun to places like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more. From Haridwar and Dehradun, buses are readily available for Rishikesh.
You can opt for a road trip to Rishikesh. National highways connect Rishikesh to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. The road journey offers beautiful views of the Himalayan foothills.
Once you have reached Rishikesh, take a bus to Joshimath from ISBT Rishikesh early morning at 5 am. The bus journey takes a longer time as compared to taxis. By evening you will reach Joshimath. Stay at night in Joshimath and start your journey the next day. Next day take a taxi from Joshimath to Govindghat. From Govindghat you will get a taxi to Pulna and from Pulna start your trek.
Best Time for Valley of Flowers Trek
The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is during the monsoon season, specifically from July to September.
This period offers the best experience as the valley is in full bloom with wildflowers, including rare varieties like the Blue Poppy.
August, in particular, is the prime month when the valley is full of bloom. The weather is generally pleasant for trekking during this time.
If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind some fading blooms, September is also a good choice.
However, keep in mind that monsoon season also comes with landslides and heavy rainfall. The topography of areas of Rudraprayag and Joshimath is landslide-prone. Heavy rain and landslides can block the route. Always keep a day or two as a buffer day during your Valley of Flowers trek.
More Info of Valley of Flowers Trek
In the historical context of the Valley of Flowers, a notable figure is Joan Margaret Legge, a dedicated botanist who went into the Valley to study its unique floral biodiversity. Tragically she met with an unfortunate accident and died.
In her memory, her sister made a memorial within the valley. Margaret’s exploration was initially inspired by a book titled ‘The Valley of Flowers,’ authored by Frank S. Smythe. Frank Smythe’s connection with Valley traces back to 1931 when he and two other British mountaineers lost their way while coming back from an expedition to summit Kamet Peak, India’s third-highest peak. They entered the Valley and were surprised by it’s beauty. Smythe was the one who named this place Valley of Flowers.
Recognizing the need to preserve the unique ecosystem in this area, it was declared a national park in 1980. Furthermore, in 2005, the Valley of Flowers got UNESCO World Heritage status.
According to Hindu mythology, the Valley of Flowers is believed to be the place where Lord Hanuman collected the mythical Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, in the epic Ramayana. The valley’s connection to this ancient legend adds an aura of spirituality to its already mystical charm.
Hemkund Sahib, located within the valley, is one of the most revered Sikh shrines in the world. Situated at an altitude of approximately 14,100 ft, this gurdwara holds immense religious significance for Sikhs. The Gurdwara is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who was the tenth Sikh Guru.
During the monsoon season over 600 species of wildflowers bloom, including the rare Blue Poppy and Brahma Kamal, creating a most beautiful carpet of blooms. Apart from its flora, the valley is also home to diverse fauna.
The valley is home to Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Red Fox, Snow Leopard, Monal and a variety of butterflies.
- Hemkund Sahib: Hemkund Sahib is an integral part of the Valley of Flowers trek, it’s worth mentioning as a nearby attraction.
- Badrinath: Located approximately 25 kilometers from Govindghat, Badrinath is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Mana Village: Known as the last inhabited village on the India-China border, Mana Village is just a short drive from Badrinath. It’s a unique place to explore the local culture and traditions.
- Joshimath: This town serves as a gateway to many Himalayan treks, including the Valley of Flowers. It’s also home to several temples, including the Adi Guru Shankaracharya Math.
- Auli: Auli, a renowned skiing destination, is not far from Govindghat. In the summer, it transforms into a beautiful meadow, offering excellent trekking opportunities with wonderful views of the Himalayas.
Gallery
Map of Trail
FAQs
The Valley of Flowers typically opens for trekkers during the monsoon season, which is from July to September, when the valley is in full bloom.
Camping in the Valley of Flowers is not allowed due to its ecologically sensitive nature. Visitors stay in lodges and accommodations in nearby Ghangaria.
The Valley of Flowers was brought to the attention of the world by British mountaineer Frank S. Smythe, who stumbled upon it during an expedition in 1931.
The Valley of Flowers offers breathtaking views of several peaks, including Nilgiri Parbat, Rataban, and Kunth Kal.
Charging points may be limited during the trek, and it’s advisable to carry power banks and extra batteries for your electronic devices.
Hemkund Sahib is going to open on 25 May 2024 this year.
The trek to Hemkund Sahib is challenging due to steep ascents, high altitude, and varying terrain. It’s rated as moderate to difficult.
The Pushpawati River, originates from the Tipra Glacier near the Rataban peak in the central part of the Garhwal Himalayas. It flows in a southerly direction and joins the Bhyundar Ganga near Ghagharia, where it becomes the “Lakshman Ganga.”
Eventually, it merges with the Alaknanda River at Govindghat. In local mythology, it was named “Pushpawati” by the Pandavas, who witnessed flowers floating down the river during their exile.
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