Valley of Flowers, Uttrakhand

Valley of Flowers, Uttrakhand:

OVERVIEW

About the Destinations: A chanced discovery on a lost path made by British traveller Frank Smith in 1931 resulted in the world welcoming the enchanting Valley Of Flowers. His book by the same name created a stir among nature lovers, making the Valley Of Flowers Trekking one of the most sought after since then.

Perched gracefully under the watchful eyes of the towering Himalayan peaks protecting the tranquil environs, the valley is situated at an altitude of 3,858m. With millions of species of wild flowers such as saxifrags, sediams, lilies, poppy, calendular, daisies, geranium, zinnia and petunia, the valley also holds many streams that add on to the natural beauty. The rich bio diversity is also home for several species of butterflies and insects too.

Duration of the Tour: 6D/ 5N

Altitude: 12,763ft

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Short Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Haridwar to Govindghat via Joshimath and Devaprayag. (Drive 260km/ 10hrs)

Day 02: Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria. (Trek 14km/ 4hrs)

Day 03: Trek from Ghangaria to Valley Of Flowers and back. (Trek 5km, one-way/ 5hrs)

Day 04: Trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back. (Trek 6km/ 4hrs each side)

Day 05: Trek from Ghangaria to Govindghat. Drive to Joshimath. (Trek 14km/ 4hrs)

Day 06: Return journey from Joshimath to Haridwar. (Drive 260km/ 10hrs)

LONG ITINERARY

Day 01: Haridwar - Govindghat via Joshimath and Devaprayag (Drive 260km/ 10hrs)

Day’s Highlights: Uphill Drive, Joshimath, Devaprayag

Day’s Details: Around 6am, assemble at Haridwar Railway Station. Begin a long distance, uphill drive from Haridwar to Govindghat. Along the way, pass Devaprayag to witness the holy confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers to form the River Ganges. Arrive at Joshimath, a midpoint for other religious pilgrimage locations. You could stay over here or proceed to Govindghat in lieu of time for the halt.

Day 02: Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria (Trek 14km/ 4hrs)

Day’s Highlights: Mountain Trekking

Day’s Details: Today begins Valley Of Flowers Trekking in Uttaranchal with a short 14km gradual ascent trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria. Arrive at Ghangaria. Hotel check-in or camp out. Explore the surrounding. Have dinner and call-it-a-day.

Day 03: Trek from Ghangaria to Valley Of Flowers and back (Trek 5km, one-way/ 5hrs)

Day’s Highlights: Blossoms, Flora

Day’s Details: This day marks the very reason for your entire high altitude Valley Of Flowers trek. Start your day with a wholesome breakfast. Scale a height of 3,858m to arrive at the Valley Of Flowers. This sight is a feast to the eyes and treat for the soul.

Admire one of nature’s finest creations as you are left speechless witnessing an array of thousands of flowers in full bloom. The myriad palette with a multitude of colour shades rests against the watchful eyes of the mighty Himalayas. Creating an alluring canvas, the valley has several streams casually meandering through it. The wild flora creates a rich eco-system for many species of birds, butterflies, and insects too. Several soulful moments later begin your return trek to Ghangaria. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel/ camp.

Day 04: Trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (4,329m)

Day’s Highlights: Trekking, Holy spot of the Sikhs, Seven Snow-capped Mountains

Day’s Details: Today after breakfast, you’ll follow a steep trail to Hemkund Sahib to visit the religious site where Guru Gobind Singh is said to have meditated in a previous life. Surrounded by seven snow-capped mountains this place is no doubt soothing and calming. Spend time here. And after lunch, start a late afternoon trek back to Ghangaria. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel/ camp.

Day 05: Trek from Ghangaria to Govindghat and drive to Joshimath

Day’s Highlights: Trekking

Day’s Details: After breakfast, take the same trek route from Ghangaria to Govindghat. From Govindghat, drive to Joshimath. If you desire, you can tour Auli in the evening. Overnight stay at Joshimath.

Day 06: End of  Valley Of Flowers Trekking journey. Drive from Joshimath to Haridwar

Day’s Highlights: Trip ends here

Day’s Details: Leave Joshimath early for your return journey home from Haridwar. Take back a mosaic of unbelievable memories with you. 

Some Facts:

Route: Joshimath – Govindghat – Ghangaria – Haridwar – Rishikesh  

Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Dehradun

Best Season/Time: July - September

Route Map:

Package Includes:

• Accommodation (5 nights on triple sharing basis)
• Veg meals while on trek
• Trekking equipment
• Necessary permits
• First aid medical kits
• Qualified and experienced trek leader, guide, and support staff

Package Excludes:

• Any personal expenses
• Any personal medication
• Transportation can be availed at extra cost

Cancellation By The Vendor:

Vendor reserves the right to cancel a departure and will advise you of such cancellations no later than 7 days before the tour departure date. If due to ‘Force Majeure’, vendor reserves the right to cancel a departure at any time. With any form of cancellation, vendor will offer you alternative treks/tours, and if the price of your alternative booking is of lower value than the original booking vendor will refund the difference to you. If you do not accept alternative arrangements, you will be refunded all the payments that you have made to the vendor. Vendor will not be liable for any additional costs incurred by you.

Vendor will not be liable for any delay in, change to or cancellation of trips due to ‘Force Majeure’. ‘Force Majeure’ means a circumstance beyond the reasonable control of vendor and includes, but is not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, industrial or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and strikes.

Cancellation By Client:

If you wish to cancel all or any part of your booking, notification of cancellation must be made in writing/email. The date of the cancellation is the date on which vendor receives notification by email or in writing. Days before departure charge applicable as follows, per person:

Up to 24 Days                  :-            95% of Trek/Tour cost will be refunded.

Between 14-24 Day         :-            70% of Trek/Tour cost will be refunded.

Between 14-10 Days       :-             50% of Trek/Tour cost will be refunded.

Less than 7 Days     

Instructions and Guidelines

Things to Carry: 

• Warm shirt/ light micro fleece pullover/ full sleeve T shirt
• Water resistant trekking pants
• Windproof/ water resistant jacket, down jacket with min 600 fill power rating
• Thick Fleece/ Full-sleeve woollen sweater
• Thermal inner wear
• Woollen cap, Inner fleece gloves, outer water proof gloves
• Thick woollen socks and regular socks
• Scarf/ muffler (optional)
• Comfortable waterproof Trekking/ Hiking shoes with a thick sole, Camp shoes
• Gaiters
• Raincoat/ Poncho
• Small light weight towel
• Insulated water bottle & hydration pack (optional)
• Cap/ floppy, Sun glasses
• Sturdy walking stick/ Trekking pole
• Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm
• Torch/ Flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Personal medication
• Personal toiletries

Advisory: