Valley Of Flowers Trek
Overview
The Valley of Flowers trek is at an altitude of approx. 3600 meters is located in the Chamoli district of Garhwal, Himalayas. It is a high altitude trek which has long been acknowledged by renowned mountaineers and botanists. A unique monsoon adventure set in the Himalayas where you uncover rare alpine flowers and other diverse flora. The valley of flowers national park is also home to some rare and endangered animals like the snow leopard, musk deer, the Asiatic black bear and the Blue sheep. Birds found in the park include Himalayan monal and other high altitude birds.
Valley of Flowers was discovered in 1931 by some British mountaineers where they lost their way while returning from an expedition and happened upon a valley, full of flowers. Frank Smythe one of the british mountaineers later authored a book by the same name.
As you trek along the way, you can see variety of wildflowers, including rare species that bloom exclusively in this sanctuary. Valley of flowers trek is an expedition into the heart of botanical bliss.
Valley of flowers trek is about 17 kms from Govindghat, a small town close to Joshimath where the trek begins. One is greeted by fields of perfumed wild flowers, wild rose bushes and wild strawberries by the sides of the path.
Valley of Flowers trek requires a permit from the Forest Department, at Ghangaria. The permit is valid for three days. Only visiting and trekking are allowed during the day time.Visitors are not allowed to stay inside the National park.The best time to visit is between July and early September, when the valley is full of flowers, just after the onset of monsoons.
This beautiful Valley of flowers trek also entails visiting the Gurudwara of Hemkund Sahib, pilgrimage to the Sikhs, one can encounter many sikh pilgrims also on the route.
The Valley of Flowers National Park is alongside the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park to the east.Both parks are encompassed in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve which is further surrounded by a buffer zone and is together declared as the UNESCO world heritage site.
Trek Cost : Rs. 16,000/- Per Person
Number of Days: 06 Days
Valley of flowers Trek distance : 17 kms
Valley of flowers Trek difficulty : Easy to Moderate Adventure
Area: Gharwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India
Highlights: Rare Alpine flowers, hemkund sahib gurudwara, UNESCO world heritage site
Highest point: 4300 m
Valley of flowers Trek Best Time: July to August
*(Single bookings wait until minimum 4 participants are confirmed.)
Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara
Valley Of Flowers Trek Itinerary ( 5 Nights / 6 Days)
Day 1: Rishikesh to Govindghat (265 kms / 8 -9 hrs drive)
We start our journey from Rishikesh early in the morning. Travel by road to reach Joshimath and then Govindghat, a scenic town nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Check into a comfortable hotel, relax, and acclimatize to the altitude. Enjoy the evening exploring the local surroundings and have a dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria Trek (13 kms Trek, 5-6 hrs)
Today morning after breakfast, start trek towards Ghagaria, the base camp for the Valley of Flowers trek. Begin your trek to Ghangaria, a charming village situated amidst lush greenery. The trek is moderate in difficulty and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Reach Ghangaria, rest, and prepare for the next day’s adventure. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and Back (4 kms trek)
Today embark on an exciting trek to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the vibrant meadows adorned with a myriad of colourful flowers. Marvel at the diverse flora and fauna unique to this region. Take photographs, enjoy a packed lunch, and soak in the natural beauty. Return to Ghangaria in the evening, relax, and relish a warm dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and Back (5 kms trek)
Trek to Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Visit the pristine lake and the Gurudwara (Sikh temple) situated on its banks and Laxman ji temple. Experience the spiritual ambiance and breath taking views of the surrounding Himalayas. Descend back to Ghangaria, unwind, and spend a peaceful night, Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat / Badrinath Ji(13 kms trek, 5-6 hrs) (Badrinath Optional)
Today after breakfast, Trek down back to Govindghat from Ghangaria. From Govindghat, drive to Badrinath, one of the holiest Hindu shrines in India. Visit the ancient Badrinath Temple and take a dip in the holy Tapt Kund. Explore the picturesque surroundings and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Badrinath.
Day 6: Badrinath to Rishikesh (300 kms , 11/12 hrs drive)
Today wakeup early morning and start drive back to Rishikesh from Badrinath, breakfast and lunch on the way. Arrival at Rishikesh by evening later drop at Hotel / Airport. Trip concludes here with sweet memories.Â
Note- This itinerary may vary change on weather conditions and the trekking group’s pace. It’s essential to follow the guidance of your trek leader and stay hydrated throughout the trek. Enjoy your trekking experience in the Valley of Flowers!
Valley of Flowers Trek Inclusion & Exclusion
Package Inclusions
- Accommodation in Guest house / homestay / camp.
- All Meals during the Trek.
- Transportation from Rishikesh to Rishikesh.
- Water Bottle etc.
- All Camping / Trekking equipment’s (Tents, Sleeping Bags etc.)
- Porter, Cook & Mule charges (for trekking equipment)
- Forest Camping Charges, Entry Fees & Permits.
- Services of Experienced english speaking trek guide.
Food:Â Veg meals. Lunch on trekking days would be packed for having en-route and all other meals would be freshly prepared by our kitchen team which would be travelling along.
Package Exclusions
- Any meals/services not mentioned above
- Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
- Any expenses rising due to bad weather, landslides, etc.
- Any pickup /drop railway station /airport.
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Valley of Flowers Trek with Mapping The Himalayas
Planning a trek to the enchanting Valley of Flowers can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help you prepare for this captivating adventure, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions tailored specifically to the Valley of Flowers trek.
Q1. Why Choose Mapping The Himalayas for the Valley of Flowers Trek?
At Mapping The Himalayas, we take pride in our safety measures, knowledgeable guides, eco-conscious practices, and personalized trekking experiences. We are dedicated to ensuring your safety and providing an authentic Himalayan adventure.
Q2. How Do I Decide if the Valley of Flowers Trek is Right for Me?
Our website offers detailed information about the Valley of Flowers trek, including its difficulty level, duration, and key attractions. Additionally, our expert team is just a message away, ready to assist you based on your preferences and fitness level, helping you make an informed decision about this unique trek.
Q3. When is the Best Time to Embark on the Valley of Flowers Trek?
The Valley of Flowers is at its most spectacular during the monsoon months of July to September when the meadows are in full bloom. This period provides a vibrant display of colors and is the ideal time for the Valley of Flowers trek.
Q4. What Should I Pack for the Valley of Flowers Trek?
Essentials such as comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothing, a rain jacket, a first aid kit, and a backpack.
Q5. Is Altitude Sickness a Concern during the Valley of Flowers Trek?
While the Valley of Flowers trek is relatively moderate in altitude, it’s essential to be aware of altitude sickness. Our itineraries are designed to allow for gradual acclimatization, minimizing the risk. Stay hydrated, listen to your body, and follow the advice of our experienced guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
Q6. What Kind of Accommodation Can I Expect During the Valley of Flowers Trek?
Accommodation options during the Valley of Flowers trek include comfortable lodges and guesthouses. These accommodations are selected to ensure your safety and comfort, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate after a day of trekking amidst the breath taking Himalayan landscape.
Q7. How Do I Book the Valley of Flowers Trek with Mapping The Himalayas?
Booking your Valley of Flowers trek with us is simple! Visit our website, select the Valley of Flowers trek, and complete the booking form. Our dedicated team will assist you throughout the booking process, providing information on payment options, necessary documents, and essential preparation tips. Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll provide all the details you need for this unforgettable adventure.
We hope these FAQs address your concerns. Should you have any more questions or require further assistance, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re excited to guide you on an incredible journey through the mesmerizing Valley of Flowers!
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Delightful experiences of our clients - Reviews​
Posted on Trinh NhungTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Enjoyed the sunrise view, the trekking from Kunjapuri temple in nature and sound of the birds 😊 Just it was crowded at the waterfall. I like somewhere peaceful. The guide is good and on time when he picked up me. That's the plus 😊Posted on Amanda MineiroTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an amazing experience! My partner and I booked the Chopta 4D3N trek. It was our first time in the mountains here in India. The entire trip was well organized and stress free. All of the gear we needed was provided. The camps and home stays were all great. The food was fantastic. We loved our guide, Ankush and his love for nature and the mountains. He kept everything running smoothly, took us on paths with almost no other people on them, made sure we always had our chai and shared many facts about the birds, plants and landscape along the way. Honorable mention for our driver, Sandeep. He kept us safe and always had a smile on his face. Highly recommend this company for any trek!Posted on Abbey GallowayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I came to India solo as a female traveler and left with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. From the moment the trip started, I felt completely safe, cared for, and genuinely looked after in a way that’s honestly rare to find anywhere in the world. We trekked Kedarnath, Badrinath, Tungnath, explored Mana village, stayed in beautiful homestays, crossed unbelievable mountain roads, and somehow every single day felt like an adventure movie mixed with a spiritual pilgrimage. The views were unreal. The photos we took look like scenes from a film. Every turn in the Himalayas felt surreal. What made this experience different though was the flexibility and heart behind it. Kalyan never treated the trip like a rigid itinerary. He gave me options constantly and built the experience around what I wanted to do, eat, explore, and experience. If I was hungry, we stopped. If I wanted chai, we found chai. If I wanted to stay longer somewhere beautiful, we stayed longer. I probably gained 7 kg because I was fed constantly and happily accepted my fate. At one point on the drive toward Tungnath, he randomly pulled out KitKats and handed them to me while we climbed higher into the mountains, and weirdly enough that tiny moment ended up becoming one of those memories that sticks with you forever. Kalyan also seemed to know everyone everywhere we went. Whether it was locals, guesthouses, shop owners, temple areas, drivers, or mountain routes, I genuinely felt like I only needed one contact in India to have a completely customized and authentic experience. He’s an incredible adventurer, an excellent businessman, and one of the most patient people I’ve met. But more than that, he’s deeply kind. I paid attention to the way he treated animals, children, older people, and strangers throughout the journey, and it told me everything I needed to know about his character. If you are a solo traveler, especially a woman, and you want an experience that feels safe, flexible, adventurous, personal, and unforgettable, book with Mapping the Himalayas. Some trips stay in your camera roll. This one stays somewhere much deeper.Posted on Owen KarrelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great experience with Mapping the Himalayas. I did the 4D3N Chotpa/Tungnath trek and it was one of the highlights of my India trip. Narayan, our guide, made the trip amazing. He is a sweet, funny guy with a gentle soul and it was super fun to hike with him. He is a local from Uttarkashi district and a devout Hindu, so he was able to give us lots of information about local culture, history, native plants and animals and of course Hinduism. He also knew things like the spots where we could watch the sunrise while avoiding the crowds. Would recommend him as a guide to anybody Thanks Narayan!Posted on Denisa ZubajováTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing mountain trip called Chopta trek - everything was thoughtfully organised and we felt genuinely well taken care of throughout. The journey from Rishikesh took about 6–7 hours, but it passed quickly thanks to scenic stops at local restaurants, with meals already included in the price. Our guide, Narayan, was incredibly attentive, always checking that we were comfortable and had everything we needed. Even though I was a slower walker, he never rushed me and made sure I was always okay. I’d absolutely recommend this experience with them. They also provided all the essential gear, including hiking shoes and walking sticks, which made everything much easier.Posted on Saurabh ChaturvediTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath trek with this company, and it was a really very memorable experience with our guide Ankush and driver Anil. Ankush is a very experienced guide for mountain treks. He is a local, so he explained everything in detail. I highly recommend this company.Posted on Josefine NTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My mother and I booked two experiences with them and had a fantastic time! We first went on the Kanjapuri Sunrise trek, where we got really lucky in the morning and were even able to see to the Himalaya! Before and during the trek there were enough breaks, we got some chai and were able to refresh ourselves in the pond of Neer Waterfall. The next day our Safari had to be postponed due to the park being closed due to rain. The guys were kind enough to still bring us to Hatidwar (where we were supposed to go afterwards) and picked us up from there the next morning! During the safari we were again accompanied by Ankush and had a fantastic time, beeing able to see peacocks, lots of birds and elephants! Thank you guys for the amazing experiences!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more