Valley of flowers

REGION : Uttarakhand
Duration : 6 Day
Start Point : Joshimath
End Point : joshimath
Highest Altitude: 14,100 Ft.
Approx Trekking : 37 Kms
Grade : Easy To Moderate

It’s an easy to moderate trek that offers a rare access to Uttarakhand Himalayas that has an expanse of valley covered with flowers. It is also considered an ideal trek for the first timers even including family and kids. One also gets a chance to visit the highest pilgrimage location of Hemkund Sahib.

The valley itself is about 2km wide and 8 km long and the best time to visit is between July to mid of September. The temperature on this trek usually stays somewhere between 5 to 20 degrees celsius. And you can expect moderate rainfall even while trekking and the valley usually has a thick cloud cover. The most difficult part of the trek is the climb to Hemkund Sahib on the last day where we cover an altitude of about 4,300 ft in a day and that can be a bit strenuous.

You will begin your journey with us from Rishikesh. Starting the drive from Rishikesh from the appointed pickup point Rishikesh bus stand or Himalayan Legions in Tapovan, we will take the fabled Badrinath Road.

The nine-hour drive to Joshimath will surely be long and arduous, but you are never going to run out of mesmerizing views. The great river running with us on parallel will get wilder and more fascinating as we trudge uphill. We will be passing by the 4 of the Panchprayag or the five holy confluence of Ganga—Devaprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandaprayag. So, keep your cameras ready and remain awake for most of the journey!

From Joshimath to Govindghat the distance is 20km. En route, you can spot the final Vishnuprayag. We will start off on the drive in the morning after breakfast and reach Govindghat by 8 am and then 4 km drive to Pulna which is the starting point, todays travel is included in the cost. It will be a 9 km uphill route along the river, Pushpawati. The entire trail will be crowded most of the time. Many snack shops selling the beverage, hot noodles, omelets with bread, paratha, and the like can be found on this trail. So, you will never go hungry. The trek will be on a clearly defined stone-paved path, conveniently built with stairs. After 5 km walk, you will arrive at Bhyundar village. This village marks an amazing viewpoint for clear Hathi Parvat sights. Enjoy the wonderful sights as much as you can, because the strainful steep ascent will commence henceforth. You will reach Gangharia before nightfall, attaining an altitude of 10, 000 feet. The stay will be at a guest-house.

The journey to Valley of Flowers is a distance of 4 km. The valley is 6-7 km long; the distance travelled in the valley depends on how the trekkers want to explore the valley. Another, factor to be considered is the stamina of the trekkers. Right, when you start from Ghangaria in 30 minutes forest check post arrives. The check post might not be an attraction but right before check post, there is a gushing waterfall called Laxman waterfall. Another 20 minutes into the greenery and next furious attraction comes. At this point, the Pushpavati river flows furiously below a wooden bridge. It is quite a common yet a unique and mesmerizing capture. The trail is steep and stone paved like the previous day. You can find many bridges and landslide areas when you enter the valley.

The valley is thousand times stupendous than you might have imagined. It truly makes the Himalayan peaks lively and cherishing. Blue Poppy, Snake Foil, White Leaf Hog Foot, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Dog Flower, Hooked Stick Seed are the native flowers. These astounding colorful blossoms end after 5 km stretch at a glacier. If the weather is clear the mighty Himalayan peaks of Nilgiri Parvat, Bhyundar Khal, Rattaban, Gauri Parvat etc. in the background. Today’s journey will conclude with your coming back to Ghangaria before nightfall.

Get ready early in the morning to start trekking (6 Km) for "HEMKUND SAHIB". One of the most revered of all Sikh Shrines, The Hemkund Sahib, the World’s Highest Gurudwara, is situated at an altitude of 4,329 meters. There will be porters and mules if you wish to offload your load. The trail today will be similar to previous days stone paved and continuous ascend. There will be shops on the way where you can energize yourself. Watch out for the rare flower Brahmakamal that will be spotted beside pathways.

The Gurudwara is placed magically beside the mirror like glacial lake Hemkund. During clear skies, one can witness the flawless reflections of the adjoining Saptrishi peaks. The lake is fed by melting glaciers of Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks. Religious Laxman temple is also found near the lake. In the afternoon trek down to reach Ghangariya for an overnight stay. The evening is free for rest & relaxation.

After your breakfast in the morning we descend to Govindghat and then drive to Joshimath. From this place Badrinath is 25 km away and take 1 hrs to reach. You can visit Badrinath only if road and weather condition permits us.

Note : Govindghat to Badrinath is landslide prone area in monsoon time so if our leaders find that your safety is in risk due to weather condition/landslide or road blockage we shall skip Badrinath altogether and drive to Joshimath directly.

The ride will commence at 6 am and you will reach Rishikesh around 5 - 6 pm. Your Breakfast and Lunch will be on the way at a roadside inn, exclusive of charges, after having your morning tea/coffee you can leave for your next destination. We advise you to book further travel after 7 pm.

Every trek plan has a buffer day. This day is used in case of unfavorable conditions when the summit was not possible as the pre-planned itinerary. Using the buffer day will be a team decision. Please note that the cost of the buffer day is not included in the trek cost. In case the team decides to use the buffer day the said cost must be paid. Make sure to already discuss the buffer costs with your team. If everything goes as planned and buffer days are never used then you can utilize them to travel around in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussorie or whatever suits you. Please remember to plan your travel dates considering the buffer days.

• Stay at Wooden House – Meraki Triangle, Sankri
• One of the most beautiful lake and valley in Uttarakhand
• Stunning views of Swargarohini Group of Peaks & Black Peak
• High altitude expedition
• Wide variety of flora and fauna –Govind Ballabh Pant National Park

• Food as per menu on the trek ,Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
• Forest Camping charges
• Safety Equipment,Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
• All necessary permits and entry fees
• Trek guide, cook, helpers, and mules for carrying common luggage
• Transportation if Specified in Itinerary,
• Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff

• Meals during road Journeyss
• Any kind of Insurance
• Any expense of personal Nature
• Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
• Carriage of personal laggage during the trek

Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, Hire a cab to reach Dehradun City as the airport is 29 km away.

The Dehradun railway station is located in the centre of the city which is well connected to all the major cities of the country.

Dehradun is easily accessible from major cities of the country as it has an excellent road connectivity with other major cities and towns of North India. There are state-run and private buses that offer a regular service.

Back pack & rain cover	(50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack + rain cover	20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter)
Walking stick	Advisable (At least one)
Head torch	1 Nos.
Water bottle/Hydration pack	2 bottles of one litre each People who use hydration pack- 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter Carry at least one thermos flask
Snacks	Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
Personal Medical Kit	Consult your doctor

T-shirts	2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton)
Fleece T-shirts	1 Nos.
Fleece jacket	1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater)
Down feather / Hollofil jacket	1 Nos.
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant)	1 Pair
Thermal inners (upper and lower)	1 Pair
Trek pants	2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris)
Poncho	1 Nos.

Sunscreen cream	Hand sanitizer
Moisturiser	Antibacterial powder
Toilet Paper & wipes	Toothbrush and toothpaste
Lip balm	Quick dry towel

Sun cap	1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well)
Woolen cap	1 Nos.
Balaclava	1 Nos.
Neck-gaiters	1 Nos.
Sunglasses	Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek) (B)- Photo chromatic glasses.

Trekking shoes	1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip)
Floaters/flip-flops	1 Pair (Optional)
Cotton socks	5 pairs
Woollen socks	3 pairs
Gaiters	1 Pair (Our team will notify you if required)

Waterproof gloves	1 Pair
Fleece/woollen gloves	1 Pair