Valley of Flowers Trek

Uttarakhand

6 Day

14000 Ft

37 Km

Easy to Moderate

₹ 9,500 Per Person

Brief Description

 Group Size     : 15
 Season            : June – October

The Valley of Flowers is a world heritage site and a part of the famous Nanda Devi Biosphere. This national park in the far interiors of Garhwal Himalayas (Uttarakhand) is spread over 87.5 sq. Kms. This hidden jewel is a truly unique habitat, home to many endemic varieties of alpine flowers and plants. This valley is at an altitude of 3250 m and above. Representing the bond of nature and human soul, the Valley of Flowers trek is one of the beautiful treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region that receives travellers of all age from different corners of the world.

Hundreds of species of colourful flowers bloom in the region in different growing seasons of the year. Many of them are endemic and threatened; hence the government has restricted human activity here. Among the animals found here are Himalayan black bears, brown bears, snow leopards, red foxes, Himalayan tahrs, musk deer and monals. The best thing about this Valley of Flowers trekking package is that it also gives you a chance to visit Hemkund Sahib. This is a highly revered Sikh gurdwara, and is located about 15200 feet above sea level. The Hemkund Sahib trek starts from the small village of Ghangaria, and the 7 km distance is generally covered in seven hours. From Ghangaria, there is a well-maintained path, leading to the pilgrimage site. There is a lake behind the gurdwara, where you may relax and click photos. The shrine is designed like a star, and it was constructed in the 1980s by personnel’s of the Indian Army.

Available Dates

02 Aug – 07 Aug  (Open)
09 Aug – 15 Aug  (Open)
16 Aug – 21 Aug  (Open)
23 Aug – 28 Aug  (Open)

Itinerary

Your Pick up from Haridwar railway station will be at 6:30 am. We’ll head straight to Joshimath which is approximately 250kms. Breakfast and Lunch will be taken on your way to Joshimath (not included in the cost). After reaching Joshimath at around 6 in the evening you’ll be checking in the hotel for an overnights stay.

Early morning drive for about an hour or so to reach Govindghat, our starting point for the trek. We start the trek by crossing the river Alaknanda over a bridge at Govindghat and from there walking towards the Bhyundar valley through forest area and a few villages.

There are numerous waterfalls and absolutely lush green landscape all around. The gradient of the trail is moderate. The 14 kms trek to reach Ghangaria takes about 4-5 hrs, one can also hire a mule or use the helicopter service to reach Ghangaria. Overnight in the hotel.

It’s a delightful and short ascent to the valley. Gradient is moderate and the landscape extremely soothing to the eye. It will take about a couple of hours to reach the valley. The beauty of this world renowned valley totally lives up to its reputation. There are unending meadows laden with varieties of alpine flowers, network of streams and big mountains all around.

At the entrance of the Valley stands the snow-clad peak of Ratban Parvat, towards the left is Nar Parvat, which separates the Badrinath valley from this valley, and to the right is dense Birch forest on the hillsides. We will spend 3-4 hrs exploring different corners & vantage points of the valley and towards late afternoon head back to the hotel at Ghangaria.

Option 1: Ghangaria(3050m) – Hemkund Sahib (4329m) – Ghangaria (3050m) (Trek / 6 – 7 Hrs)

Today’s climb to Hemkund Sahib is steep at places and will take about 3 – 4 hrs. Hemkund Sahib is a popular Sikh Shrine built next to the beautiful lake. The lake is surrounded by wild flowers with Brahmkamal being the most popular.

Pilgrims take a dip in the freezing cold waters of the lake, not an easy task. The hot tea served in the Gurudwara (shrine) is divine to say the least. We will also visit the Laxman mandir next to the Gurudwara. Towards afternoon head back to Ghangaria. Overnight in the hotel at Ghangaria.

Option 2: Ghangaria(3050m) – Valley Of Flowers (3600m) – Ghangaria(3050m) (Trek / 4 – 5 Hrs)

You can do a leisurely hike today and spend more time taking pictures and documenting the flower species. Towards afternoon head back to Ghangaria. Overnight in the hotel at Ghangaria.

Today we trek back to Govindghat retracing the same route . After arriving here, we will drive to Joshimath / Auli. Overnight in hotel.

After breakfast drive down to Haridwar. Trip ends here

Gallery

Trek Essentials

Basic Essentials
o Back Pack & Rain Cover (50-60 liter)
o Day Pack & Rain Cover (20-30 liter, If you hire mule or porter)
o Couple of water bottles (Avoid Bisleri Bottles)
o Hiking Shoes (Should be water proof and ankle support)
o Torch (With extra batteries)
o Glucose, Chocolates, biscuits and nuts
o Personal Medical kit (If you required)
o Original ID Card

 

Clothing Essentials
o Trek Pants – 2 Nos. (Avoid Jeans, Shorts, Capris, Fitting Denims)
o T-shirts – 4 Nos. (2 Full Sleeves, 2 Half Sleeves)
o Sweater – 2 Nos. (1 Fleece, 1 Woollen)
o Jacket – 2 Nos. (1 Fleece, 1 Down feather)
o Thermal Wear – 1 Nos.
o Gloves – 2 Nos. (1 Woollen, 1 Waterproof)
o Socks – 5 Nos. (3 Cotton, 2 Woollen)
o Warm Inner wears
o Rain Coat / Poncho – 1 Nos.
o Handkerchief/towels – 1 Nos.
o Slippers – 1 Nos.

 

Protect Your Head
o UV sunglasses – 1 Nos.
o Caps – 2 Nos. (1 Sun Cap, 1 Woollen Cap)
o Balaclava – 1 Nos.

Personal Utilities
o Sunscreen Cream
o Body Lotion
o Lip Balm
o Sanitizer
o Tooth Brush & Paste
o Quick Dry Towel
o Cameras
o Books (If you like reading)
o Music Instruments (Guitar, Flute)

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions on Brahmatal Trek

Q   Which are the best seasons for the Valley of Flowers trek?

A    This trek is best done during monsoon, July – September, when the valley comes alive with the alpine flowers that it is known for.

Q   What is the style of accommodation in this trek?

A    Accommodation on all days of the trek will be in lodges, where you will be sharing rooms with fellow trekkers.

Q  What will the temperatures be like during this trek?

A    Day time temperatures will range from 12-20ºC and night time temperature will range from 4-10ºC.

Q   What will we do if it rains?

A    If it starts raining while you’re trekking, we will continue on the trail as planned. Your poncho should protect you from the rain. Carry a backpack cover for extra protection from rain for your belongings.

Q   How do we reach Govind Ghat?

A    We will arrange pick – up vehicles/shared cabs from Haridwar railway station to Govind Ghat, the base camp. This transport cost is to be borne by the trekkers and will amount to approximately Rs. 7,000 per vehicle (5-6 seater) or Rs.10,000 per vehicle (11-12 seater).

Q   How do we get back after the trek?

A    We will arrange for shared cabs from Govind Ghat to Haridwar. This cost is to be borne by the trekkers and is not included in the trek fee. Before you set off for Badrinath or Mana, make sure you check with locals about current weather conditions.

Q   Are backpacks, raincoats and other equipment available for rent ?

A    No. Highland trekkers does not rent any equipment. You may purchase trekking poles and other equipment from open market.

Q   Is this a good trek for a first timer?

A    It is suitable for a first time trekker provided you are fit .

Q   Is there an option to offload my backpack on this trek?

A    Yes, there is an option to offload your backpack. This will cost Rs.500  if you inform us in advance. If you decide to offload once you reach Govind Ghat, the amount will be Rs.350 per day inclusive of tax. The offloaded bag should not weigh more than 9 kg.

Q   What are washroom/toilet facilities like on the trek?

A    The guest houses where you will be staying have concrete toilets.

Q   Will there be water sources on the way? Will two litres of water be enough?

A    For your day’s trek, two litres of water should be enough. You will also find water sources along the trail on all days of the trek.

Q   Is there mobile network on this trek? Are there any electricity charging points on this trek?

A    Mobile network (BSNL) is available only up to Govindghat. Make sure you inform anxious family members about poor connectivity in the mountains. Electricity charging points are available at lodges. However, you need to be mindful of the fact that here could be power cuts.

Q   How do I manage the low temperatures on the trek? Do I need special jackets?

A    At high altitudes, temperatures are sure to dip into negative at nights.. For these extreme cold temperatures, you need to wear three layers of woollen, inners and lower.

What's Included

INCLUDED

 Transport from Haridwar to Joshimath & Return
 Accommodation during the trek (camping)
 All meals – vegetarian
 Campfire at Camps (If Available)
 Trekking permits and forest camping charges
 Trekking equipment (tents, sleeping bags, ice axes, ropes, etc.)
 Services of an expert trek leader (qualified in basic/advanced mountaineering courses)
 Services of an expert trek team (guides, cooks, helpers, porters/mules)
 Safety equipment (first aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, stretcher, etc.)
 Achievement Certificate
 Memories of Life Time

NOT INCLUDED

 Transport from your city to Kathgodam and Return
 Backpack offloading charges (Rs.250 Per Day/Per Bag)
Food during transport from Kathgodam to Lohajung & Return
 Backpack offloading charges
 Personal expenses of any kind
 Anything apart from the inclusions

How to Reach

Flights to Dehradun:
There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun

Trains to Dehradun :
Dehradun Express (12687) From Delhi
Doon Express (13009) From Kolkata
Dehradun Express (19019) From Mumbai

Buses to Dehradun:
Regular buses from Delhi and from major cities of North India.

Cancellation Policy

  1. Before 30 days: Full refund (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.)
  2. Between 21-30 days: 75% of trip cost will be refunded
  3. Between 11-20 days: 50% of trip cost will be refunded
  4. Between 0-10 days: No refund