Name: Valley of Flowers Trek
Brand: Trekhievers
Availability: InStock

Overview

It’s an easy to moderate trek that offers rare access to the Uttarakhand Himalayas which has an expanse of the valley covered with flowers. It is also considered an ideal trek for first-timers even including family and kids. One also gets a chance to visit the highest pilgrimage location of Hemkund Sahib.

The valley itself is about 2km wide and 8 km long and the best time to visit is between July to mid of September. The temperature on this trek usually stays somewhere between 5 to 20 degrees celsius. And you can expect moderate rainfall even while trekking and the valley usually has a thick cloud cover. The most difficult part of the trek is the climb to Hemkund Sahib on the last day where we cover an altitude of about 4,300 ft in a day and that can be a bit strenuous.
The valley was first discovered accidentally by a group of mountaineers in 1931 who were returning from an expedition to Mount Kamet. Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton, and RL Holdsworth were a part of this team. In 1980, Valley of Flowers was declared a national park and in 2000, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve added it as the second core zone. It now comes under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program. There are about 500 varieties of flowers that are found here and some of them even have medicinal properties. Since a number of plant species are considered threatened, any kind of animal grazing is not allowed in this region. When on the trek, you’ll even get to visit the memorial grave of Joan Margaret.
The visit to Hemkund Sahib i.e. the highest religious place covered in the itinerary is difficult but rewarding and if you happen to have an extra day, you can even visit Badrinath or explore Rishikesh on your last day.
There are well-marked trails and a series of steps laid out at some of the sections of the trek. Mules are available from Govindghat to Ghangaria and Hemkund Sahib but are not allowed to go inside the main valley. You must not expect a luxurious stay while on the trek, there is no camping on this trek and basic lodges are provided where you can expect a bit of seepage smell. There are very high chances of rainfall during the trek days. Also, keep a buffer day in your itinerary as there can be roadblocks due to the rain.
It's a must to carry a good quality rain jacket or a poncho at all times when on the trails. Weather-resistant backpack covers should be used to keep the insides of the bag dry. Waterproof trekking shoes are recommended and you should always carry several pairs of socks when on monsoon treks.

Basic information :

Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6 Days
Maximum Altitude:14,100 Ft.
Base Camp: Joshimath
Best time to visit: July to September

Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath
Day 2: Drive Joshimath to Govindghat -Pulna and Trek to Ghangharia
Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flower back to Ghangaria
Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib back to Ghangaria
Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat and drive to Joshimath
Day 6: Govindghat to Rishikesh

Note: On Day 6, you’ll reach Rishikesh between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. You can book your travel any time after 7:00 pm

Meal Plan:

5 Nights 6 Days Available on request Uttarakhand

Date/Cost

Govindghat to Govindghat: 6,499/-
Rishikesh to Rishikesh: 7,999/-
Delhi to Delhi: 9,999/-

Note: Please keep a buffer day for your return journey.

Dates :

July: 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30
August: 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 25, 26, 27,
September: 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

Accommodation (Guesthouse) Joshimath on Day 1 and Day 5, Ghangharia on Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4
Meals while on the trek from the Day 1st Dinner to the Day 6th Breakfast
Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader
First aid: Medical kits, Stretcher, Oxygen cylinder
All necessary entry fees and permits.
Porters/mules to carry central equipment.
Transport Rishikesh to Joshimath and return as per the Itinerary

What is NOT included in the tour

Meals during road journeys.
5% GST
Accommodation in Dehradun.
Any expense not specified in the inclusion list.

Itinerary

Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath

Distance: 300 km | Duration: 10 hours | Elevation: 6,300ft. / 1,920m
Pick up from Rishikesh Bus Station at 07:00 AM
The last ATM point is available in Joshimath.
Market available in Joshimath.
Networks are available all along the way.
Joshimath Guest house stay (Shared Accommodation).

Route

Rishikesh to Devprayag (confluence of Bhagirathi river and Alaknanda river)
Devprayag to Srinagar
Srinagar to Rudrapryag (confluence of Mandakini river and Alaknanda river)
Rudrapryag to Karnprayag (confluence of Pindar river and Alaknanda river)

Day 2: Drive Joshimath to Govindghat - Pulna, and Trek to Ghangharia

Joshimath to Govindghat drive is a 20 km drive and it takes 40 minutes, Govindghat (2,000m/6,800ft). travel is included in the cost.
Govindghat to Pulna drive is a 5 km drive and it takes 10 minutes, Pulna travel is included in the cost.
The trek starts from Pulna to Ghangharia which is 9 Km and takes nearly around 4 hours.
Walk the well-defined trail that passes through the lush green forest and alongside the beautiful Lakshman Ganga River.
Encounter the various dhabas on the way from where you can get some refreshments and refill your water bottles.
After completing the short gradual ascent of 9 Km you will reach Ghangaria, a small village encircled by mountains.
Water is available along the route.
Packed lunch will be given.
Mule and porter facility is available from Pulna.
BSNL network is available at Ghangaria.
Helicopter service is available from Govind ghat to Ghangaria and fro only if the weather allows (Not included).
Stay in a guest house (Shared Accommodation).

Noteworthy Sites: Govinddham Gurudwara, Govindghat; Hemkund Gurudwara base, Ghangharia; Valley of Flowers Information Center; Ghangharia

Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flower and back to Ghangaria

Distance: 4 km (one side) | Duration: 6-7 hours | Elevation: 11,500ft. / 3,505m
Today will be the day you will scale a height of 3,505m to arrive at the Valley Of Flowers.
Just a glimpse at the verdant landscape is enough to sweep you off your feet into heaven decorated with colorful flowers.
Take a moment to cherish the moment as you feast your eyes on one of nature’s finest creations that will treat your soul.
Ascend further into the valley to witness an array of thousands of colorful and vibrant flowers in full bloom.
Can refill water bottles from streams on the way.
Packed lunch will be given, but no food is available in the valley.
Camping inside the valley is not allowed, can’t stay after sunset.
It'll be hard to leave such a heavenly view behind, but you must timely begin the return trek to Ghangaria so as to reach there before dusk.
Night stay in Guest house (Shared Accommodation).

Prominent flowers:- Blue Poppy, Snake Foil, White Leaf Hog Foot, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Dog Flower, Hooked Stick Seed, and River Anemone.

Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back to Ghangaria

Distance: 6 km (one side) | Duration: 9-10 hours | Elevation: 14,107ft. / 4,300m
The trek to Hemkund Sahib is a bit difficult as the path is a steep ascent and a trekking stick can come in handy. Mule ride service is available till Hemkund Sahib.
Walk slowly and take numerous breaks as you will feel the effects of reduced oxygen levels in the air.
Can refill water from roadside dhabas.
Reach Hemkund Sahib, a religious site where Guru Gobind Singh is said to have meditated in the previous life.
Hot lunch at Gurduwara langar.
Surrounded by seven snow-capped mountains and crystal clear Hemkund lake just behind it, this place is no doubt soothing and calming.
Brahma Kamal, a Himalayan blue poppy can be seen on the way to Hemkund Sahib.
In the late afternoon, start the steep descent all the way back to Ghangaria as the weather here can be impulsive with sudden cloud cover and rains.
Night stay in Guest house (Shared Accommodation).

Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat and Drive to Joshimath (Badrinath optional)

Distance: 13 km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Elevation: 9,600ft. / 2,926m
After having morning breakfast, you will be starting the easy descent of 9 km to Poolna on the same trail that you trekked on earlier.
Packed lunch
Once you reach Poolna a cab will take you back to Govindghat which is 4 km away.
If you desire, you can go on a tour of the beautiful Auli in the evening.
Later in the evening return back to the hotel in Govindghat for an overnight stay.
Night stay in Guest house (Shared Accommodation).

Note- GovindGhat to Badrinath is a landslide-prone area in monsoon time so if our leaders find that your safety is at risk due to weather conditions/ landslide or road blockage then we shall skip Badrinath altogether and drive to Joshimath directly.

Day 6: Joshimath to Rishikesh

Distance: 300 km | Duration: 10 hours | Elevation: 6,300ft. / 1,920m
After Morning Tea/Coffee, Depart home.
You’ll reach Rishikesh between 5 -6:00 pm. You can book further travel any time after 7:00 PM.

Note:

Keep a buffer day.
Distance, Altitude, and Trekking hours are approximate and rounded off.

Things to carry:

Trekking shoes: Carry waterproof trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support. Do not carry sports shoes.
Three layers of warm clothes: Carry two or three-layer jackets, fleece jackets, and a padded jacket.
Two/Three trek pants: Carry light cotton trek pants. Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking.
Three t-shirts (collared/dry-fit): Full-sleeved t-shirts that prevent sun burns on the neck and arms. Carry one or two dry-fit t-shirts.
Thermals: Carry thermals (top and bottom).
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses are mandatory.
Waterproof hand gloves: Carry waterproof gloves and avoid woolen gloves as they will get wet if you touch snow.
Socks (3-4 pairs) and a pair of woolen socks: Apart from two sports socks, you can take a pair of woolen socks for the night.
Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory
Raincoat/Ponchos: At high altitudes, snowfall, and rain are quite common and it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that you don’t get wet. The trek will continue as planned even during rainfall.
Lunch box and water bottle: Every participant should have their personal lunch box and a water bottle [insulated type].
Energy Bars: Nutrient-dense with oats, nuts, seeds, and fruit.
Personal Hygiene Kit: Hand sanitizer, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton washcloth, toilet paper, a menstrual cup (if necessary), or feminine hygiene products, and a sealable plastic bag to carry them out.
Mini First Aid Kit: First aid for emergencies
Trash Bag: Normal kitchen garbage bags to keep the trails you trek beautiful, clean, and free of garbage.
Slippers: With a flexible sole and good grip, water-resistant.

Payment Details :

UPI ID: 7387523876@upi

Net banking :

Name- RAJBALA YADAV
Bank name - HDFC BANK
ACC No.- 50100308491863
IFSC code- HDFC0002501
Name- NITIN YADAV
Bank name - PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK
ACC No.- 0530001500002688
IFSC code- PUNB0053000

Please send a screenshot of the payment on WhatsApp number 7387523876 for confirmation, we will then share a form for the final booking procedure.

Cancellation Policy:

If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
If cancellations are made within 0-30 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be canceled and in such cases, our service partner will try his best to provide an alternate feasible activity.
For all the above choices, you can transfer your tickets to your friends. We would be more than happy to have them on board and you could save your hard-earned money.