Valley of Flowers Trek – 6 Days
14 days
Age 12+
Sep, Oct, Nov
Availability 50
Trip Code:
HSIFLOWERS
Country:
India
Duration:
6 Days
Trip Level:
Moderate This type of trek is generally obtainable for anyone. Sometimes the trail can be rough, steep and they are not level. Occasionally there is snow in areas of high altitude. A moderate level of fitness and health is required in order to complete this type of trek. The altitude reached is typically between 900m and 3500m.
Max Altitude:
4,329 m / 14202 ft
Activity:
Sightseeing and Trekking
Starts at:
Haridwar
Ends at:
Haridwar
Trip Route:
Haridwar - Govindghat via Joshimath and Devaprayag - Ghangaria - Valley Of Flowers - Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib - Ghangaria to Govindghat - Haridwar
Best Season:
June, July, August, September & October
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy a world of scents and a fairy of colors while wandering among verdant meadows enriched with exotic flowers.
- Observe a wealthy flora and fauna that inhabit this area sediams, saxifrages, lilies, calendula, poppy, daisies and also the snow leopard, the brown bear or the naur (blue sheep).
- Admire the grandiose peaks Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi as they appear in front of your eyes.
- Share a cup of tea with the locals and discover their culture and customs.
- Plounge in the holy waters of Hemkund Sahib to purify your spirit.
- Camp near the lake and spend the night at one thousand stars under the Himalayan sky.
Trip Information
The Indian Valley of Flowers is the appetite booster for trekking in the Himalayas. Inside this fascinating natural botanical garden, you will find a myriad of flowers blooming everywhere in a rebellion of colors and nuances.
So, there is a verdant valley, crossed by a tranquil river that peacefully follows its way among the flowers carpet on a majestic background made of rocky cliffs and snow-clad gigantique peaks. If you want to imagine a glimpse of heaven, it should be something similar to this. A picture perfect scenery to dream of.
Perched high above the sea level at 4,300 metres plus in altitude, this hiking route was accidentally discovered by a British tourist at the beginning of the 20th century. Prepare yourself to walk on a bed of flowers once you put a step on this trail which starts from Govindghat, pass through Joshimath and drives you to Hemkund Sahib. This is an alpine lake with crystal clear turquoise waters that you would have never imagined to find at such altitude.
Hemkund Sahib lake is deemed as sacred among Sikhs and Hindu devotees. Sikhs believe that Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of their faith used to meditate a long time ago, on the banks of the lake. Around here you will be amazed to notice no less than seven colossal peaks, eternally covered with massive snow, that are fighting for your attention. Among them Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi summits that are nestled between the splendid Hemkund Sahib lake.
Despite the incredible flora you will witness here, a rich wildlife that you can rarely spot may cross your way. Think of a snow leopard, or an brown bear or the region famous blue sheep.
The Valley of Flowers trek classifies as an easy trek and is very appreciated among beginner trekkers and those who want to experience everything in terms of hiking.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Haridwar – Govindghat via Joshimath and Devaprayag (Drive 260km/ 10hrs)
- Day 2 – Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria (Trek 14km/ 6 hrs)
- Day 3 – Trek from Ghangaria to Valley Of Flowers and back (Trek 5km, one-way/ 3hrs)
- Day 4 – Trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (4,329m)
- Day 5 – Trek from Ghangaria to Govindghat
- Day 6 – End of Valley Of Flowers Trekking journey. Drive from Govindghat to Haridwar
Day 1 - 10 hours drive from Haridwar to Govindghat
You will be picked up from Haridwar Railway Station early in the morning. And start a long voyage by car to reach Govindghat. You will pass through Joshimath and Devprayag. Joshimath is a middle point that gathers routes via several pilgrimage spots. In Devprayag you can see the confluence of Rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, that gives birth to the sacred River Ganges.
Accommodation in hotel.
Day 2 - 6 hours trek from Govindghat to reach Ghangaria
The scenic trekking inside the Valley of Flowers from Uttaranchal starts today with a relatively easy trek that leads you from Govindghat to Ghangaria. This is a 14km mountain route.
Accommodation in hotel or camping.
Day 3 - Hike from Ghangaria towards the Valley of Flowers and return
This day displays the highlight of this trek, you arrive to see with your own eyes the blossoming Valley of Flowers. Nestled at an altitude of 3,858 m, the Valley of Flowers is a feast for senses and celebrates the grandor of mother nature’s fantasy. Thousands of blossoming species of flowers in a plethora of colors create a gorgeous spectacle with the Himalayas ruling in background. This is an image you will remember for a long time and it will be one of your dearest memories.
Accommodation in hotel or camping.
Day 4 - Trekking route from Ghangaria to reach Hemkund Sahib, positioned at 4,329 m altitude
Today a short trek to arrive in Hemkund Sahib, to visit the holy place of Sikhs surrounded by seven snow-covered giant peaks. This is a very peaceful and appeasing location. It is said that Guru Gobind Singh used to meditate here. In the afternoon return to Ghangaria.
Accommodation in hotel or camping.
Day 5 - Return trekking from Ghangaria to Govindghat
This is your way back, following the same path as when you came here. You have the option to visit Auli during the afternoon.
Accommodation in hotel or camping.
Day 6 - Drive back from Govindghat to Haridwar
Your trip to visit the enchanting Valley of Flowers has arrived at its end. Today you will head up towards Haridwar to return home.
Price Includes:
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle.
- Accommodation (5 nights on triple/quad sharing basis)
- Veg meals while on trek
- Trekking equipment
- First aid medical kits
- Qualified and experienced trek leader, guide, and support staff
Price Does not Include:
- Forest entry charges, permits & Camping fee
- Mule charges to carry your personal bag
- Any meals/services not mentioned above
- Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.
- Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
- Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
The information below has been created so that you can use this as a guide in understanding the necessary equipment, clothing, gear, medicines and miscellaneous items required for this trekking tour. This list is of a general nature and you may decide to add or remove some of these items, please make sure that you have enough clothing to maximize your comfortability whilst on the trek.
We will provide you with a porter and a duffel bag to support and carry your heavier belongings however we do recommend that you also bring your own daypack to carry your money, personal items and any important documents.
General
- 4-season sleeping bag
- Duffel bag
- Daypack
- Down jacket
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat
- Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
- T-shirts (2)
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (for women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Important: Our guide will already have a first aid kit which they bring with them however we also recommend that you bring some of these medicines with you in your daypack too.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous, but Important !
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Airline tickets
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman
Helpful Tip: For the majority of these items, clothing and equipment there are numerous different brands to choose from, we recommend that you buy most of these when you fly in to India if possible because this way it can be a lot cheaper for you. If you would like any specific suggestions, please ask and we can certainly recommend those for you.
Here's a few answers to most common Questions asked by the customers.
What type of fitness or shape do I need to be in? +
This trek is physically possible for anyone that is of an average fitness level, there is no previous experience required. We generally recommend however that you train for up to one month in advance of your departure date and some of the activities you can do is walking or hiking, running or even better running on a treadmill at incline.
Alternatively swimming is a great choice too. Typically you should be doing at least one or a combination of these activities for an hour each time and roughly 3-4 times a week in the lead up to your trek in India.
Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival? +
Yes, one of our staff members will be waiting at the airport with a signboard ready to collect you once you arrive and from there we will transfer you by private vehicle to the hotel.
What is your cancellation policy? +
If you want to cancel your reserved tour, we may refund your fee payable to us minus a $150 cancellation fee (5000 INR for Indian Nationals). Himalayan Steps will not accept refunds for flights if we already booked your flight. In some cases we may reschedule your trip at no cost or with some cost if you provide us with 7 days advance notice.
We will not give any refunds if you finish the trekking earlier or later, or cancel your tour for medical or personal reason while trekking.
