One of the most pristine and popular treks of India, The Valley of Flowers, is something that is famous with every traveller and is probably on everyone’s bucket list. Not to be mistaken as an easy trek, the Valley of Flowers certainly lies in the moderate category as the number of trekking days and the steep climb to Hemkund Sahib challenges one’s endurance.
The Valley of Flower Trek will make you fall in love with trekking the mountains, showcasing the vivid valley carpeted with flowers of every hue imaginable. The blue Primula, the most beautiful of all Himalayan flowers, can be seen blooming in thousands in the valley. The prime time to visit is when the valley is in full bloom which is from mid-July to mid-August.
The trek starts from Govindghat (6,300 ft) from where we go all the way up to Ghangharia (9,800 ft) which is approximately 13 Km/ 5hrs away. The entire pathway has been stone-paved to make it more accessible as people of all ages, and religious faith frequent the place. From Ghangharia the path splits, one taking us to the Hemukund Sahib and the other to the Valley of Flowers.
The Valley of Flowers (11,500 ft) is 4 km away from Ghangharia. The path is a mix of ascents and descents followed by a level walk on grassland when you reach the valley, concluding in a glacier.
The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is a sight to behold. The lake or ‘Hemkund’ lies just behind the shrine. The lake remains frozen for almost the entire year, making it the best time to visit as one can have the opportunity to take a dip in the holy lake. Warm yourself up with the hospitality and the enchanting view of the environ. It is suggested to start early on this day as the Gurudwara closes by afternoon. Also, as the best time for this trek lies in the monsoon period, it is highly recommended that people carry raincoats/ ponchos with them.
Day 1: Reaching the base camp. Arrival at Dehradun/ Haridwar/ Rishikesh followed by transfer to Joshimath (276 km by Road/ 10 hrs)
The climb to the Valley of Flowers starts in Joshimath, which is approximately 10 hours from Dehradun, Haridwar, or Rishikesh. All these cities are well connected with the major cities of India by flight (Jolly Grant Airport), train and bus services. If you are travelling in a pre-organised group, your transfers will be made available by our team beforehand. For solo travellers, local transport to Joshimath is also readily available. The drive to Joshimath is a very scenic one as it travels along the exceptionally beautiful River Alakananda on the Badrinath Highway which is taken by travellers for Chardham Yatra as well. Dinner and night stay at a local homestay/ guesthouse in Joshimath.
Day 2: Joshimath to Poolna via Govindghat (6.300 ft: 23 Km/ 1 hr by road). Trek to Ghangharia (9,600 ft: 13 Km/ 5 hrs by trek)
Post a filling breakfast in the morning; we will start early towards Poolna via Govindghat. Nowadays, vehicles can take you till Poolna, but it depends on the number of permits being availed for the same. If we do have a license, we will be able to save a 3 Km hike to Poolna; else we will have a 12km trek from Govindghat. The walk to Ghangharia goes along the river and is very well maintained by the community. The trail is lined up with many roadside dhabas where you can stop to take a break or grab a snack. It will take you roughly 5-6 hours to reach Ghangharia. Alongside the trail, you’ll be able to spot Apricot trees and some refreshing waterfalls & natural springs. Ghangharia itself is a very small village with some guest houses, a small market and a Gurudwara. Overnight stay and Dinner at a Guest House/ hotel in Ghangharia.
Day 3: Ghangharia to the Valley of Flowers (11,500 t: 8 km/ 7 hrs by trek) and back to Ghangharia
Post an early breakfast at around 6 am; we will start our hike to the Valley of Flowers to spend the entire day. The trek to the valley is mostly a level one with a mix of ascents and descents in certain parts. As soon as you enter the gates of the valley, you will notice the small springing flowers on either side. Continue for a few more kilometres as you watch the valley opening up. You will find flowers of every hue spread across the valley enveloping every bit of flat land; surrounded by dreamy mountains overlooking the valley with a crown of snow. This place is an absolute wonderland for nature lovers as you will find flowers of every origin, that too some very rare and strange ones. Not only does the place cater to our sense of eyes, ears and touch, but also our sense of smell. A profound fragrance that you can only experience and not capture.
Post having our packed lunch, we will head back to Ghanghria by early afternoon as the gates of the valley close later in the day. Dinner and Overnight stay at the Guest House/ hotel in Ghangharia.
Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (14,100 ft: 12 km/ 7-8 hrs) and back to Ghangharia
We start our day at 5 am today as we prepare ourselves to visit the Hemkund Sahib. The gradient of the hike today is more challenging than the previous days as it is a steep climb and descent of 4 hours each way. We will maintain a steady pace and take multiple breaks during this part of the trek to keep up with the reducing levels of oxygen and fatigue.
As you reach Hemkund Sahib, you will witness the beautiful glacial lake surrounded by seven peaks in the midst of which stands the magnificent Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib. The Gurudwara is surrounded by one of the rare flowers of Uttarakhand called the Brahma Kamal or Himalayan Blue Poppy, which blooms during this period only. Proceed for a sumptuous lunch at the Gurudwara post which we will head back to Ghangharia. Overnight stay at the guest house/ hotel.
Day 5: Ghangaria to Joshimath via Govindghat and Badrinath
On this day, we will trek back to Govindghat to reach Joshimath via the same route. You will reach your guesthouse by afternoon where you can finally rest your back. Dinner and Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 6: Departure from Joshimath to Dehradun/ Haridwar/ Rishikesh for onward journey
Post breakfast, you will drive down to Dehradun/ Haridwar/ Rishikesh for your journey onward.
Inclusions –
Accommodation – Stay at a guest house/ homestay/ swiss tents/ dome tents during the trek as per the sharing pattern/occupancy opted.
Meals – All meals from your arrival to departure from the base camp are included (Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Hi-Tea with Snacks, and Dinner). We provide simple, nutritious yet tasty vegetarian meals on all days of the trek.
Permit/Charges – Cost of all trekking permits, forest & camping charges are included. Charges of the porters, helpers, mules, trekking leaders, and guides are included.
Trekking equipment – High-quality tents, sleeping bags, ice axes, ropes, microspikes, gaiters, etc. as required are provided.
Safety equipment – First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinders, etc. will be available at all campsites to deal with emergencies.
Porters, Mules, and helpers shall accompany us during the trek to carry the common load such as gas cylinders, tents, sleeping bags, toilet tents, etc.
The rates are inclusive of GST
Exclusions –
Anything not specified in the Inclusions section
Additional Meals unless specified
Transport unless specified
Air Fare / Train/ Bus Tickets
Travel Insurance
Additional expenditure and Extra Services if taken
Any expense incurred or loss caused by reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, natural calamities(landslides, floods), flight delays /rescheduling/cancellations, any accidents/ medical evacuations, riots/strikes/war/pandemic, etc.
If you cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
Cancellation 30 days before the starting date of the trek — Get your full trek fee back in the Himalayan Daredevils Trek Voucher OR get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.
Cancellation between 30 and 15 days before the starting date of the trek - Get 80% of the trek fee in the Himalayan Daredevils voucher or get a monetary fund with 50% cancellation charges.
Cancellation less than 15 days before the starting date of the trek - No monetary refund. Get 50% of your fees in your Himalayan Daredevils voucher.
Refund Policy-
No refund shall be made to the Guest(s) for unused services, transportation, air conditioning/ heater in accommodation & transportation, sightseeing, unconsumed meals included in the package (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea), or for voluntary modifications made by the traveler.
All extra charges for laundry, telephone, minibar, alcohol, beverages, food, room heater, fireplace, air-conditioning, loss or damage of the accommodation and its assets, taxes, etc. as billed by the accommodation are to be paid directly by the Guest(s) on his/her account.
“No Show” will result in forfeiture of the full amount paid during reservation. “No Show” is applicable when the Guest(s) is not available on day 1 of the itinerary. If one member of the family/group is not available, the “No Show” policy will still be applicable for that member, and the entire amount will be forfeited.
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