Valley of Flowers

Overview

Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 6 Days
Grade :- Easy To Moderate
Max Altitude :- 14,100 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 37 Kms.

The most beautiful of all Himalayan flowers, the blue Primula can be seen blooming in thousands in the valley. The best time to see the valley in full bloom is from mid-July to mid-August. To reach the valley one has to trek from Govind Ghat, on the route to Hemkund Sahib, up to Ghangaria, 12 km ahead. Few furlongs ahead of Ghangaria the trek route to the valley takes a detour towards left. The valley is about 5 km from Ghangaria. The high altitude serine lake, known as Hemkund ( 4300m/14,100ft) lies in heavenly environs. A steep trek from Ghangharia leads one to this spot in about four to six hours. It is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs, as well as for people from other faiths. There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake. Encircled by seven snow-clad peaks and their associated glaciers, it reflects its surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear serene waters. The glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks feed the lake and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this lake. As alluded to, in the holy Granth Sahib, Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikh faith had meditated on the bank of this lake in one of his earlier births. It is widely believed among Sikhs that Guru Govind Singh introduced the features now universally associated with Sikhism. On 15th April 1699, he started the new brotherhood called the Khalsa (meaning the pure, from the Persian word 'Khales') an inner core of the faithful, accepted by baptism (Amrit). The five K's' date from this period: kesh (uncut hair) kangha (comb), kirpan (dagger or short sword), Kara (steel bangle), and kachh (boxer shorts).

Brief Itinerary

Day 1- Haridwar to Joshimath

Distance- 275 km, Altitude 1,900m/6,200ft.

Pick up from Haridwar Railway Station parking at 6:00 AM

Driving Time-10-11 hrs.

Last ATM point available in Joshimath.

Market available in Joshimath.

Networks available all along the way.

Guest house stay (Shared Accommodation).

Route

Haridwar to Rishikesh

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

40 km 20 minutes, Govindghat to Pulna (2,000m/6,800ft).

9 km 4 hours, Pulna to Ghangharia (2,290m/9,800ft).

Gradual ascent on a stone-paved path, all the way along the river.

Water is available along the route.

Packed lunch will be given.

Mule and porter facility is available from Pulna.

BSNL network available at Ghangaria.

Helicopter service available from Govind ghat to Ghangaria and fro only if weather allow (Not included).

Stay in guest house (Shared Accommodation).

Note worthy Site: Govinddham Gurduwara, Govindghat; Hemkund Gurduwara base, Ghangharia; Valley of Flowers Information Center; Ghangharia

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

Altitude- 3,500m/11,500ft.

Distance- 4 km, each way.

Trek Time- 7 hours.

The Valley is 6-7 km long, ends with a glacier.

Mixed incline till the valley followed by level walk on grassland.

Can refill water bottles from streams on the way.

Packed lunch will be given, no food available in the valley.

Camping inside the valley is not allowed, can’t stay after sunset.

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

Altitude- 4,300m/14,100 ft.

Distance- 5.5 km, each way.

Trek Time- 7 hours.

Gradual and steep mixed ascent on a stair welled stone-paved path.

Mule ride service is available till Hemkund Sahib.

Can refill water from road side dhabas.

Hot lunch at Gurduwara langar.

Brahma Kamal, Himalayan blue poppy can be seen on the way to Hemkund Sahib.

Night stay in Guest house.

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

Distance to Govind Ghat- 13 km

Trek Time-5 hours

Driving Time- 20 mins

Packed lunch

Guest house stay

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

Day 6:- Joshimath to Haridwar

After Morning Tea/Coffee, Depart to home.

you’ll reach Haridwar between 6 -7:00 pm. You can book further travel any time after 8:00 pm.

Who Can Go

The first timer can apply, should have some interest in trekking and mountaineering

The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 45 minutes without a stress

The climber should be able to carry a 10 kg backpack

Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have the conditions mentioned above

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Haridwar to Joshimath

You will begin your journey with us from Haridwar. Starting the drive from Haridwar from the appointed pickup point (Haridwar railway station), we will take the fabled Badrinath Road. We will be crossing Rishikesh and conveniently arrange pickup from there too. Alternatively, you can arrange your stay at these awesome places on your way back after the trek as well.

The nine-hour drive to Joshimath will surely be long and arduous, but you are never going to run out of mesmerizing views. The great river running with us on parallel will get wilder and more fascinating as we trudge uphill. We will be passing by the 4 of the Panchprayag or the five holy confluence of Ganga—Devaprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandaprayag. So, keep your cameras ready and remain awake for most of the journey!

Day 02: Joshimath - Ghangaria Trek

From Joshimath to Govindghat the distance is 22km. En route, you can spot the final Vishnuprayag. We will start off on the drive in the morning after breakfast and reach Govindghat by 8 am and then 4 km drive to Pulna which is the starting point. It will be a 9 km uphill route along the river, Pushpawati. The entire trail will be crowded most of the time. Many snack shops selling the beverage, hot noodles, omelets with bread, paratha, and the like can be found on this trail. So, you will never go hungry. The trek will be on a clearly defined stone-paved path, conveniently built with stairs. After 5 km walk, you will arrive at Bhyundar village. This village marks an amazing viewpoint for clear Hathi Parvat sights. Enjoy the wonderful sights as much as you can, because the strainful steep ascent will commence henceforth. You will reach Gangharia before nightfall, attaining an altitude of 10, 000 feet. The stay will be at a guest-house.

Day 03: Ghangaria - Valley of Flower - Ghangaria.

The journey to Valley of Flowers is a distance of 4 km. The valley is 6-7 km long; the distance travelled in the valley depends on how the trekkers want to explore the valley. Another, factor to be considered is the stamina of the trekkers.

Right, when you start from Ghangaria in 30 minutes forest check post arrives. The check post might not be an attraction but right before check post, there is a gushing waterfall called Laxman waterfall. Another 20 minutes into the greenery and next furious attraction comes. At this point, the Pushpavati river flows furiously below a wooden bridge. It is quite a common yet a unique and mesmerizing capture. The trail is steep and stone paved like the previous day. You can find many bridges and landslide areas when you enter the valley.

The valley is thousand times stupendous than you might have imagined. It truly makes the Himalayan peaks lively and cherishing. Blue Poppy, Snake Foil, White Leaf Hog Foot, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Dog Flower, Hooked Stick Seed are the native flowers. These astounding colorful blossoms end after 5 km stretch at a glacier. If the weather is clear the mighty Himalayan peaks of Nilgiri Parvat, Bhyundar Khal, Rattaban, Gauri Parvat etc. in the background. Today’s journey will conclude with your coming back to Ghangaria before nightfall.

Day 04: Ghangaria - Hemkund - Ghangaria

Get readyearly in the morning to start trekking (6 Km) for "HEMKUND SAHIB". One of the most revered of all Sikh Shrines, The Hemkund Sahib, the World’s Highest Gurudwara, is situated at an altitude of 4,329 meters. There will be porters and mules if you wish to offload your load. The trail today will be similar to previous days stone paved and continuous ascend. There will be shops on the way where you can energize yourself. Watch out for the rare flower Brahmakamal that will be spotted beside pathways.

The Gurudwara is placed magically beside the mirror like glacial lake Hemkund. During clear skies, one can witness the flawless reflections of the adjoining Saptrishi peaks. The lake is fed by melting glaciers of Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks. Religious Laxman temple is also found near the lake. In the afternoon trek down to reach Ghangariya for an overnight stay. The evening is free for rest & relaxation.

Day 5 : Ghangaria to Govindghat and drive to Joshimath

After your breakfast in the morning we descend to Govindghat and then drive to Joshimath. From this place Badrinath is 25 km away and take 1 hrs to reach. You can visit Badrinath only if road and weather condition permits us.

Note : Govindghat to Badrinath is landslide prone area in monsoon time so if our leaders find that your safety is in risk due to weather condition/landslide or road blockage we shall skip Badrinath altogether and drive to Joshimath directly.

On arrival, check into hotel. Overnight: Hotel

Day 06: Joshimath to Haridwar

The ride will commence at 6 am and you will reach Haridwar around 6 - 7 pm. Your Breakfast and Lunch will be on the way at a roadside inn, exclusive of charges, after having your morning tea/coffee you can leave for your next destination. We advise you to book further travel after 8 pm.

How to Reach

By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 48 km from the Haridwar. There is a daily flight from Delhi for Dehradun, reach Haridwar one day early if coming by flight.

By Train:-
An excellent rail network connects Haridwar to other important cities like Delhi, Mussoorie, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
From Delhi -DDN NZM AC EXPRESS (2205)
From Kolkata- Doon Express (13009)
From Mumbai- Dehradun Express (19019)
From Chennai- Dehradun express (12687)

By Bus:-
There are many regular bus services from Delhi to Haridwar, from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate. We would suggest taking only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Usually, buses drop you at Haridwar bus station. From there you have to come to Haridwar Railway Station

Cost Terms

Inclusions :-
1. Accommodation. (Guesthouse, Homestay,).
2. Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg) from Dinner on Day 1 to Dinner on Day 5.
3. All necessary entry fees and permits.
4. First Aid Medical Kits and Oxygen Cylinder.
5. Mountaineering qualified & professional Trek Leader, Guide, Cook and Support staff.
6. TTH Staff Insurance.
7. Porters/mules to carry central equipment.
8. Transport Haridwar to Govindghat and return.

Exclusions :-
1. Food during the transit.
2. Insurance.
3. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
4. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Price Includes.
5. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges
6.Any kind of personal expenses.

Note: Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 500/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 700/- if you inform us after reaching Joshimath
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.

To book a Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.

Paying the Trek /Tour fee:
The fee can be paid by online transfer/Check deposit/Cash deposit/Demand draft. Instruction for
payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please
e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.

Cancellation terms:
For the cancellation of services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, Trek The Himalayas must
be notified of the same in writing at [email protected] At the time we receive your
written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations prior to 07 days from the start of the Trek: Get a full refund (minus 5% transaction cost). The money will be transferred to the same bank account from where the transaction was made.

Cancellations prior to 06 days from the start of the Trek: 100% full refund of trek cost in form of Trek The Himalayas trek voucher valid for 1 year from date of issue. This voucher is applicable for Indian treks only.

Cancellation on Start of Trek date:Get 20% refund of trek cost in form of Trek The Himalayas trek voucher valid for 1 year from date of issue. This voucher is applicable for Indian treks only.

Note: 1. Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
2. In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
3. TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
4. Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers

Cash Voucher Terms:

• This is a non transferable voucher
• The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Trek The Himalayas
• The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Trek The Himalayas in India
• To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
• All the other Terms of booking a trek with Trek The Himalayas are applicable to the voucher
• Trek The Himalayas holds rights to add/remove any of the Terms and Conditions without prior notice

Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.

Trek Essential

Fitness

Fitness regime for:

• Easy Treks:  View | Print | Download
• Moderate Treks:  View | Print | Download
• Difficult Treks: View | Print | Download

Calculate Your BMI

If your BMI is normal, you can plan your fitness regime as mentioned. If your BMI is not normal, consult your trusted physician before you plan your fitness regime.
If you're suffering from any chronic illnesses consult a medical practitioner.

Map

FAQ

Risk & Respond

High Altitude Treks: Risk and Response A high altitude trek calls for an adventurous attitude, but embarking on an adventurous trip without calculating the risks is utter stupidity. That’s why we have listed a few risks and the response planned by TTH to minimise or address the risks in the best possible way.

Risk: Altitude Before you start the trek, it is important to understand the implications of high altitude on your body. Be aware of symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) like mild headache, nausea and general discomfort.

Response: If you feel any of these symptoms, inform the trek leader on priority and follow his instructions. Every campsite has as stretcher, fully equipped first aid kit, oxygen cylinders to address the situation.

Risk: Weather Weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas. Though we are always observant about the changing weather, no one can guarantee a snowfall, rain or Sun. Do understand that your security is of utmost importance to us and we will not proceed any further from the campsite if the weather is not favourable.

Response: The decision of the Trek Leaders and Guides to proceed or wait for the weather to get better will be final.

Risk: Injuries Often, while trekking over difficult terrains, you might have minor injuries like leg sprain, bruises etc. Serious injuries like fractures or major cuts are very rare.

Response: All our Trek Leaders are Certified Wilderness First Aid responders. They are trained to handle emergencies and can tackle minor injuries with a well-equipped first aid kit. In case of serious injuries, the patient is carried on a stretcher to the nearest road-head and is led to nearest medical centre.

Risk: Lack of communication devices In the remote areas of the Himalayas, mobile networks do not reach. On a trek, one is cut off from the world of calls, SMSs or watsapps.

Response: We rely on walkie-talkies and runners to communicate between the campsites and the base camps.

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