Discover the ethereal beauty of the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. This trek offers an unparalleled experience, combining vibrant alpine meadows, rich biodiversity, and spiritual serenity.
A Glimpse into History The Valley of Flowers remained hidden from the outside world until 1931 when British mountaineer Frank S. Smythe stumbled upon it during an expedition to Mt. Kamet. Captivated by its beauty, he documented over 250 species of flowers and later authored the book The Valley of Flowers, bringing global attention to this floral paradise. In 1982, the Indian government declared it a national park, and in 2005, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its unique ecological significance.
Location & Accessibility Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers lies at an altitude ranging from 3,352 to 3,658 meters (11,000 to 12,000 feet). The journey begins from Rishikesh, leading to Govindghat via Joshimath. From Govindghat, a trek of approximately 16 kilometers through Pulna and Ghangaria leads adventurers to the valley.
Floral and Faunal Diversity The valley boasts over 500 species of wildflowers, including rare varieties like the Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata), Blue Poppy (Meconopsis aculeata), and Cobra Lily (Arisaema species). Beyond its floral splendor, the park is home to endangered fauna such as the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, and various species of butterflies and birds, including the Himalayan monal pheasant.
Major Attractions
1. Valley of Flowers National Park
A 87.5 square kilometer expanse of alpine meadows, the valley transforms into a colorful tapestry during the monsoon months, offering breathtaking views of blooming flowers against a backdrop of snow-clad peaks.
2. Hemkund Sahib
Located at an altitude of 4,633 meters (15,200 feet), Hemkund Sahib is the world’s highest Gurudwara. It holds immense religious significance for Sikhs, believed to be the meditation site of Guru Gobind Singh in a previous life. The trek to Hemkund Sahib is challenging but spiritually rewarding.
3. Ghangaria Village
Serving as the base camp for treks to both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, Ghangaria offers basic accommodations and eateries. It’s the last human habitation on the route, providing a serene environment to acclimate before the trek.
Essential Notes
Best Time to Visit: Mid-July to mid-August, when the valley is in full bloom.
Permits: Required for entry into the Valley of Flowers National Park; obtainable at Ghangaria.
Accommodation: Available in Ghangaria; camping inside the valley is prohibited.
Food: No eateries inside the valley; carry packed meals and water.
Altitude Sickness: Be aware of symptoms; ascend gradually and stay hydrated.
Itinerary
Day 01 :
Rishikesh to Joshimath/Pipalkoti (253 Kms, 8 Hrs Drive)
The group will assemble at the pickup point at 06:30 AM.
On our journey from Rishikesh to Joshimath/Pipalkoti, we’d be traversing the Badrinath road with a picturesque view of the four confluence of the Ganga river, which includes Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nand Prayag.
You’d also be seeing the Alaknanda river flowing alongside, making your long journey ten times better.
Upon reaching Joshimath/Pipalkoti, we will have dinner and spend the night at our designated hotel.
Day 02 :
Joshimath/Pipalkoti to Pulna (22 Kms, 1 hour Drive) | Trek to Ghangaria (9 Kms, 5 Hrs trek)
After early morning breakfast, a small briefing session would be provided where all the necessary details about the Valley of flowers trek would be shared. After which, we will head towards Pulna which is the starting point of this trek.
Upon reaching Pulna, which is 22 kilometers from Joshimath/Pipalkoti, we will start trekking toward Ghangaria village which is nestled at an altitude of 9,800ft. It takes almost five hours to reach the hotel and you are walking along the river for the most part of the trek. Dhabas and shops line the trail, making it easier for trekkers to refill their water bottles and get refreshments as well.
The trail soon becomes tabular, signifying that you are about to reach your destination. Upon reaching Ghangaria village, we will stay in the village and have dinner before retiring for the night.
Day 03 :
Ghangaria to Valley of flowers | Back to Ghangaria (10 Kms, 7 Hrs trek)
Post breakfast, we'll head towards Valley of Flowers National park. All the necessary details about the trekking trails for the rest of the day will be shared by the trek leader
The trekking trail from Ghangaria is long and you attain a significant amount of altitude as you go from an elevation of 9,600 ft to 11,500 ft and yet the trek is relatively easier because of the flat walk.
Upon reaching the forest check post, you will get tickets to enter the valley and from there on you will get to witness the beauty of more than 300 species of bloomed flowers in front of you. The valley stretches up to 6-7 kilometers of land ending with a glacier.
Since camping isn’t allowed and neither is eating, after spending a considerable amount of time relishing in the beauty of nature, we will head back to Ghangaria where we will have dinner and stay the night.
Day 04 :
Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (14 Kms, 9 Hrs) | Back to Ghangaria
After breakfast, we will head out for a trek to the Hemkund Sahib, which is the world's highest Gurudwara at an altitude of 15,200 ft. You gain an altitude of 4,000ft in just seven hours.
The trail is steep and consists of a stone-paved uphill route making this part of the trail harder to walk upon. However, some porters and mules will offload your baggage for you, and shops lining the trail make it easier for you to get refreshments as well.
Upon arrival, we will pay our respects at the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and visit the Hemkund Sahib Sarowar as well. You will get to glimpse at the Saptarishi peaks and experience spiritual peace on the premise.
Sip on hot piping chai and devour the khichdi that is served in the Gurudwara. Afterward, we will descend to Ghangaria again where we will spend the night after having dinner.
Day 05 :
Ghangaria to Pulna (9 Kms, 5 Hrs) | Drive to Joshimath/Pipalkoti (22 Kms, 1 hour Drive)
After early morning tea and breakfast, we will prepare for our descent to Pulna.
The descent is the easiest part of the trek and soon you will reach the base. From here on we will drive back to Joshimath/Pipalkoti .
Upon arrival, we will check into our designated lodgings where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 06 :
Joshimath/Pipalkoti to Rishikesh (253 Kms, 8 Hrs drive)
After a refreshing morning tea, we will start the return journey to Rishikesh and will reach there by evening.
The group will disassemble and part ways with fond memories.
End of tour.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
Accommodation: 2 Nights of Accommodation in a hotel in Joshimath, and 3 Nights of Accommodation in a hotel in Ghangaria on a Double - Triple/Quad Sharing basis as per booking.
Transportation: Surface transfer from Rishikesh to Rishikesh
Meals: All Veg meals from Day 1st Dinner to Day 6th Morning Tea.
Snacks: Morning / Evening Tea / Coffee with light snacks.
Trek Leader: Qualified and Experienced Trek leader and support staff.
Permits: All necessary fees and permits.
Safety Equipment: Basic First Aid kit with Oximeter and Oxygen Cylinder.
Guide ratio: 1:10
Others : Cloak Room facility available at base camp for extra luggage.
Cost Excludes
Meals during transit.
Insurance of any kind.
Any fees and permits (For Foreigners).
Unscheduled delay due to a landslide.
Charges for Hot water at Ghangaria (Rs 60 per bucket)
Cost Escalation due to “Force Majeure and Evacuation charges”.
Anything not mentioned explicitly in the above program.
Note: You can apply for travel insurance prior to the trek.
Bag offloading cost is Rs 1000 (maximum weight should not be more than 10 kg)
How to reach the Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers Trek in India offers a breathtaking journey through some of the most stunning landscapes the country has to offer. Depending on your preferences and budget, there are various transportation options available to reach this picturesque destination.
By flight: For those looking to travel by air, the closest airport to the trek is Jolly Grant commercial airport in Dehradun. From there, you can easily hire a cab to reach Rishikesh and meet up with your trekking team.
By Train: If you prefer to travel by train, the nearest railway station is Haridwar, located approximately 290 kilometers from the valley.
By Bus: For those who enjoy traveling by road, there is the option to take an AC bus from Delhi to Rishikesh or use your own private vehicle for the journey.
Things To Pack
Clothing and equipment to be carried during Valley of Flowers trek include:
Valley of Flowers Trek FAQs
How is the Valley of Flowers weather?
While the summers here are a bit scorching, the Valley of Flowers is best known for its spring season. With an annual mean temperature of 18 degrees celsius, this place has usually tolerable climatic conditions. However, the winters here can be really chilly due to its height, which can act as a spoilsport for various different activities.
Do I need a permit to do the Valley of Flowers Trek?
Yes, a permit is required to enter the Valley of Flowers National Park. These permits can be obtained at the Forest Department checkpoint in Ghangaria. Trekkers should carry valid identification, such as a government-issued ID, along with passport-sized photographs. Additionally, a medical fitness certificate and a disclaimer form may be necessary, depending on the trekking agency’s requirements.
Is it safe to travel to the Valley of Flowers?
Yes, traveling to the Valley of Flowers is generally considered safe. The trek is well-established, and local communities are welcoming and supportive. However, as with any high-altitude trek, it’s essential to be prepared for changing weather conditions and to ensure proper acclimatization. Carrying necessary gear and following safety guidelines will enhance your trekking experience.
What type of shoes is appropriate for Valley of flowers trek?
Valley of flowers trek is one of the most beautiful Himalayan treks. It is a 47 Km long trek that starts from Haridwar, Uttrakhand. You need to strictly carry trekking shoes, which are water proof and they must be high ankle and must also have high grip.
What are the important things to remember while going for the Valley of flowers trek?
Bringing proper IDs and some loose cash can really come in handy at various times.
Water is usually limited, thus wasting it is not appreciated.
Since the Valley of Flowers is a protected area, littering and disposing of garbage are strictly prohibited.
Bringing an extra pair of clothes, undergarments, and socks will be a safe option.
At all times you are required to follow the rules and all the guidelines given by the instructor.
Check for your luggage and respite carrying unnecessary items so that you can go easy on your baggage.
You might not find charging options at various places, thus make sure that you carry a power bank.
Things to See and Do in Valley of Flowers
Trekking: The Valley of Flowers is a trekker’s paradise, offering moderate to challenging trails through lush meadows, snow-clad mountains, and dense forests. The trek to the valley begins at Govind Ghat and takes you through Ghangaria, the last human habitation before reaching the valley.
Visit Hemkund Sahib: Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine, is located 6 km away from the Valley of Flowers. This high-altitude gurudwara is surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks and a serene lake, making it a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Village Expedition: Ghangaria, the last inhabited village before the Valley of Flowers, offers a glimpse into the rustic lifestyle of the Himalayan people. Here, you can enjoy local cuisine, interact with the locals, and learn about their traditions and beliefs .
Visit to Nanda Devi National Park: Nanda Devi National Park, a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, is home to many threatened species of flora and fauna, including the Himalayan musk deer and the blue sheep. The park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and rivers, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Nature Walks and Trekking: The Valley of Flowers National Park offers ample opportunities for nature walks and trekking, allowing visitors to explore the park’s rich biodiversity and enjoy the serene beauty of the Himalayas.
Hemkund Lake: Situated next to the Hemkund Sahib Sikh shrine, Hemkund Lake is a surreal and awe-inspiring destination. The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a mesmerizing and spiritual atmosphere.
