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One of the most notable treks in Uttarakhand, Valley of Flowers Trek is frequented by trekking enthusiasts between the months of July, August, and September when the valley is in full bloom and the views become the epitome of all things beauty. Located in the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks region, the place has been globally acknowledged for its rich biodiversity and is home to many rare species of flora and fauna such as the Asiatic black bear, blue-throated barbets, snow leopard, Himalayan monal, musk deer, yellow-billed and red-billed choughs, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep.
The landscape throughout the trek is very scenic and urges everyone to try their hand at photography to seize the moments. Also, one of the advantages of the Valley of Flowers trek is that you can access spectacular views at comparative ease, unlike most other treks. So, mentioned below is the itinerary for the trek to guide you for your next adventure!
Dehradun (however the pickup can be arranged from other location as per the client requirements)
42 Km
6 Days
Moderate (Beginners can do this trek)
15,200 Feet
Valley of Flowers (Phoolo ki Ghati) Trek is known for its unparalleled natural beauty of valleys, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, etc. On this trek, one gets to see several rare Himalayan flowers that cannot be seen anywhere. There are around 400 species of such flowers that are found in the valley. Apart from the flowers, several rare animals are also found in this region. Once you are on this trek, every day is a treat to eyes. You will love each and every view of this trek. The Valley of Flowers is encircled by several huge mountain peaks which also enhance the view and make it way more scenic. Hathi Ghoda and Nilkanth peaks can be seen from the trek.
Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is also part of this trek and is another renowned location. It is the highest gurudwara in the world and is considered a Mecca for Sikhs. The gurudwara is settled at an altitude of 15,200 feet above the sea level and offers beautiful views of surroundings.
Another attraction of this trek is Badrinath, which is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and one of the Chota char dham temples in Uttarakhand. Badrinath is situated around 25 km from Govindghat (trek starting point) and can be covered easily by adding one day to the itinerary.
Reach Haridwar as that’s the starting point of this journey and then meet the group and the trip lead (in case of a group tour) before starting on the forward route. Typically, the ride begins at the earliest hour possible because you cover a distance of around 295 km which usually takes around 10 to 12 hours for you to reach Govindghat in the evening. It is a thrilling ride as you travel on the snaking roads of the mountains of Uttarakhand. The route passes through some of the known towns such as Shivpuri (starting point of rafting), Srinagar, Chamoli, & Joshimath (gateway to Auli), The views also please you greatly as you travel through all the confluences of Alaknanda rivers (a.k.a Panch Prayag) such as Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag, so keep an eye for the beautiful confluences at these sacred towns. You can also take a few breaks in between the long journey.
After you reach Govindghat in the evening, overnight stay will be in a hotel/guest house.
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast as on the 2nd day of the trip, you begin trekking from Govindghat to Ghangharia and it is an approximately 9 km long trek that starts after a short drive of 4 km up to Pulna village. The trail is stone-paved and stunningly gorgeous with the river running by your side for the majority of the trail. In the starting of the trail, one can find some tall waterfalls falling from the mountains on the right side. The climb is easy, except for a few steep patches, and you can also enjoy your packed lunch at a point that you find scenic.
Later, as you reach Ghangharia, you can rest at your overnight stay that will be arranged in a guesthouse/hotel. Ghangharia is a quaint little settlement amidst the green mountains and you can spend some time with your trek-mates by roaming on the streets of this settlement. There are several shops and restaurants available at Ghangharia.
This day is the most significant one as you finally trek to the much-awaited Valley of Flowers, a visual delight. It is settled at an altitude of 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level and is a 4 km trek from Ghangharia village. While on the way to the Valley of Flowers, there comes a point where the trail bifurcates and that’s where you have to take the left path because the other one leads to the holy site of Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. Moreover, you also need a permit to enter the valley and that permit is arranged by our representative at the forest check post.
As you move further after crossing the check post, you start seeing flowers along the trail. Continue on the same trail for an hour and then there comes a huge river crossing. That river is Pushpawati flowing from the core parts of the Valley of Flowers. You cross the bridge over the river and then starts a steep climb that takes you inside the valley. Soon, you enter the valley bustling with an array of colors, and it is a sight of your lifetime. All the first-time trekkers to the valley are left in absolute wonder by the vista painted by the flowers of the valley. Explore the valley by visiting the Pushpawati river bed and grave of Joan Margaret Leggy. Spend some time there before starting your trek back to Ghangharia. Then, as you reach Ghangharia, call it a day after enjoying a filling dinner with your group.
Start this day a little bit early after having breakfast because today you trek for around 8 km uphill to successfully visit the world’s highest located gurudwara i.e., Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji. The trail is comparatively steeper than the previous day’s trek but equally rewarding. The gurudwara is surrounded by seven mountain peaks which add grandeur to the already majestic place. On a clear day, one can also spot the Nilkanth peak from the gurudwara. It is a very holy site that experiences a large number of devotees every year and once you reach the gurudwara premise, you feel a sense of calm overcome your being. Spend some time soaking in the divine energy of the place and also enjoy the highest langar.
Afterward, start the descend towards Ghangharia and rest for the night at the guesthouse/hotel after having dinner.
On this day, you trek back to Govindghat from Ghangharia and the trail remains the same as it is on Day 2. So, have a hearty breakfast before leaving Ghangharia, the place that served you well during the past few days, and then commence on the descend. It only takes a couple of hours for you to reach Govindghat and then you can also visit one of the Char Dhams i.e. Badrinath temple as well as the popular Mana village which happens to be the last Indian village on the Indo-China border.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
This being the final day of your trip, you head back to Haridwar with the group. Also, you reach Haridwar around evening so keep this in mind before booking your returns tickets from Haridwar.
Q. How long is the Valley of Flowers trek?
The total distance that one covers in this trek is around 42 km that is divided into 4 days.
The 1st and the 6th day includes traveling to and from the base or starting point, i.e., Govindghat. Govindghat is an 11-hour drive from Rishikesh.
Q. Is it okay to trek to Valley of Flowers during the rainy season?
Yes, it is completely fine to trek during the rainy season and one doesn’t face any problems usually due to rain. The rainy season is the only season when this trek gets opened and flowers in the valley get bloomed. Make sure you carry a raincoat or a poncho along with a waterproof rucksack cover.
Q. Is it okay for a first-timer to attempt this trek?
Yes, beginners having good physical fitness can go for this trek. The trail is completely paved and the terrain is also easy, hence it doesn’t require prior experience to go on this trek.
Check out How to prepare for a trek?
Q. What’s the weather like in the Valley of Flowers?
The weather remains cloudy most of the time and sometimes sunny. There are chances one might find rain or light showers during the trek but it doesn’t cause any problem.
Q. Can I keep extra luggage at the base camp for this trek?
Yes. In case you have any extra luggage that you don’t require on the trek and on further campsites/location then you can leave the luggage at the base or starting location of the trek (Govindghat). Your luggage will remain safe but we suggest not leaving any valuables or expensive items like mobile, laptop, wallet, etc.
Q. What is the best season to see the flowers in bloom?
The best season to see the flowers in bloom is monsoon and the best months are July end to Mid-September.
Q. Can you include a visit to Badrinath?
Yes, Badrinath temple is around 25 km from Govindghat. The temple can be included in the itinerary by adding an extra day or it can also be covered on the 5th day but for that, you need to return Govindghat by noon.
Q. What will be the group size for Valley of Flowers Trek?
If you are opting for a group trek then there will be a maximum of 12 people in one group including the trek leader (Mountaineering Certified).
Q. I am the only girl in the group, is it safe to travel/trek solo?
Yes, it is totally safe. In our group treks, our trek leader accompanies the group throughout the trek starting from the pickup location. All our staff including taxi drivers, hotel vendors, local guides, cook, and helpers are reliable. Sometimes, we also send a woman trek leader in some of the treks.
Q. What type of ground transportation will be used on the trip?
We use Tata Sumo, Mahindra Bolero, and Tempo Traveller depending upon the group requirements and size. We can also arrange Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo on request.
Q. I cannot carry my rucksack/bag on the trek, can I offload it?
Usually, we recommend carrying your backpack on your own during the trek as it helps to keep your body posture correct.
Check out why it is recommended to carry your backpack while trekking?
In case you cannot, then you can offload your rucksack/backpack. We arrange separate mules/horses/porters to carry the offloading bags. Charges for the same would be INR 300 per bag per day.
Q. Which shoes should I buy for Valley of Flowers Trek?
As the trail is completely paved and made up of stones, one can bring sports shoes or running shoes on this trek.
Though we still recommend to bring proper hiking or trekking shoes, as it provides ankle support and good grip and these shoes are also water-resistant.
Check out how to choose your trekking shoes?
Q. What are the washroom/toilet facilities like on the Valley of Flowers trek?
There is no tent/camp stay on this trek. So, one gets washrooms attached to the room at each location. The washrooms remain clean and hygienic though one can still find insects and spiders as the place is located in the forest.
Q. What will be the type of accommodation?
There are a total of 5 nights stay during the entire trip and all the stays are in hotels/guesthouses. We don’t provide camping on this trek.
Q. Will you provide sleeping bags and mattresses?
Yes, if there is camping on a trek then we provide sleeping bags, mattresses, and all other necessary camping equipment. However, there is no camping on this trek so there is no need for sleeping bags and mattresses. You would find proper beds and blankets.
Q. How many trekkers will be in one tent/room?
One can opt for single, double, or triple sharing in one tent/room. Charges vary accordingly.
Q. How can I book the Valley Of Flowers trek with you?
One can fill the inquiry form given on the right side of this page and send us all the details. Our travel consultant will reach out to you as soon as possible and plan the best itinerary as per your requirements. One can also call or WhatsApp us at +91-7428710595 or email us at contact@happygotrips.com.
Q. What type of food is served during the trek?
Food will be veg on the trek. Jain food can also be available. On request, we can also arrange non-veg food at certain places.
Q. How to get safe drinking water on the trek?
Himalayan water is considered the purest form of water. We recommend people to carry a 1-liter water bottle with themselves so that they can use and refill it from the water streams available during the trek. While filling the bottle from the water stream, make sure you fill it from a point where the water is running not stable.
However on this trek, one would find several shops at each location and during the trek as well. If one wants, he/she can purchase a mineral water bottle from there.
Q. Can you customize the Valley of Flowers trek?
Yes. We offer fully customized tour/trek packages as per the traveler’s requirements and feasibility. You name it and we will do it.
Q. Will the doctor accompany us on the trek?
No, a doctor doesn’t accompany on the trek. Our trek leaders are mountaineering certified and they are taught all the techniques and methods required on a trek. The trek leaders are also certified in the wilderness and first aid responder course.
Q. Do you prefer I should bring some medicines with me?
Yes, it is always recommended that you should bring your own medicines that are suitable for you or that are prescribed by your doctor.
Q. Diamox is advisable or not?
No, Diamox is not advisable for this trek as the altitude gain is quite gradual. Though, our trek leader still carries Diamox tablets in his first aid kit.
Q. Can I take my child along on this trek? What is the age limit?
Yes, you can take your child if he/she is above 6 years.
Q. What are the mandatory documents required for this trek?
Any photo ID proof – Aadhar Card, Driving License, Passport, Voter ID Card. (No pan card)
Q. What is the pickup and drop location on this trek?
For a group trek, the pickup and drop location would be Haridwar or Rishikesh. For a private trek, we can arrange a pickup from anywhere but the trek leader would meet the group at Haridwar/Rishikesh only.
Q. Will you give certificates on completion of the trek?
Yes, we give certificates to people who successfully complete the trek.
Q. Are there any local stores/shops where I can shop trekking necessities?
Yes, one can find shops at Joshimath and Ghangharia as well where trekking essentials remain available. However, we recommend people bringing the essentials from your place only.
Q. Is the trekking pole necessary?
It depends from person to person. Some find it helpful during the trek as it provides support while climbing whereas some don’t prefer to use as they think that the trekking pole affects your walking rhythm or pace. So it’s up to you.
Q. When will there be snow on this trek?
You may find snow on this trek in the June month when the Valley of Flowers gets opened. But you won’t find flowers during that time.
Q. If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
It depends on the type of snow. If the snow is fresh and soft then we just provide gaiters so that snow doesn’t go inside your shoes. If there is hard snow or a glacier, then we provide micro spikes that you can wear on your shoes along with the gaiters. In case of challenging trekking or climbing expeditions, we provide snow boots and crampons.
The best time to visit Valley of Flowers is in the months of July, August, and September.
July: In July, the valley remains lush green and there are chances you might find clear skies. The flowers start blooming this month as the monsoon usually arrives at the end of July.
August: In August, one can find the blooming of flowers at its peak. But the valley remains crowded in this month and also there are high chances of rain as the monsoon season also remains at its peak.
September: In September, the monsoon is all set to depart, and with the rain, the weather starts getting clear. September start is the time when one can get the complete view of the valley full of flowers with clear skies.
The weather remains cloudy and rainy during the season. It doesn’t get very cold on this trek except at the Hemkund Sahib, as the gurudwara is situated at a height of 15,200 feet. So, due to the high altitude, the place remains windy and cold as compared to other places on this trek.
The temperature on this trek varies from 6-8 degrees during the night and 12-15 degrees during the day.
