The Valley of Flowers Trek is a popular and enchanting trekking location in the Garhwal Himalayas. It offers stunning views of colourful flowers, green pastures, and the snow-capped Himalayas. Situated at 14,100 ft. above sea level, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is mainly known for its gorgeous flowers in different colours and shapes.
The trek is best experienced from June to September when the Valley is fully blooming. Visitors can also spot rare species such as blue sheep and red fox during the trek. The Valley is home to over 300 rare and endangered species of flowers, as well as Himalayan animals like blue sheep, black bears, and snow leopards. The trek is not easy, with moderate difficulty and long trekking days.
The route includes a steep ascent to Hemkund Sahib, challenging trekkers’ endurance. However, the breathtaking scenery and abundant flora and fauna make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The Valley of Flowers trek is one of India’s most renowned treks, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. While it’s a challenging trek, the enchanting beauty of the Valley makes it a top choice for trekkers seeking an unforgettable experience in the Himalayas.
Get ready to explore the astonishing sights of green surroundings, followed by the Himalayas’ gleaming snowy mountains. When it comes to the most fascinating and enthralling Valley in India, this trek is on top because it perfectly displays the abundance of colourful flowers and green pastures. You can find thousands of blue Primula blooming in this Valley, giving you a picture-perfect view. Primula is one of the most gorgeous and lovely Himalayan flowers. The best time to visit this Valley in full bloom is mid-July to mid-August. It would help if you trekked from Govind Ghat to reach the Valley of Flowers, and on the route, you will also pass from Hemkund Sahib. This Valley is about 5km from Ghangaria.
Trek offers a natural walk into the quintessence of flora and fauna. Not only this, but you can also find more than 300 rare and endangered species of flowers in this Valley. Some rare species include Primulas, Calendulas Daisies, Orchids, and Poppies. As you trek up toward the Valley, you can find some fantastic Himalayan animals, such as blue sheep, black bears, and snow leopards. The eye-catching Flora and Fauna make this location a perfect destination for trekking. If you are an adventure freak, you will fall in love with the mesmerizing view of the Valley. Make sure to keep your camera ready because the captivating scenery in this Valley is waiting for you. You need to know that the trek is not easy because the trekking level is moderate, and the trekking days are slightly longer. This trek will challenge your endurance because there is a steep ascent to Hemkund Sahib. So, prepare yourself accordingly for the trek.
When you stand at the entry of this Valley, you will see a mesmerizing carpet of colourful flowers ahead, leaving you speechless. Any enthusiast of the Himalayas thinking about a trek in Monsoon will keep this trek at the top of the list. Undeniably, this Valley is one of the liveliest and most tempting places you will come across in the West Himalayas. It is famous for its wide variety of flowers and alpine trees that perfectly add an enchanted feel to the Valley. The scenery is serene, and you will also come across fantastic nature views and waterfalls while trekking. If you love mountain landscapes and breathtaking natural views, you need to go for this trek at least once in your life.
The Valley of Flowers trek is 1 of India’s hottest treks in the Himalayas. Individuals not stepping into the Himalayas have learned about the Valley of Flowers trek. But there’s a good reason for Valley Of Flower’s renowned recognition – it’s 1 of India’s oldest known treks. In 1980, the Indian government made the Valley of Flowers National Park, and later on, in 2002, it was realized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This pushed Valley of Flowers on the bucket list of trekkers from near the planet. However, remember that the Valley Of Flowers trek isn’t simple. It’s a moderate fitness level trek, with somewhat more time trekking many days, along with a steep ascent to Hemkund Sahib designed to challenge your stamina. Thus, make nice for this particular trek. We’ve talked in detail about this trek.
Itinerary
Day 1 Rishikesh to joshimath
Get going early in the morning from Rishikesh. Our path will go from Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gopeshwar, and Joshimath.
The entire path is picturesque over the Himalayan mountains. We shall travel over the Shivalik Ranges at the Rudraparayag foothills. Following Gopeshwer, we will be in the Middle Himalayan Mountains, more elevated.
We shall get to Joshimath evening. The portal to several trips, hikes, and Badrinath is Joshimath. Look around your accommodation and take some time to relax. Late evening you might choose to see Shankaracharya Math, the Narsing Devta temple, and the neighbourhood market.
Joshimath to via govind ghat to Gangaria
By means of our vehicle, we shall travel from Joshimath to Govindghat. About five km from Govindghat, local taxis will drive us Pulna.
From Pulna, our journey will go towards Ghangaria. Ghangaria from Pulna covers 9 kilometres in roughly 5 to 6 hours. We go over the valley beside Bhlundhar Ganga in slow ascent. We will cross the bridge at Bhlundhar and go to the opposite side of the valley.
We will go to Ghangaria after a few km of walking. Ghangaria has a GMVN, many hotels, eateries, a Gurudwara. From Gahangaria, two paths separate: one to Hemkund Sahib ji and the other to Valley of Flowers.
Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers
Start early for the Valley of Flowers, and carry lunch. Today we will do eight to nine km round trip. We shall pass over water streams at different locations. You have to follow the well-designed valley route, which consists of stones. Go not into the fields of flowers.
The greatest times to see Valley blooms are August and September. Prominent flowers in the valley include Orchids, Poppies, Himalayan Balsam, Daisies, Geranium etc.
Clear days see Rataban, Nilgiri, and Gauri Parvat clearly from the valley.
Spend your time in the Valley of Flowers according to Leave No Trace rules. We shall be back at Ghangaria by dusk after the amazing event.
Ghangaria to Hemkund
Rising to 14,101 feet, Hemkund Sahib Ji is the tallest Gurdwara in the world. Rising steeply, the climb gains 3,900 feet over 5.5 km. Make sure you stay hydrated; walk steadily and carefully; take required pauses in between.
Round travel from Hemkund Sahib and back to Ghangaria takes 8 to 9 hours and covers around 11 miles.
You will run over many water streams along the path. One of the sensations on its own is the perspective of the valley from above. Hemkund is a glacier lake created by neighbouring peak streamings. Lord Lakshman is honoured at Hemkund with a Lakshman temple.
See Hemkund Sahib Ji for darshan, then relax in the surrounds. By midday we will be headed down to Ghangaria. Rain may make the road slick, hence walk gently and carefully. By sunset we will be back in Ghangaria.
Ghangaria to Joshimath
Retrace your steps back to Pulna. From there we will ride a cab to Govindghat and thereafter return to Joshimath. Trek will take five to six hours to finish; the trip will take around one and half hour. Late afternoon will find us in Joshimath. Rest after checking in to your motel. Explore Joshimath in evening.
Joshimath to Rishikesh
Starting around 6 am, drive back to Rishikesh. It takes eight to nine hours and covers 250 miles. Remember that plenty of rain could lead to landslides, therefore obstructing the roads. Sometimes hours might take to reopen the route once again.
Price Inclusion & Exclusion
- Accommodation: Stay in comfortable lodges/guesthouses in Ghangaria on a twin/triple sharing basis.Tented accommodation at designated camping sites during the trek.
- Meals: Nutritious meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 6 breakfast.Pure vegetarian meals provided throughout the trek.
- First aid: medical kits and portable oxygen cylinders.
- Guides and Trek Leaders: Certified and experienced trek leaders with in-depth knowledge of the region.Support staff including cooks and helpers.
- Permits and Entry Fees: All necessary permits and entry fees for the Valley of Flowers National Park.Environmental and camping fees as applicable.
- Transport: Transportation from Haridwar to Govindghat and return in private/shared vehicles.Shared transport between Govindghat and Pulna (if required).Luggage
- Assistance: Mules/porters for carrying group camping equipment and supplies.Option for personal luggage porter (may incur additional cost).
- Insurance: Basic trekking insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage.
- Personal Gear: Individual trekking gear such as backpacks, trekking poles, clothing, and footwear. Personal travel insurance (beyond the provided basic insurance).
- Travel Costs:Travel to and from Rishikesh before and after the trek. Any transport costs outside of the included itinerary.
- Meals During Transit: Meals during travel to and from Rishikesh, not included in the itinerary.
- Unforeseen Expenses: Expenses due to delays, natural calamities, or emergencies like landslides or roadblocks.Additional costs for optional services (e.g., hiring an extra mule or porter).
- Personal Insurance: Insurance covering health, life, and personal belongings.Trekking insurance not included in the package.
- Medical Emergencies:Costs incurred due to altitude sickness or any other medical conditions requiring special attention.
- Gratuities:Tips for guides, porters, or other staff involved in the trek.
Packing List: Essential Things
- 45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
- Hot & Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil & Milton
- Energy Bar, Dry Fruits & ORS
- 1 Pairs Of Sunglasses (U/V Protected)
- 1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
- Tiffin Box
- 2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
- 1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
- 1 Fleece Jacket (Woollen Or Sweater)
- 1 Down Feather/Hollofil Jacket
- 1 Waterproof Jacket/Poncho
- 1 Pair Thermal Inners (Upper And Lower)
- 2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts & Denim Pants)
- 1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
- 1 Pair of Woollen Gloves
- Sun Cap
- Woollen Cap
- 4 Pairs Of Cotton Socks
- 1 Pair Of Woollen Socks
- 1 Waterproof & High Ankle Trekking Shoes
- 1 Pair Of Floaters
- Hand Sanitizer & Sunscreen Lotion
- Toothbrush And Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper And Wet Wipes
- Quick Dry Towel
- Lip Balm & Antibacterial Powder
- Moisturize
How To Reach
You could take a car trip to get to Rishikesh. Big towns like Delhi and Chandigarh can be reached from Rishikesh by national roads. The drive gives you beautiful views of the foothills of the Himalayas.
The Jolly Grant Airport is about 21 miles from Rishikesh and is the closest airport to Govindghar. There are frequent trips to and from Dehradun on a number of local companies. You can take a bus or a cab to get to Rishikesh from the airport.
By train, it’s easy to get to Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh from other big towns in India. There are several train stations in the area. The main one is in Dehradun, but you can also go to Haridwar or Rishikesh. You can buy train tickets that go from Dehradun to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other places. Buses leave for Rishikesh from both Haridwar and Dehradun all the time.
Other Information
Visiting the Valley of Flowers is best done during the monsoon, most especially from July to September.
The valley is in full bloom with wildflowers, including uncommon variants like the Blue Poppy, hence this time provides the ideal experience.
Particularly August is the best month the valley is in blossom. Trekking at this period finds the weather typically favourable.
September is also a wonderful option if you want less people and are not bothered by any fading blossoms.
Keep in mind, too, that monsoon season also brings torrential rain and landslides. Areas like Rudraprayag and Joshimath have a slippiness in their terrain. Slides and heavy rain can obstruct the path. Plan a day or two as a buffer during your Valley of Flowers trip.
People say that the Valley of Flowers walk in Uttarakhand, India, is not too hard or too easy. It takes six days to finish the 38 km trail that goes through the Valley of Flowers National Park and the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
The walk goes up and up slowly through hilly areas, and some people say the road can be rough and steep. On the fourth day, walkers have to climb almost 4,500 feet in six hours, which takes a lot of stamina and mental toughness.
The walk isn’t really difficult, but you should be pretty fit for it, so do some running and power training. Some people say to talk to local guides and bring the most important hiking gear, like a rain jacket or raincoat, waterproof shoes and bag covers that won’t get wet. You might also want to get used to the altitude and plan for a day extra in case it rains and causes problems on the road.
Historical, Cultural & Religious Info
A famous person in the history of the Valley of Flowers is Joan Margaret Legge, a committed gardener who went there to study the unique variety of flowers that grow there. She was killed in an accident.
Her sister erected a valley monument for her. ‘The Valley of Flowers,’ by Frank S. Smythe, inspired Margaret’s research. After summiting India’s third-highest peak, Kamet Peak, Frank Smythe and two other British mountaineers missed their way back to Valley in 1931. When they reached the Valley, its beauty shocked them. Valley of Flowers was called by Smythe.
This region was named a national park in 1980 to protect its unique environment. The Valley of Flowers became UNESCO World Heritage in 2005.
Hindu legend holds that Lord Hanuman obtained the Sanjeevani plant in the Valley of Flowers to revive Lakshman, Lord Rama’s younger brother, in the Ramayana. This historical tradition gives the valley a spiritual, magical aspect.
One of the holiest Sikh sanctuaries is Hemkund Sahib in the valley. This gurdwara, at 14,100 feet, is sacred to Sikhs. The Gurdwara honours Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru.
Flora & Fauna
Over 600 wildflower species, including the rare Blue Poppy and Brahma Kamal, bloom during the monsoon season, producing a stunning carpet. As well as foliage, the valley has rich animals.
Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Red Fox, Snow Leopard, Monal, and butterflies inhabit the valley.
Nearby Attractions and Adventures
- Hemkund Sahib should be included as a local destination since it’s part of the Valley of Flowers walk.
- Badrinath: One of the holiest Hindu Vishnu temples, Badrinath is 25 km from Govindghat.
- Mana settlement, the last inhabited settlement on the India-China border, is a short drive from Badrinath. Discover local culture and customs in this unique location.
- Joshimath: The Valley of Flowers and other Himalayan hikes start here. It has various temples, including Adi Guru Shankaracharya Math.
- Govindghat lies near skiing paradise Auli. In summer, it becomes a magnificent meadow with great hiking and Himalayan vistas.
Gallery
FAQs
After discovering the Valley of Flowers in 1931 while on an expedition, British climber Frank S. Smythe made the Valley of Flowers famous.
There may not be as many charging stations along the trail, so bring power banks and additional batteries for your equipment.
Because to the uneven terrain, high altitude, and steep ascents, the hike to Hemkund Sahib is difficult. It is classified as somewhat challenging.
The Valley of Flowers has stunning vistas of many peaks, including as Rataban, Kunth Kal, and Nilgiri Parbat.
Trekkers may usually access the Valley of Flowers from July to September, when the valley is at its most bloomed, during the monsoon season.
Opening day is 25 May 2024 for Hemkund Sahib.
The Tipra Glacier at Rataban peak in the middle Garhwal Himalayas feeds the Pushpawati River. It runs south and meets the Bhyundar Ganga at Ghagharia, becoming the “Lakshman Ganga.”
At Govindghat, it joins the Alaknanda. The Pandavas saw flowers drifting down the river during their exile and called it “Pushpawati”.
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