The most beautiful of all Himalayan flowers can be seen blooming in thousands in the valley of flowers in the state of Uttarakhand. The best time to see the valley of flowers in full bloom is from mid-July to mid-August. To reach the valley, you need to trek from Govind Ghat, on the route to Hemkund Sahib, up to Ghangaria, 12 km ahead. The valley is about 5 km from Ghangaria. The high altitude serine Hemkund lake rests at a height of 4300m/14,100ft) amongst heavenly surroundings. There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake. Encircled by seven magnificent snow-clad peaks and their glacier teammates, their reflection falls on ithe crystal clear lake is simply out of this world. Take this Valley of flowers trek to ve stupified for a long long time!
This is a short and sweet manual for first timers who are excited to explore Uttarakhand. We want to ensure that you have a shock proof experience during your Valley of flowers trek and avoid those “classic first time mistakes” while you are there. Also, we have listed a few tips and giveaways for you so that you know your destination a tidsy bit better and can enjoy a wholesome vacation with your family and friends.
You will begin your Valley of flowers trek begin with us from Haridwar. Starting the drive from Haridwar from the appointed pickup point (Haridwar railway station), we will take the fabled Badrinath Road. We will be crossing Rishikesh and conveniently arrange pickup from there too. Alternatively, you can arrange your stay at these awesome places on your way back after the trek as well.
The nine-hour drive to Joshimath will surely be long and arduous, but you are never going to run out of mesmerizing views. The great river running with us on parallel will get wilder and more fascinating as we trudge uphill. We will be passing by the 4 of the Panchprayag or the five holy confluence of Ganga—Devaprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandaprayag. So, keep your cameras ready and remain awake for most of the journey!
From Joshimath to Govindghat, the distance is 22km. En route, you can spot the final Vishnuprayag. We will start off on the drive in the morning after breakfast and reach Govindghat by 8 am and then 4 km drive to Pulna which is the starting point. It will be a 9 km uphill route along the river, Pushpawati. The entire trail will be crowded most of the time. Many snack shops selling the beverage, hot noodles, omelets with bread, paratha, and the like can be found on this trail. So, you will never go hungry. The trek will be on a clearly defined stone-paved path, conveniently built with stairs. After 5 km walk, you will arrive at Bhyundar village. This village marks an amazing viewpoint for clear Hathi Parvat sights. Enjoy the wonderful sights as much as you can, because the strainful steep ascent will commence henceforth. You will reach Gangharia before nightfall, attaining an altitude of 10, 000 feet. The stay will be at a guest-house.
The journey to Valley of Flowers is a distance of 4 km. The valley is 6-7 km long; the distance travelled in the valley depends on how the trekkers want to explore the valley. Another, factor to be considered is the stamina of the trekkers.
Right, when you start from Ghangaria in 30 minutes forest check post arrives. The check post might not be an attraction but right before check post, there is a gushing waterfall called Laxman waterfall. Another 20 minutes into the greenery and next furious attraction comes. At this point, the Pushpavati river flows furiously below a wooden bridge. It is quite a common yet a unique and mesmerizing capture. The trail is steep and stone paved like the previous day. You can find many bridges and landslide areas when you enter the valley.
The valley is thousand times stupendous than you might have imagined. It truly makes the Himalayan peaks lively and cherishing. Blue Poppy, Snake Foil, White Leaf Hog Foot, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Dog Flower, Hooked Stick Seed are the native flowers. These astounding colorful blossoms end after 5 km stretch at a glacier. If the weather is clear the mighty Himalayan peaks of Nilgiri Parvat, Bhyundar Khal, Rattaban, Gauri Parvat etc. in the background. Today’s journey will conclude with your coming back to Ghangaria before nightfall. It is no bragging when we say the valley of flowers will remain etched in your mind forever
Get ready early in the morning to start trekking (6 Km) for “HEMKUND SAHIB”. One of the most revered of all Sikh Shrines, The Hemkund Sahib, the World’s Highest Gurudwara, is situated at an altitude of 4,329 meters. There will be porters and mules if you wish to offload your load. The trail today will be similar to previous days stone paved and continuous ascend. There will be shops on the way where you can energize yourself. Watch out for the rare flower Brahmakamal that will be spotted beside pathways.
The Gurudwara is placed magically beside the mirror like glacial lake called Hemkund. During clear skies, one can witness the flawless reflections of the adjoining Saptrishi peaks. The lake is fed by melting glaciers of Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks. Religious Laxman temple is also found near the lake. In the afternoon trek down to reach Ghangariya for an overnight stay. The evening is free for rest & relaxation.
After your breakfast in the morning we descend to Govindghat and then drive to Joshimath. From this place Badrinath is 25 km away and take 1 hrs to reach. You can visit Badrinath only if road and weather condition permits us.
Note : Govindghat to Badrinath is landslide prone area in monsoon time so if our leaders find that your safety is in risk due to weather condition/landslide or road blockage we shall skip Badrinath altogether and drive to Joshimath directly.
On arrival, check into hotel. Overnight: Hotel
The ride will commence at 6 am and you will reach Haridwar around 6 – 7 pm. Your Breakfast and Lunch will be on the way at a roadside inn, exclusive of charges, after having your morning tea/coffee you can leave for your next destination. We advise you to book further travel after 8 pm. Your Valley of flowers trek ends here tonight.
This Valley of flowers trek is a seasonal trek with limited validity. Kindly confirm before booking the same.
There may be certain surcharges applicable at the time of booking. All above rates are subject to availability at the time of confirmation and can be changed without prior notice.
Under unavoidable circumstances, itinerary may be changed or reversed, however, inclusions will remain the same.
Things to Carry: Do not carry Trolley bags, Carry Rucksack/ Backpack, charger, powerbank, Personal hygeine ( face wash, cold cream, etc). ID proof, adequate amount of cash, Warm clothes, sun glasses, good trekking shoes
All tours are subject to weather conditions and will operate only if weather permits, no refund will be given if services are not operated due to weather or natural problems.
Please make sure you follow the timings given by the driver and guide for all the services and transfers. In case you fail to follow the timings, the Driver will leave for which no refund will be given.
Hotel cancellations to be applied.
Hotels suggested in the itinerary can be changed and will be equivalent or more to the one given to you in terms of price as per the official rate sheet of the hotel.
The above tour cost is calculated as per the current taxes, visa charges and other charges as per the current date. Any change till the time of departure and any additional cost of such nature will have to be taken care by the client.
Service tax extra as per new GST rules
Any kind of delays in flight/train/bus such as fog or technical problem is not the responsibility of Trip Tap Toe and any kind of hotel cancellations and no shows will be the responsibility of the client.
