Valley of Flowers

trek overview

Blessed with the extraordinary and exquisite Himalayan flora, the Valley of Flowers is a beautiful bouquet of nature, tranquilly snuggled in the West Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. The trek to valley of flowers passes through thick forests, glaciers, and waterfalls on the way, along with Pushpawati River. Until 1931, the presence of this awe-inspiring valley was unknown to the world. Three British mountaineers Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth while returning from an outstanding expedition of Mt. Kamet stumbled upon this fascinating valley full with blooming flowers. Captivated by the astonishing beauty of this place, they named it as the ‘Valley of Flowers’. Later on, Frank S. Smythe also wrote a book about this valley with the same title.

Base camp

Govindghat

Nearest Railway Station

Dehradun

Nearest Airport

Jolly Grant Airport

Temperature

(Monsoon-20° Max/ 5° Min)

Mobile Network

Sketchy Networks are available during the trek

Electricity

Electricity is available during the whole trek
Note: Most of the electricity is extremely intermittent and can be absent for most part of the day during winter/late summer (when monsoon starts to set in)

Last Atm

Joshimath, on the way to Govindghat has last ATM
Note: Most of time ATM in hilly regions are not functioning. So withdraw cash before you start your journey to Barsu.

Day 1: Rishikesh to Govindghat
  • Drive: 270 km
  • Time Taken: 11 to 12 Hours

Govindghat is the base for the trek of Valley Of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Dehradun is well connected with Rishikesh and rest of India via flights, trains, buses, and taxis. The journey from Rishikesh to this beautiful valley of flowers starts with great eagerness and zeal. It will be a 10 hours journey by road via  Devprayag –where the river Bhagirathi and Alaknanda confluence to form the mighty River Ganga, to Govindghat through Joshimath/Auli. The adventurous road journey takes you through some of the most beautiful Himalayan regions along the headstreams that form the Ganges River. Throughout your drive, you will get enthralled and fascinated at the same time. By evening you will arrive at Govindghat. After this long yet satisfying journey of 270 km, take overnight stay in Govindghat with hot and delicious dinner along with the trek briefing for the next day.

 
Day 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria
  • Trek: 11 km 
  • Time: 5 to 6 Hours

Now comes the most exciting part of this trek as on the second day the trek starts from Govindghat and ends at Ghangaria. The distance of approx 11 km will be covered on day two and it usually takes around 5 to 6 hr to reach Ghangaria. After you enjoy an early breakfast at Govindghat, the trek begins by traversing a suspension bridge over the River Alakananda and heading on a zigzag trail leading to the steep hillside. All along the trek route, there are many small tea shops set up by the locals from nearby villages. Some of these local tea points have benches for trekkers/travelers to take some rest and enjoy Maggie, hot tea and coffee. After three kilometers of the trek, the route passes through Pulna village which is located at 2,104 meters and from here the trek becomes slightly steep. Five kilometers after Pulna, at an altitude of 2,592 meters lies Bhyundar village. From here trekkers get the first glimpses of the majestic Himalayan peaks covered with snow. One kilometer further after Bhyundar, the trail cross over a bridge on a fast-flowing stream. From this point, Ghangaria is just about three kilometers. The ascend from here is somewhat steep and uneven and it is advised to take a little break and rest for a while before proceeding for the final ascent to Ghangaria. GobindDham popularly known as Ghangaria is a small village located around 5 kilometers before the Valley. As overnight camping is strictly prohibited in the Valley of Flowers National Park trekkers and pilgrims stay for the night in Ghangaria. People trekking to the Valley of Flowers also pay a visit to the Lokpal Temple, Gurudwara of Hemkund Sahib and Hemkund Lake. Thus, pilgrims and trekkers share the same path up to Ghangaria. Ghangaria is the base village for both the Valley Of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. It is recommended that if you are visiting one destination make sure to visit the other one too.

 
Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back to Ghangaria
  • Trek: 7+7 km 
  • Time: 8 to 9 Hours

The village of Ghangaria is located on the confluence of rivers Pushpawati and Bhyundar Ganga and forms the river Lakshman Ganga, which flows down to Govindghat to merge with river Alaknanda. The distance of Valley of flowers national park from Ghangaria village is 6 km, it takes around 3 hours to trek. This stretch of the trek is the most amazing part of the whole journey with rapidly flowing Chandravati River remains on your right for the most of the time, and accompanying her are numerous waterfalls, most of them are so immense that they visible from a distance. Some of the waterfalls will moreover come trek path as river crossings. The trek difficulty level at this point will be medium with eye-soothing views. After starting from Ghangaria, it takes about two to three hours to reach the highest point of a valley of flowers. There are endless meadows with exquisite varieties of wildflowers flowers, the network of water streams and big mountains surrounding them all.

Once you have reached the valley, you can easily walk around, exploring different vantage points and corners of this magical fairyland, seeing the flowers and the admiring the vastlandscape of this magnificent valley. Some of the major species of Himalayan wildflowers found in Valley of Flowers are the mythical Brahma Kamal, Anemone, Geranium, Marsh Marigold, Primula, Lilium, Blue Poppy, Ranunculus, Inula, Corydalis, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Ligularia, Morina, Impatiens, Saxifrages Bistorta, and many others. The trek from Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back to Ghangaria can be done in around 8 to 10 hours depending upon your pace and halts you take at various stops.

Many myths and folklores have been sprung around the Valley of Flowers like the people visiting this valley falling losing consciousness from the strong incense of flowers. Whatever the stories are, they do have a little bit of truth in them, but in a positive way! It is unimaginable to find such a breath-taking valley so full of flowers. Flowers bloom everywhere in the valley like a riot of colours – white, yellow, red, blue, pink and many other colours. All these flowers cover the valley like a blanket in such a way that times, you can’t see the ground at all.

 
Day 4: Ghangria to Hemkund Sahib and back to Ghangria
  • Trek: 6+6 Km 
  • Time: 8-10 hours

Hemkund Sahib is known to be the highest gurudwara in India. Pilgrims/trekkers generally start their trek to Hemkund Sahib before sunrise. The path leading to Hemkund Sahib is paved with stones and is slightly arduous to walk on. If you look up the mountain a saffron colour flag atop the ridge above grabs your attention. The flag marks the location of Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara. The Hemkund Lake is a glacial lake nestled in the heart of huge mountains and during summer it is fed by the water from nearby springs and waterfalls. Sitting on the banks of this divine surreal lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks, is an experience to cherish, a treat to the eyes and pacifying the soul. The Hemkund Sahib gurudwara runs langar where people usually have their lunch before heading back to Ghangaria. Similar to the Valley of Flowers, visitors are not allowed to stay at Hemkund sahib.

 
Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat
  • Trek: 11 km 
  • Time: 3 to 4 Hours

After breakfast, we trek down to GovindGhat. This marks the end of the trek and arrive at base camp in the evening. Here, you can spend the evening recounting and sharing the experiences of the trek and the time spent in the mountains; by making new friends with achance to meet again and trek together to create moments, memories and stories of a lifetime. Once you start trekking down to Govindghat, you can easily find yourself entrapped in the picturesque beauty of the surroundings and desire to stay back in these beautiful Himalayan valleys.

 
Day  6: Govindghat to Rishikesh
  • Drive: 270 km 
  • Time: 10 to 11 Hours

This is the last day of the trip. After an early breakfast and departure, you can have lunch on the way to Rishikesh. By late evening, you will reach the destination. This is where the trip concludes with new friends and great memories. The trek is physically tiring but mentally you will be at peace with yourself. The overall experience, the vast Himalayan landscapes, and the trek are very exciting for everyone. Surely, this trek will be remarkable and enjoyable for you. Come, join us on a trip that is adventurous and tranquil. Away from the daily routine of urban life, this trek offers serenity and peace on the mind in the lap of Mother Nature.

  • Transport support from Rishikesh to Rishikesh
  • All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 breakfast on the last day
  • Professional guide, cook and support staff
  • Forest entry charges for Indian nationals
    • For non-Indian passport holders; there will be an additional charge
  • Hotel accommodation throughout the trek on a triple sharing basis
  • Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  • Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
  • Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
  • Accommodation in Dehradun
  • Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, road blocks etc

Basics Gears

  • Backpack
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Trekking Pole
  • LED Torch
  • One Water Bottle (one litre)
  • Lunch Box
  • Basic Medications (or prescribed if any)

Clothes

  • Trekking Jacket
  • Warm Layers
  • Two trek pants
  • Full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts
  • Thermals (1 pair)

Accessories

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreeen Lotion (SPF 50/70)
  • Lip Balm (SPF 30)
  • Synthetic hand gloves
  • Woolen Cap
  • Three pair of Socks
  • Raincoat/Poncho is a must

Others

  • Daypack (Recommended), for summit Day
  • Plastic cover (for wet clothes in winters and rainy season)

Mandatory Documents

  • Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Passport, Aadhaar Card, Driving license or voters ID)

 

Cancellaton policy

Cancellation By Operator

  • Cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances

If the trek is cancelled due to bad weather conditions (Flood, landslide, snow, heavy rainfall, etc) or any other circumstances( Bandh, strike, earthquake, etc).   Mountainiax will issue a trek voucher that can be redeemed within a period of one year for the same trek or any other trek from the date of the original departure date for which the booking was made.

Cancellation by Customer

If the user wishes to cancel any booking due to any reason, the same shall be only valid if Mountainiax is notified of the cancellation in writing on its official e-mail, at least 15 days before the commencement of the trip or any adventure activity.

REFUNDS

The following refund shall be payable to the user in case of valid cancellation as per the guidelines

  • Cancellations up to 21 days prior to departure date – 70% refund
  • Between 21 days to 14 days prior to departure – 50% refund
  • Between 14 days to 10 days prior to departure- 30% refund
  • Less than 10 days of departure – No refund or you can transfer
    your trek (same batch date & same trek) to your dear one.

Note: The above-mentioned refunds are subjected to deductions for any expenses that may have been incurred for hotel booking or
transport etc. Refunds are applicable on the total cost and not on the advance amount.

cost per head

For Fixed Departures

Rishikesh to Rishikesh

₹ 8500

+5% GST per person

Trek Details

MAXIMUM ELEVATION

4329 Meters

DURATION
 

5 Nights 6 Days

GRADIENT
 

Easy To Moderate

DISTANCE

48 Kms

BEST MONTH

Throughout The year

GROUP SIZE

6 To 15

Short Itineary

Day 1: Rishikesh to Govindghat

Drive : 270 KM

Day 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria

Trek : 11 KM

Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers back to Ghangaria

Trek : 7+7 KM

Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back to Ghangaria

Trek : 6+6 KM

Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat

Trek : 11 KM

Day 6: Govindghat to Rishikesh

Drive : 270 KM

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