Valley of Flowers Trek – Explore Uttarakhand’s Blooming Paradise
Duration
6 Days
Max People
99
Min Age
16+
Pickup
Rishikesh
The Valley of Flowers trek in the Uttarakhand Himalayas offers a unique and enchanting experience with its vibrant floral landscapes. Rated easy to moderate, it’s ideal for first-timers, including families and kids. Additionally, trekkers have the chance to visit Hemkund Sahib, the highest Gurudwara in the world.
The valley spans about 2 km wide and 8 km long, best visited between July and mid-September. During this period, temperatures range from 5 to 20 degrees Celsius, with moderate rainfall and frequent cloud cover. The most demanding part of the trek is the ascent to Hemkund Sahib on the final day, which involves a strenuous climb of around 4,300 feet.
The Valley of Flowers trek is renowned for its biodiversity, making it a paradise for nature lovers. It is home to 520 plant varieties and 13 species of mammals. This rich diversity enhances the trek’s appeal for those interested in nature and wildlife.
Discovered in 1931 by mountaineers returning from Mount Kamet, the valley was declared a national park in 1980 and became part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in 2000 under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere program. With about 500 flower varieties, some of which have medicinal properties, the valley’s conservation is crucial. Consequently, animal grazing is prohibited to protect the threatened plant species.
Trekkers follow well-marked trails, with some sections featuring steps. Mules are available from Govindghat to Ghangaria and Hemkund Sahib but cannot enter the main valley. Accommodations are basic lodges, and camping is not permitted. Trekkers should be prepared for possible rainfall, carrying a good-quality rain jacket or poncho, weather-resistant backpack covers, waterproof shoes, and extra socks to ensure comfort during the trek.
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation: Guest houses and camps as per the itinerary.
- Meals: Veg and egg meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Transportation: Rishikesh to Rishikesh
- Permits and Fees: All required permits and entry fees for Indians.
- Medical Support: Includes medical kit, stretcher, oxygen, and monitoring equipment.
- Insurance (Mandatory).
- Food during the transit.
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Emergency evacuation, hospitalization charge or etc.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusion.
Tour Plan
- Altitude: 1,340 m/4,400 ft.
- Drive Distance: 200 km.
- Driving Time: 910 hrs.
- Pickup: 6:00 am from Rishikesh.
- ATM: Last point available in Pipalkoti.
- Market: Available in Pipalkoti.
- Network: Available all along the way.
- Stay: Guest house (shared accommodation).
Begin your journey with Chalo Travellers from Rishikesh, starting the drive on the fabled Badrinath Road. The ninehour drive to Pipalkoti will be long and arduous, but you'll never run out of mesmerizing views. The great river running parallel to us will get wilder and more fascinating as we trudge uphill. We will pass by four of the Panchprayag or the holy confluences of Ganga—Devaprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandaprayag. So, keep your cameras ready and remain awake for most of the journey!
Upon reaching Pipalkoti, you'll settle into your shared accommodation at a guest house. Take some time to relax and unwind from the day's journey. Dinner will be served at the guest house, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal before resting for the night. This stop provides an excellent opportunity to acclimatize and prepare for the trekking days ahead.
- Altitude: Pulna: 2,100 m/6,900 ft; Ghangaria: 3,000 m/9,800 ft
- Drive Distance: Pipalkoti to Govindghat: 52 km | 2 hours
- Trek Distance: Pulna to Ghangaria: 9 km | 4 hours
- Trail: Stonepaved path along the Pushpawati River
- Facilities: Mule and porter services, snack shops, BSNL, JIO, and AIRTEL network (erratic) in Ghangaria
- Accommodation: Guest house (shared accommodation)
After breakfast, you'll begin your journey with a 52 km drive from Pipalkoti to Govindghat, which takes around 2 hours. Here, you’ll catch a 4 km local transport ride to Pulna, the starting point of your trek. From Pulna, you’ll embark on a 9 km uphill trek to Ghangaria, following a gradual stonepaved path along the Pushpawati River. The trail is wellfrequented, with numerous snack shops offering hot noodles, omelets, and other refreshments.
During your trek, you’ll pass through Bhyundar village, known for its stunning views of Hathi Parvat. Continue to Ghangaria, where you'll arrive before nightfall at an altitude of 9,800 feet. Your stay will be in a guest house, providing shared accommodation.
- Notable sites include the Govinddham Gurudwara in Govindghat, the Hemkund Gurudwara base, and the Valley of Flowers Information Center.
- Altitude: 3,500 m/11,500 ft
- Trek Distance: 4 km each way | 7 hours
- Trail: Mixed incline leading to a level walk on grassland
- Facilities: Refill water bottles from streams, packed lunch provided
- Accommodation: Guest house (shared accommodation)
Start your day with a trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers, covering 4 km each way. The valley, 6-7 km long, features a mix of inclines and level grassy areas. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way, as no food is available within the valley, and remember that camping or staying after sunset is prohibited.
The trail begins with a forest check post, where you can catch a glimpse of the Laxman Waterfall. As you proceed, cross a wooden bridge over the roaring Pushpawati River. The path, similar to the previous day's, is stonepaved with occasional landslide areas.
The Valley of Flowers is a spectacular sight, brimming with vibrant blooms such as Blue Poppy, Snake Foil, White Leaf Hog Foot, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Dog Flower, and Hooked Stick Seed. The valley stretches to a glacier, with clear weather revealing majestic Himalayan peaks like Nilgiri Parvat and Gauri Parvat in the backdrop. Return to Ghangaria before nightfall for your overnight stay in a guest house.
- Altitude: 4,300 m/14,100 ft
- Trek Distance: 6 km each way | 8-9 hours
- Trail: Gradual and steep ascent on a stonepaved path
- Facilities: Mule ride service available, water refill from roadside dhabas, hot lunch at Gurudwara langar
- Highlights: Brahma Kamal (Himalayan blue poppy), Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, glacial lake
Begin your day early with a trek of 6 km to Hemkund Sahib, the highest Sikh shrine in the world at an altitude of 4,329 meters. The trail features a mix of gradual and steep ascents on a stone-paved path. Mules and porters are available if you prefer to offload your load.
The route is dotted with shops where you can replenish your energy. Keep an eye out for the rare Brahma Kamal, a Himalayan blue poppy, along the way. At Hemkund Sahib, enjoy the serene glacial lake, which mirrors the stunning Saptrishi peaks. The lake, fed by glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks, is accompanied by the religious Laxman Temple.
Lunch will be served at the Gurudwara langar. After visiting the shrine, descend back to Ghangaria for an overnight stay. The evening is free for relaxation and rest.
- Trek Distance (Ghangaria to Pulna): 9 km | 4-5 hrs
- Drive Distance (Pulna to Govindghat): 4 km | 15 min
- Drive Distance (Govindghat to Badrinath): 25 km | 1 hr (Optional, weather permitting)
- Drive Distance (Badrinath to Pipalkoti): 75 km | 3-4 hrs
- Meal: Packed lunch
- Accommodation: Guest house
Begin your day with breakfast before descending from Ghangaria to Pulna, covering a distance of 9 km over 4-5 hours. From Pulna, drive to Govindghat (4 km, 15 minutes) and then proceed to Badrinath (25 km, 1 hour), if road and weather conditions permit. Note that the route to Badrinath is landslideprone, especially during monsoon, and may be skipped if safety is a concern.
After visiting Badrinath (if possible), continue the drive to Pipalkoti (75 km, 3-4 hours). On arrival, check into your guest house for the night. Enjoy a restful evening and prepare for the journey back.
- Drive Distance: 200 km | 9-10 hrs
Begin your journey from Pipalkoti to Rishikesh early in the morning at 6 am. The drive will take approximately 9-10 hours, with a scheduled arrival around 5-6 pm. Enjoy breakfast and lunch at roadside inns during the journey (cost not included).
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