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Valley of Flowers Trekking

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Valley of Flowers Trek

Valley of Flowers is such a name in the Uttarakhand valley of Himalayas that blooms and blossoms every time, round the season. Stumbling across the never-ending fairy land is such a heady feeling for the nature lovers and for the trekkers admiring colorful environs that trekking in Valley of Flowers becomes the next best experience of rejuvenation and energizing moments. Known for the endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty, the area is home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. And interestingly, Valley of flower is also being recognized by UNESCO as the world heritage site.

Rare, but the most glorified truth is that no other valley in the Himalayas can match the beauty of this valley. The flowers are everywhere in myriad of colors: purple, yellow and white. They envelope the valley floor like a carpet so much that there are times when you can't see the valley at all. At an altitude of 3300 mtrs to 3650 mtrs, the monsoon season can act best flourishing moment for you to enjoy trekking amidst the blossoming buds and titillating flowers all around the valleys.

A little beyond Joshimath at a pilgrim hamlet called Govind Ghat, the trek to valley of flowers (VOF) and Hemkund starts. In that manner, the trekkers can make a fresh start from Haridwar or Rishikesh to travel along the Alaknanda River across the Badrinath highway to reach VOF. Trekking in valley of flowers is the most dwindling part of appreciating the natural beauty with great challenges on the way; when you discover the routes are precariously cut on the mountains edges and at times you can only see the river flowing in the gorge deep below. Further, at a distance of 12 kms, the rout will take you to Hemkund Sahib, up to Gangaria. Ahead of Ghangaria, the Uttaranchal trekking route to the valley will take a detour towards the left. From Gangaria, at the distance of 5 kms, the trekkers can reach to the Valley of Flowers.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Delhi - Rishikesh (230 kms/6 hrs approx) Train/Car)
In the morning drive towards Rishikesh via Haridwar. On arrival check in to hotel. By evening one can go for Aarti ceremony at Ganga Ghat. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 2 Rishikesh - Joshimath (245 kms/8-9 hrs)
After an early breakfast drive to Joshimath via Devprayag. On the way visit Dev prayag where Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet. From here the holy river Ganges started. Arrival at Joshimath by evening, check into the hotel. Dinner & overnight stay. Joshimath: The religious centre, established by Adi Shankaracharya, which he called Jyotirmath, later came to be known as Joshimath. Among the sites of interest are the temples of Nav Durga and Narsingh. Apart from its obvious religious importance, Joshimath is known for its scenic beauty.

Day 3 Joshimath - Govindghat (22 kms/1 hrs) - Ghangaria (14 kms/3-4 hrs)
After an early breakfast drive to Govindghat. Which is the starting point of the trek? From Govindghat there is a gradual ascent along a well maintained pilgrim trail to Ghangaria. Upon arrival at Ghangria check into Camp. Explore the surroundings in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.

Day 4 Ghangaria - Valley of Flowers - Ghangria (5 kms one side/4-5 hrs)
After breakfast trek to Valley Of Flowers (3858 m) from Ghangaria. The valley is an enchanting sight with an impressive array of rare wildflowers like Geranium, Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia, Thermo- psis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Strawberry, Epilobium, Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the flowers have medicinal values too. The valley is 10 kms long, 2 kms wide, and is divided by the Pushpawati stream, into which several tiny streams and waterfalls merge. After enjoying the beauty of valley trek back to Ghangaria. Dinner & overnight stay at the camp.

Day 5 Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib - Ghangaria (6 kms one side/3-4 hrs)
After breakfast trek to Hemkund Sahib (4329 m) from Ghangaria. This is quite a steep climb. In the Sikh holy book, The Granth Sahib, the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh recounts that in a previous life, he meditated on the shores of a lake surrounded by seven snowcapped mountains now recognized by Hemkund. Late afternoon trek back to Ghangaria. Dinner & overnight stay at camp.

Day 6 Ghangaria - Govind Ghat - Srinagar (165 kms/5 hrs)
After breakfast trek down to Govind Ghat and from here drive to Joshimath. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 7 Srinagar - Haridwar - Delhi
In the morning drive to Delhi via Rishikesh. Arrival at Delhi by late evening. Trip & Services Ends Here

Cost includes
• Accommodation: Hotel in Rishikesh, Joshimath & Ghangria on twin/triple sharing basis.
• Transport: Tata Indigo/Toyota Innova car from Delhi – Govindghat & back (AC will not run after Rishikesh).
• Meals: In Rishikesh, Joshimath, Ghangria only breakfast will be served.
• Mules/Porters: For carrying some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 13 kgs).
• Professional trekking guide would accompany the group from Haridwar
• Entry fee for the park

Cost does not includes
• Enroute meal
• Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
• Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any meals/services not mentioned above
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
• Travel insurance