Overview
Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 6 Days
Grade :- Easy
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, upto Ghangaria, 12 kms ahead.Few furlongs ahead of Ghangaria the trek route to the valley takes a detour towards left. The valley is about 5 kms from Ghangaria.
The high altitude serine lake, known as Hemkund ( 4329 mts.) 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- 256 km
Driving Time-10 hours
Altitude- 6,700 ft.
Pick up from Haridwar railway station at 6:30 am
Breakfast and Lunch on the way (exclusive of charges)
Last ATM point available in Joshimath
Market available in Joshimath
Networks available all along the way
Guest house stay
Route
Haridwar to Rishikesh (best place for white water rafting, trekking gear available on rent and purchase)
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:- Joshimath to Ghangaria via Pulna & Govind ghat
22 km 50 minutes (Driving) Joshimath to Govind ghat (6,300 ft)
4 km 20 minutes, Govindghat to Pulna (6,800 ft)
9 km 4 hours, Pulna to Ghangharia (9,800 ft)
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
Stay in guest house
Note worthy Site: Govinddham Gurduwara, Govindghat; Hemkund Gurduwara base, Ghangharia; Valley of Flowers Information Center; Ghangharia
Day 3:- Ghangaria to Valley of Flower back to Ghangaria
Altitude- 11,500 ft.
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
Prominent flowers:- Blue Poppy, Snake Foil, White Leaf Hog Foot, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Dog Flower , Hooked Stick Seed, and River Anemone
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
Day 4:- Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib back to Ghangaria
Altitude- 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 Joshimath via GovindGhat & Badrinath
Distance to Govind Ghat- 13 km
Trek Time-5 hours
Distance to Badrinath 10,170 ft.- 25 km (Drive)
Driving Time- 40 mins
Distance to Joshimath- 44 km (Drive)
Driving Time- 2.5 hours
Packed lunch
Guest house stay
If weather and road condition will permit, then only we will go to Badrinath
Day 6:- Joshimath to Haridwar.
Distance-235 km
Breakfast and lunch excluded
Ride will commence at 7 am, reaching destination at around 6 pm to 7 pm
You can book your travel from Haridwar any time after 8 pm.
Breakfast and Lunch will be on the way at a roadside inn, exclusive of charges
Who Can Go
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 - Joshimath
Jolly Grant Airport which is in Dehradun is the nearest to the location, located about 48 km from the Haridwar. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun, reach Haridwar one day early if coming by flight. Your Pick up from Haridwar railway station is 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.
Day 02: Joshimath - GovindGhat - Ghangaria Trek
After having your breakfast at Joshimath we'll be heading to Govind Ghat which is about 22 km. Govind Ghat is a pilgrim spot which is visited by a lot of visitors. The Badrinath highway is an adventurous route as it gives you an entire view of the valley, river Alakananda flows alongside giving you an amazing view. There are a lot of eateries along the way so it's okay if you don't pack any food with you. After getting down at Govind Ghat, you can even hire a porter or a mule to carry your luggage on the Ghangaria Trek which is also known as Govind Dham. Your overnight stay will be at the guesthouse.
Day 03: Ghangaria - Hemkund - Ghangaria
Govind Dham is a base camp for both Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers. Today you'll be visiting Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara which is the world’s highest Gurudwara, situated at an altitude of 4,329 mt. We will be visiting the Gurudwara and coming back to Ghangaria. The estimated time both ways is 9-10 hours. It's important to carry sufficient water on the trail. There is a steep ascent for 4 hours to reach Hemkund Sahib which will require some efforts to push your body. We'll start the day early in the morning so that we are able to make it back on time, keeping in mind if the weather plays a spoilsport. Two hours into the trek, once you are higher than the tree line, you'll get a panoramic view of the mountain range that surrounds this beautiful trek. You will also come across a melting glacier which has been frozen for a while now. It's crucial that you maintain a standard speed while walking, going too fast will affect your breathing as you gain higher altitude. After reaching the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, you'll be able to spot the lake that which lies behind it which is frozen for almost half the year. Hot chai and Khichadi is served at the Gurudwara which will re-energize your senses. Indulge in harmony that surrounds this place which has such positive vibes. You'll also be able to spot Brahma Kamal that grows at such high altitudes. After clicking pictures and we'll be heading down to Ghangria which is a 4-5 hour walk.
Day 04: Ghangaria - Valley of Flower - Ghangaria.
We'll be starting at 6 in the morning. Packed lunch will be carried along. After buying the tickets, we'll be walking inside the gate that leads us to Valley of Flowers trail. Walking for an hour or so you'll be amazed to see tall rocky mountains staring at you from a distance. You will also spot a scenic bridge across a stream which makes a beautiful setting. Colourful flowers here and there with thin patches of snow make it a sight to behold. After a couple of hours, you will be thrilled by the beauty which surrounds you on the trail, welcoming you is a carpet of green, yellow, red and blue flowers. With the sun shining above, it makes the entire valley glow like paradise. Indeed, the valley is a dreamland for a flower lover. Various species of flowers surround you from all four sides and you'll be treated with a mesmerizing scent that is let out, covering the valley for more than 5kms. The flowers that you'll come across are Himalayan Rose, Blue Poppy, Hooked Stick Seed, River Anemone and many more. You'll be taken aback after witnessing so much beauty around you that that valley has to offer.
Day 05: Ghangaria - GovindGhat – Badrinath- Joshimath
After the overnight stay at Ghangria, we'll be heading back to Govindghat and then drive to Joshimath via Badrinath (If weather and road condition will permit, then only we will go to Badrinath).
Day 06: Joshimath- Haridwar.
After having your morning tea we'll drive to Haridwar. you’ll reach Haridwar between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm. You can book your travel any time after 8:00 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 is regular bus service from Delhi to Haridwar, from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trust worthiness.
Usually buses drop you at Haridwar bus station. From there you have to come to Haridwar Railway Station
TTH’s Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Haridwar Railway Station at 6:00am.
Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek
You will reach Joshimath by 5:00 pm
Food from Haridwar to Joshimath is not included in the trek cost
Cost Terms
Inclusions :-
1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay,).
2. Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
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. Transport from Haridwar to Joshimath and return.
7. TTH Staff Insurance.
8. Porters/mules to carry central equipment.
Exclusions :-
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Price Includes.
6. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges
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/ Adventure activity fee:
The fee can be paid by online transfer/check 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.
When to book:
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: -
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
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.
Fitness
Fitness regime for:
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.
FAQ
Mid June to Mid September is a best time to visit Valley.
Actually Trekking is for everyone, but your fitness play major part. For any treks in Himalayas, Trekkers should be physically fit and have good walking stamina, and don't have any medical issue/history which affect their ability/health during trek.
Yes, This trek is highly recommended for beginner. Anyone with good fitness and walking stamina should be able to do this trek.
Yes, You can join us. We already have group in which we take maximum 22-24 and minimum 5-6 Trekkers.
Yes, Your kid can join. Minimum age requirement is 8 yrs, and maximum depend on trekkers fitness.
Our trek cost is Rs.9800/-Per person + 5% GST. So, Total payable amount is Rs.10290/-Per perosn including taxes.
No, You don't need to pay extra. We have already covered vehicle booking charge between Haridwar to Joshimath and return
Haridwar Railway Station near Lord Shiva Statue is a pick up location for Trekkers or you can take pick up facility from Rishikesh
No. After registration you should wait for booking confirmation from TTH team Once you receive it, then complete your registration by paying fee and simultaneously book your travel plan.
No camping. It is a monsoon time in Uttarakhand, and heavy rainfall during this time is expected so we arrange trekkers stay in Guesthouses.
Actually it's Room. We have 3 Bed/4 Bed/5 Bed accommodation in both places (Joshimath and Ghangaria) with attached bathroom.
No, Female Trekkers share Room with female co-trekkers and same applicable for other.
Yes, It is available. We require offloading between Ghovindghat to Ghangaria and return only, and for advance booking pay Rs.500/- or book it after reaching Joshimath and pay Rs.700/- per backpack
TATA Sumo/ Bolero/Max kind of vehicles we arrange, and accommode 6-7 People in a vehicle
No, Trekkers require offloading facility only for Day 2 and Day 5. Other days (Day 3, Day 4) you can leave your big backpack in Ghangaria and require to carry Day pack.
Please check our fitness article for daily workout : https://www.trekthehimalayas.com/fitness-for-trekking/exercise-charts/easy/
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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