Area : Garhwal Himalayas

Duration : 07 Days

Best Season : Late June to Early September

Grade : Moderate

Max-Altitude : 4328 Mts

Total Trekking : 50 K.M

About Valley of Flowers

The beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3300 mts to 3650 mts is the paradise of nature lovers. Starting from about 6 kms from Bhuindhar village it covers an area of about 87 square kms. The valley is exceptionally rich of the flowers wealth and has the largest collection of wild flowers species. The river Pushpawati flows through the verdant valley. The valley blooms with exotic flower from June, July till early September. There are about 520 species of flowering plants and the area was declared as a National Park in 1982. The animal like Himalayan black bears, musk deer's, brown bears, Bharal and rich variety of birds and butter flies are found in this national Park.
 
Myriad of colours - purple, yellow, red, blue and white, that forms like a carpet on the valley floor during its full blossoming season, the Valley of Flowers National Park in the Garhwal Himalayan region is just like a plot plucked from one of the childhood fairy tales. Representing the bond of nature and human soul, the Valley of Flowers trek is one of the beautiful treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region that receives travellers of all age from different corners of the world. The major highlight remains the blue Primula, which is the most beautiful flower of the entire Himalayan flowers and one can feast his eyes on this beautiful flower during the peak season that stretches from mid July to mid August. Further, the trek goes forward, divulging from Ghangaria to a lofty height of 4,300 meters to Hemkund Sahib, which is one of the Sikh pilgrimage sites bound within the mountains. The tranquil and crystal clear water of the lake that reflects the surrounding peaks is another major highlight on the Valley of Flowers trek.
 
Wooing with natural colours and faith among the travellers, the Valley of Flowers Trek expunged from Govindghat, which is approximately a 22 kilometers drive from Joshimath. The trail continues along the Alaknanda River to Ghangaria with a gentle climb passing through an evergreen forest that is abundant with wide range of Himalayan trees. The trail is strategically located with eateries along the way and is frequented by Sikh pilgrims going either ways. You would not fail to notice the cleanliness of the trail in spite of being trodden by hundreds every day. Thanks to the volunteers who sweep the trail every day. From Ghangaria the trail splits in two. One route heads to Valley of Flowers and the other to Hemkund Sahib. The trek to Valley of Flowers National Park passes through different elements of nature, gurgling streams, ridges, forest and majestic sight of towering peaks at a distant. Slowly the trail leads to a small footway along the side of the valley followed by a sharp turn which allows you to discover the distinct and colourful nature hidden within the mountains. A botanist's haven, photographer's natural reel and frame and leisure escapers paradise, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a complete contrast to any other trekking destination in the Garhwal Himalayan region. One can even walk through the valley for another 5-7 more kms until one strikes at the glacier, which is visible at a distance. The stream flows all the way through the valley. Take off your shoes and dip your feet into it to experience the icy cold water.

Valley of Flowers National Park Trip Highlights

•    Famous Temples at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Joshimath & Gurudwara of Hemkund Sahib, Confluences, Crystal Clear Lake, Verdant Valley, Snow clapped Himalayan Peaks and many more.
•    Low altitude trek with cavernous gorges, spacious views, vibrant colors. Dazzling variation in scenery.
•    Snow clapped peaks, murmuring Waterfalls, lush green meadows & numerous color of wild flowers.
•    Rare glimpses of an ancient culture of local people.
•    Nights in Hotel/Guest House.

Best Time to Visit Valley of Flowers

In June and July: These months one can enjoy watching waterfalls and beautiful glaciers in the valley of flowers. The big benefit of visiting in this month is that there will be very less to no rain and flowers almost start blooming.
In August and September: As snow starts melting in May and new plants starts germinating and grow up till August. One can see a lot of flowers blooming till mid August. The Best time to see maximum number of flowers is August and September one can say this is the last month for visiting valley of flower. The plants and flowers are starts drying up and put their seeds on the earth for the next season.

Where is the Valley of Flowers?

Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, located at a height in West Himalaya. It is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora found there. It is located in Uttarakhand state. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. The gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park to the east. Together they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya. The park stretches over an expanse of 87.50 km². Both parks are encompassed in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (223,674 ha) which is further surrounded by a buffer zone (5,148.57 km²). This Reserve is in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2004

How to Reach Valley of Flowers?

The nearest airport is in Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 295 kilometers (183 miles) away, and the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, 276 kilometers (171 miles) away. The closest you can get to The Valley of Flowers by road is Govind Ghat. This requires around 10-12 hour drive to Joshimath from Dehradun, then another one hour to Govindghat. From Govindghat it is a 13-kilometer (8.1 miles) trek along a steep, narrow, but well defined mountain trail to base camp at Ghangaria. This will take between 4-6 hours. From Ghangaria, another 3½ km trek leads to the valley.

At a Glance

•    Max group size: 15
•    07 days trekking and climbing
•    Max altitude - 4328 Mts
•    Trek start point : Delhi/Rishikesh/Dehradun
•    Fixed Depatures : Avaliable

Accommodation & Meals

•    0 Nights Hotel
•    0 Night Tents

Things to Carry for Valley of Flowers Trek

•    Daypack (40-60 ltr)
•    Good Quality of rain proof trekking shoes
•    Socks (3 pairs)
•    Light wind jacket
•    T-shirts
•    Underwear
•    Trekking pants
•    Warm hat
•    Sun hat/baseball cap
•    Light gloves
•    Duffel bag
•    Sunglasses
•    Torch/Headlamp
•    Camera
•    One liter water bottles
•    Water purification/filter
•    Books
•    Lip balm
•    A light weight umbrella.
•    Sunscreen
•    Towel
•    Toiletries
•    Personal medicines
•    Money pouch/belt
•    Energy bars
•    Vitamin tablets
•    Bandana/scarf