Govindghat
Valley of Flowers Trek is popular as one of the oldest treks of India. Ironically, this magical land remained a secret until its discovery in 1931. Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth, all British mountaineers, accidentally discovered the Valley of flowers when they lost their way while returning from a successful expedition to Mt.Kamet. Enraptured by the beauty of the Valley owing to its lush vegetation and colorful flowers, they named it the "Valley of Flowers." In 1939, Joan Margaret Legge, a botanist deputed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, came to the valley to study flowers. While traversing through some dangerous rocky slopes to collect samples, she slipped off and lost her life. Her sister later visited the Valley of Flowers and erected a memorial near the spot. Prof. Chandra Prakash Kala, a botanist deputed by the Wildlife Institute of India, carried out a research study on the floristics and conservation of the valley for a decade, commencing in 1993. He discovered a variety of 520 alpine plants exclusively growing in this national park and authored two important books - "The Valley of Flowers - Myth, and Reality" and "Ecology and Conservation of the Valley of Flowers National Park, Garhwal Himalaya.” Based upon his decade long studies. In 1980, the Valley of Flowers was declared a National Park by the Indian Government. In 2002, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hemkund Sahib is a very famous Sikh shrine here. Guru Gobind Singhji, the tenth Sikh Guru were believed to have meditated at Hemkund Sahib for years. The word Hemkund translates to 'Lake of snow.' The water of this lake is truly as cold as snow. Hemkund Saheb is located at an elevation of 4,329mts above sea level. The beautiful Gurudwara lies amidst several snow-capped peaks, which are collectively called Hemkund Parvat. The devotion of Pilgrims beckons them every year to the Holy Hemkund Sahib.
The Valley of Flowers oozes with natural beauty. In the visiting months from June to September, you shall often find it surrounded by dense fog, and often, the valley shall experience rainfall. The exotic display of colors which the weather and the vegetation combine to give is truly a magical sight to behold. It is one of the most popular treks in Uttrakhand and a true delight for trekkers, nature lovers, botanists, photographers, and flower lovers. The Valley of Flowers National Park has many international tourists flock every year, to witness the grand exhibition of the natural splendor of the Valley.
In the lap of the mighty Himalayas, tucked within the Chamoli district, lies the stunning Valley of Flowers, in the Uttrakhand State. Valley of Flowers has a world-famous reputation as it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 2002. The Valley of Flowers lies at an altitude of 14,400 ft. and is a core zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. A piece of paradise, the Valley of Flowers is rich in flora and fauna and stretches up to 87 sq. km. The fairy-tale-like location is perched on the high Himalayan altitudes secluded from the human habitation, protected by mammoth mountain ranges and sparkling giant glaciers. It is raw nature unfolding in all its beauty.
Valley of flowers is located in Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand India.
Distance from the following locations is as follows:
Delhi to Valley of Flowers – 520km
Dehradun to Valley of Flowers – 311km
Auli to Valley of Flowers – 36km
Joshimath to Valley of Flowers – 20km
Badrinath to Valley of Flowers – 15km
Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers – 272km
Haridwar to Valley of Flowers – 291km
Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers – 3.2km
Valley of Flower Trek opens at the beginning of June. However, the best time for one to go on a trek to this exotic location is between July to September. The Valley of Flowers tends to bloom differently within this period as well. So in July, what the valley has to offer differs from what it offers in terms of weather, flora, and fauna; in September.
July is lush with greenery. You may find residual snow as well until monsoon doesn't hit the area in full swing. However, the vegetation shall not offer the sight of a great variety of flowers, at the beginning of the month. You shall only witness a valley blooming with flowers, from mid-July. Monsoon pretty much hits the valley in July but it doesn’t get heavy and frequent until the second half of July.
The valley is shrouded by colors throughout mid-July to mid-August. Thus, that also makes it one of the best times to visit the Valley of Flowers.
FLOWERS: The Valley of Flowers derives its name from the very obvious reason – the variety of flowers available in this magical land. Flowers like orchids, poppies, primulas, marigold, daisies, and anemones cover stretches of land. Sub-alpine forests of birch and rhododendron have their fair share of forest cover. The Valley of Flowers is home to the rare Brahmakamal and you might come across it as you ascend to Hemkund Sahib. This precious flower only grows around the altitude of 14,000 feet. A decade long study of Prof. C.P. Kala gave us valuable information that the Valley of Flowers is abode to 520 species of higher plants (angiosperms, gymnosperms, and pteridophytes), of these 498 are flowering plants. The park has many species of medicinal plants as well. The best time to visit Valley of Flowers if you wish to see the flowers blooming in all their glory is in August. Apart from flowers, the Valley is rich in wildlife too and some of the commonly spotted creatures here are Lime Butterfly, grey langur, flying squirrel, Himalayan black bear, red fox, and Himalayan weasel.
The weather of Valley of Flowers a result of it being an enclosed inner Himalayan valley which is shielded from the full impact of the southwest summer monsoon by the Greater Himalaya range. Dense fog and rain are typical of this place, especially from mid- July to end of August. Both Basin and Valley are usually completely snow-covered for six to seven months between late October and late March. The temperature at Valley of Flowers during visiting months remains between moderate to cool. Light Woolen clothes are recommended for Valley of Flowers National Park.
SNOW: One doesn’t encounter snowfall from July to September. However, in the early half of July, you may find old snow bridges or certain patches where old snow remains and is melting. As soon as it starts raining and monsoon sets in, the snow is completely washed off. The Valley of Flowers is snow-covered for six to seven months between late October and late March.
RAIN: In the first half of July, there isn't much rainfall. After mid-July, the water starts pouring for real and you can experience proper monsoon until the end of August. It rains quite heavily at Govindghat, but at higher altitudes of Valley of Flowers, you can often expect drizzle. The monsoons almost die down by mid-September.
Valley of Flowers Height: Approx. 3,600 meters above sea-level
Closest Airport: Dehradun Airport i.e. Jolly Grant Airport
Closest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
Other places near Valley of Flowers Valley: Hemkund Sahib, Gurson Bugyal, Pandukeshwar, Govindghat, Joshimath, Badrinath, Mana Village, Auli.
ITINERARY
Altitude: 6,300ft
Everyone is set for the Trek for Valley of Flowers. All the enthusiastic trekkers shall gather at Haridwar Railway Station. From the station, it shall be an uphill drive which will be carried out in the vehicles we have arranged for everyone. We will all set forth on our journey to Govindghat which shall embark on the route via Joshimath and Devaprayag. Therefore, the drive shall be full of scenic pleasures and popular sights that you shall be able to witness.
On the way, passing Devaprayag we shall witness the holy confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers to form the River Ganges. It is truly a natural magnificence to see these two very starkly different and magical rivers come together and give rise to the magnificent holy Ganges. After this, we shall arrive at our destination Joshimath, which is home to quite a few important religious pilgrimage locations. We can set ourselves up here, for the night. We shall help you with fun activities, to acclimatize yourself with the weather and climate of the place. After some fun interaction and activities, we shall have a healthy dinner and rest for the day.
Altitude: 6,300 ft to 9,600 ft
Today is the day, our Trek for Valley of Flowers commences. You shall wake up to an enchanting Himalayan sunrise and after a sumptuous breakfast, prepare yourselves for the trek. Fill your bottles and pack your energy bars as well as any other important article you feel you might require. We start trekking towards Ghangaria. The Valley of Flowers trek till Ghangaria is a short 14km gradual ascent. Once we reach Ghangaria, we call it a day. We shall settle here for the night and you are free to explore the tiny hamlet of Ghangaria. We will some fun activities for you like games and exercises which should be fun at the same time, keep you fit and energized. Also, the excitement level shall run high amongst all as tomorrow, we shall finally visit the much-awaited magnificent Valley of Flowers.
Altitude: 9,600 ft to 11,500 ft and back
We shall wake up to the pleasant morning of Ghangaria, full of excitement and vigor as today we shall finally witness the much-awaited pinnacle of this trek. After a healthy and filling breakfast, we shall resume our trek ascending to 3,858m, to arrive at the Valley Of Flowers. This soul relishing sight shall take your breath away! Ahead of you lies nature's masterpiece spread out in form of a blanket of blooming flowers. The plethora of colors stands out amidst the blue sky and cascading Himalayas. Colorful butterflies you had never seen before, shall be fluttering in multiples amidst the meadows. You shall be left speechless at this magical sight. You are free to spend quality time at this fairytale land persuading activities of your heart's delight may it be Yoga, Meditation, photography, nature walk, etc. At the rightful hour, we shall start trekking back to Ghangaria where we are staying. You shall come back with an experience worth remembering a lifetime and we shall all have dinner together. We will play games, have fun discussions or you may rest early as per your wish. The experience of the trek isn't yet over and tomorrow another adventure awaits.
Altitude: 9,600 ft to 14,107 ft and back
Today we shall trek to the famous Sikh shrine, Hemkund Sahib. The Gurudwara is believed to be the religious site where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru had meditated for many years. Encircled by seven snow-capped mountains this place has the essence of peace that is common to places of spiritual value. Therefore, after breakfast, we shall trek on a moderately difficult steep climb for about 4 hours to reach Hemkund Sahib. We shall spend some peaceful and soul calming moments here. We will have our lunch here as well and post-lunch, we shall descend back to Ghangaria. Once back, we shall have our dinner together here and rest for the night.
Altitude: 9,600 ft to 6,300 ft
Today we finally leave Ghangaria village. After a delicious breakfast, we shall retrace the same trek route from Ghangaria to Govindghat. It is an easy trail to descent to Poolna village. If you wish, you can tour Auli in the evening along with fellow trekkers.
On our 6th day, our enriching experience comes to an end. We shall leave Govindghat early so that everyone can leave from Haridwar to their respective destinations, timely. Thus, our wonderful trek to Valley of Flowers comes to an end!
- Transportation support on Traveller, Ertiga, or Innova (depending on the size of the group) throughout the journey.
- Accommodation on sharing basis.
- All meals (vegetarian), including everything from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6.
- A well-experienced and certified trek leader.
- Cook
- Supporting staff.
- Forest permit.
- Camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags, gaiters, and crampons (if required) will be provided.
- Anything that has not been covered in the inclusions mentioned above.
- Porters or mules to carry your luggage. The cost per bag (10/12 kg) is 300 per day.
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Any kind of personal medication.
Clothes: At least two pairs of trekking pants, which are both breathable and durable in the face of rough weather conditions, are an absolute necessity. Moreover, carry at least three t-shirts (synthetic material advised) and a couple of warm protective layers (down layer, fleece jackets, thermal wear, etc.) for the duration of the trek. Insulation is a must even during the summer season because temperatures can drop down drastically, especially at the summit of the trek. It is strongly advised to also carry an outer layer that can be folded and fits conveniently in your backpack, without taking up too much space. The best way to dress in the mountains is to layer your clothes such that they can easily be taken off and stored when the temperature is hot and can be accessed easily when required.
Accessories: At least three to five pairs of socks are also advised. Not only will they protect from the cold weather, but thick socks also cushion your feet from the impact of the terrain. The need for a pair of strong trekking shoes is unavoidable, especially for the Valley of Flowers terrain. Along with this, a pair of lighter camping shoes should be brought along as well. Too much exposure to heat could even cause a heatstroke, which is why a sun cap is vital. Thick gloves are an absolute necessity, because of the snow if you’re trekking in winters. A raincoat or poncho is also advised, for protection from rain and snow.
Food and water: Apart from a little bit of patience and determination, trekking in the Himalayan region requires energy. To keep these levels from dropping, one must keep replenishing them with energy-intensive snacks like chocolate bars, cheese, and nuts. It is mandatory to carry a water bottle (insulated bottle advised).
Miscellaneous: It is also advised to carry a set of cutlery per person (a mug, a spoon, and a tiffin) and a miniature toilet bag with items like toothpaste, lip balm, and moisturizer. A strong walking stick is also advised, as it adds volumes of ease to your uphill-trekking experience.
To reach the Valley of Flowers, you have to reach Haridwar Railway Station, from where you will be taken to the base camp located in Govindghat. Refer to the itinerary for the details.
2. How to reach the Valley of Flowers from Delhi?
The distance from Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers is 272km. You have to reach Haridwar Railway Station, from where you will be taken to the base camp located in Govindghat.
3. Where is the Valley of Flowers located?
The Valley of flowers lies in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, tucked within the Chamoli district, of the Uttrakhand State. It lies at an altitude of 14,400 ft.
4. Where is Valley of Flowers?
The Valley of flowers lies in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, tucked within the Chamoli district, of the Uttrakhand State. It lies at an altitude of 14,400 ft.
5. How to go Valley of Flowers?
To reach the Valley of Flowers, you have to reach Haridwar Railway Station, from where you will be taken to the base camp located in Govindghat. Refer to the itinerary for the details.
6. How to reach Valley of Flowers from Dehradun?
The distance from Dehradun to Valley of Flowers is 311km. You can easily hire a taxi, catch a train or board a bus to Haridwar. You have to reach Haridwar Railway Station, from where you will be taken to the base camp located in Govindghat. Refer to the itinerary for the details.
7. Who discovered Valley of Flowers?
The magical land of Valley of Flowers remained a secret until its discovery in 1931. Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth, all British mountaineers, accidentally discovered the Valley of flowers when they lost their way while returning from a successful expedition to Mt.Kamet. Enraptured by the beauty of the Valley owing to its lush vegetation and colorful flowers, they named it the "Valley of Flowers."
8. What is the Valley of Flowers?
Valley of Flowers is popular as one of the oldest treks of India. In the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers lies surrounded by the colossal Himalayan ranges. At an altitude of 14,400 ft; Valley of Flowers is paradise on Earth. In 1980, the Valley of Flowers was declared a National Park by the Indian Government. In 2002, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Where is Valley of Flowers national park?
The Valley of Flowers National Park lies in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, tucked within the Chamoli district, of the Uttrakhand State. It lies at an altitude of 14,400 ft.
10. How to reach Valley of Flowers from Haridwar?
The distance from Haridwar to Valley of Flowers is 291km. You have to reach Haridwar Railway Station, henceforth you will be taken to the base camp located in Govindghat. Refer to the itinerary for the details.
11. How to go valley of flowers Uttarakhand?
To reach the Valley of Flowers, you have to reach Haridwar Railway Station, from where you will be taken to the base camp located in Govindghat. Refer to the itinerary for the details.
12. How to visit valley of flowers?
To visit the Valley of Flowers, reach the last base camp located in Govindghat. You may reach Haridwar Railway Station, from where you will be taken to the base camp located in Govindghat. Refer to the itinerary for the details.
13. Where is the valley of flowers national park located?
The Valley of Flowers National Park lies in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, tucked within the Chamoli district, of the Uttrakhand State. It lies at an altitude of 14,400 ft.
14. How to reach Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand?
To reach the Valley of Flowers, reach the last base camp located in Govindghat. You may reach Haridwar Railway Station, from where you will be taken to the base camp located in Govindghat. Refer to the itinerary for the details.
15. When to visit valley of flowers?
Valley of Flowers opens at the beginning of June. However, the best time for one to go on a trek to this exotic location is between July to September. The Valley of Flowers tends to bloom differently within this set time as well. The valley is shrouded by colors throughout mid-July to mid-August. Thus, that also makes it one of the best times to visit the Valley of Flowers.
16. When does Valley of Flowers open?
Valley of Flowers opens for the public to visit on 1st June every year. The park then remains to be opened from June to October.
17. Where is Valley of Flowers situated?
The Valley of flowers lies in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, tucked within the Chamoli district, of the Uttrakhand State. It lies at an altitude of 14,400 ft.
18. How to reach Valley of Flowers from Kolkata?
There are direct flights available to Valley of flowers from Kolkata. Travel by flight takes closely 2 hours. Several cabs and taxi services are available outside the airport to travel from the airport to other parts of the Valley of flowers. You shall land at the Dehradun Airport i.e. Jolly Grant Airport. It is the nearest airport to Valley of flowers. To visit the Valley of Flowers, reach the last base camp located in Govindghat. You may reach Haridwar Railway Station, from where you will be taken to the base camp located in Govindghat. Refer to the itinerary for the details.
19. When is the Valley of Flowers open?
Valley of Flowers opens for the public to visit on 1st June every year. The park then remains to be opened from June to October.
20. Is Valley of Flowers open now?
Valley of Flowers opens for the public to visit on 1st June every year. The park then remains to be opened from June to October.
21. Is Valley of Flowers trek dangerous?
The moderately difficult Valley of Flowers trek is not dangerous exactly. It has it’s few tricky paths There are two rockfall sections on this trek. You will come across the first one between Govindghat to Ghandria and the second one lies around 20 minutes from the forest checkpoint as you trek from Ghangria to Valley of Flowers. The melting snow blocks on the way to Hemkund Sahib in July and August. There is no snow on the trail but you can get snow melts coming down from the mountainside above the trail. Be mindful and keep an eye out especially on the mountainside when you are climbing up to Hemkund. The hard climb to Hemkund Sahib and altitude sickness. Symptoms of AMS like headache, dizziness, and nausea are common on the climb to Hemkund Sahib. Climbing almost 4000 ft from 9,600 ft to 14,100 ft in a single day can result in feeling these symptoms. So try to take Micro-steps which is a useful technique to climb uphill effortlessly. According to this technique, trek with a minuscule gap of 2-inch between the heel of one foot and toes of the next. There are a few bridges on the Lakshman Ganga (Govind Ghat to Ghangria) and a bridge over Pushpavati (Ghangria to Valley of Flowers) on the trail and they are narrow. Be mindful of mule trains crossing over the bridges. Do not get stuck on the bridge with them. Be mindful of the water level below the bridges too. Do not crowd over these bridges either. Apart from that, proper trekking equipment ensures the safety, and listening to your trek leader and following their instructions shall help the trek be a smooth one.
22. How far is Valley of Flowers from Dehradun?
The distance between Dehradun to Valley of Flowers is 311km.
23. What kind of clothes and equipment should I carry during Valley of Flowers trek? Clothing and equipment one can carry during Valley of Flowers trek:
- A pair of lightweight pants to wear at night
- Woolen jumpers or lightweight fleeces
- Full sleeve t-shirts and warm shirts
- Thermal inners
- Scarf, woolen cap, and inner fleece gloves
- Raincoats (In case it rains)
- Sunscreens and Lip Balms
- Insulated water bottles capable to hold 2 liters of water at a time
- Waterproof covers for bags
- Personal Medications and Toiletries
- A walking stick or a trekking pole
- Torch/Flashlights with spare batteries
- Comfortable and waterproof trekking shoes
- Dry fruits like figs, cashews, almonds, walnuts, Protein bars, and chocolates.
- One pair of thick woolen socks and 4-5 pairs of normal socks.
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