Overview
As per name this beautiful valley is adorned with the diversity of wild flowers. Spread over 87.5 sq km, the bio-diversity hotspot is known for its scenic beauty comprising alpine shrubs and meadows, milky white streams, snow-clad peaks and pristine air. Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park, together, constitute the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The Valley of Flowers was declared a National Park in 1982 and was included in the list of World Heritage sites by UNESCO. The sight of a whole valley covered with flowers of every hue and colour does indeed give it a magical quality. More than 650 species of flowers including Brahmakamal, Blue Poppy and Cobra Lily can be found in the park.It is a national park and also one of the World Heritage sites which is famous for its charming meadows of alpine flowers. Endowed with a diverse range of endemic flora, it is picturesque in its beauty. This lush region is also home to some rare and endangered animal species. You may spot animals like Asiatic black deer, snow leopard, musk deer, red fox, brown bear and blue sheep. You can also find a wide variety of birds here, like Himalayan golden eagle, snow partridge, Himalayan snow cock, Himalayan monal, snow pigeon and sparrow. High in the lofty Himalayas of the Garhwal region sprawls this enchanting valley. Legends believe it to be the place from where Hanuman had collected the Sanjeevani buti for curing Lakshmana. This place has floral pastures, running streams and beautiful backdrop of the mountains.
Highlights:
- World heritage site – Valley of flowers
- Diversity in flora and fauna
- Bird watching
- Bewitching landscape of Valley of flowers
- Witnessing the vividness of nature
- Calmness at Sikh pilgrim site of Hemkund Sahib
Itinerary
The journey will begin either at Haridwar or Rishikesh. The pickup shall be done accordingly but please keep in mind that we shall make the early start so that we reach the destination Joshimath on time and have enough time to enjoy and take pictures of the beautiful landscapes. The journey from Haridwar to Joshimath is very thrilling. We shall follow the meandering river Ganges all the way to Devprayag where we will see the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini river. From here we will follow the Alaknanda river till Joshimath. The landscapes one the river bank are eye-pleasing and the vast valley dotted with villages make this stressful journey pleasurable. We shall have lunch on the way. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the simple hotel
Meals – L, D
Today we shall have a early breakfast and leave the hotel around 7.00 am. First we drive an hour to Pulna which is 04 km form Govindghat, which will serve as the starting point of the moderate level trek. Begin the activity with crossing the Alaknanda River over a bridge and then trek towards the Bhyundar Valley.Savour the trail through forest area and villages and the sights of waterfall and verdant landscapes. After covering 9km in 4-5 hours, reach Ghangria. If you wish, you can also hire a mule or use the helicopter service to reach.
Overnight Camping
Meals – B, L, D
This balmy day, look forward to a short climb to the valley, moderate gradient and fetching landscapes. It will take you around 2 hours to reach the famous Valley of Flowers. Feast your eyes on vast meadows dotted with vibrant alpine flowers, many streams and lofty mountains.
Right at the entrance stands the snowy Ratban Parvat Peak, on the left is Nar Parvat and on the right is the dense Birch Forest. Unravel the charms of the region over a good 3-4 hours. Head back to the camp at Ghangria.
Overnight Camping
Meals – B, L, D
Ascend to Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh Shrine built next to the mesmerizing lake (ringed by wild flowers with Brahmkamal being the most popular) over 3-4 hours. Expect steep climbs at some places. Once there, soak in the beauty of the place as sip on the piping hot tea served at the Gurudwara (shrine). Visit Laxman Mandir next to the Gurudwara. By noon, retreat to Ghangria.
Overnight will be spent in the campsite.
Meals – B, L, D
On this day, you will trek back to Govindghat. Once there, drive back to Joshimath. Take a hot shower and dig into a delectable meal.
Overnight at the Hotel
Meals – B, L, D
The drive today is same as 01st day so we shall make the early start and have Breakfast and lunch on the way and will be reaching in the late afternoon. Therefore it is advisable to book your onward journey after 8.30 pm.
Meals - B
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay) in double sharing basis.
- Meals included as per abbreviation as mentioned above in the programme where B- Breakfast, L-Lunch & D –Dinner.
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- First aid medical kits
- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
- Transportation
- Our professional charges.
Exclusions:
- Any kind of personal expenses such as table drinks, mineral water, tips etc.
- Any kind of meals or food not mentioned above in the programme.
- Personal Insurance.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head
FAQs
The COVID-19 guidelines of Uttarakhand are straightforward. They are:
1. You need to carry your RT-PCR Negative certificate, it cannot be older than 72 hours.
2. You also compulsorily need an E-pass to enter Uttarakhand. You can get it by registering on http://smartcitydehradun.uk.gov.in. Register for your E-pass at least 10 hours before starting your journey as the District Magistrate needs to approve it. That could take time.
Couple of things to keep in mind while traveling to Uttarakhand
1. Plan your travel wisely to ensure that your RT-PCR report is not older than 72 hours. You can get tested at Dehradun (Dr Ahuja’s Pathology & Imaging Centre) or Rishikesh (SRL Ltd, Near AIIMS. Contact: 7706879852) for this. Please get in touch with the testing centres to confirm timings.
2. On your way back, if your destination requires an RT-PCR negative certificate, plan accordingly for a buffer day to get tested.
Valley of Flowers is a high altitude tourist destination, which remains open for only for 4 months June until October for tourists. Therefore, these four months are the best time for visit VOF. Because of high altitude location, heavy rainfall is very common in Valley of Flowers area; therefore, we suggest that check the weather conditions before you start the trek to Valley of Flowers.
It is always safe while you travel in Uttarakhand as locals are humble and polite. As Valley of Flowers trek is quite demanding, therefore tourists should be physically and mentally fit for the trek. Before you start, crosscheck the weather and route conditions from the locals. Don’t forget to carry your trekking essentials as advised by your trekking guide.
June to October is the only and the best time when Valley of Flowers opens for tourists. Because of high altitude location, the weather is expeditiously changed of Valley of Flowers so checks the weather condition earlier and don’t forget to carry waterproof warm clothes with you. We notify that there is a quite unsafe to travel in the month of August due to heavy monsoon so, avoid it if you can.
No, there is no ATM facility available in Valley of Flowers. So tourist can withdraw the cash from
the previous location like Govindghat and Joshimath where plenty of ATMs are available.
Valley of Flowers is a complete tourist destination itself. There are several places to visit nearby in Valley of Flowers like Hemkund Sahib. Badrinath and much more for more detail you can also follow the link Places to see in Valley of Flowers.
Of course, tourists can visit Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib in a single trip. The basecamp is at Govindghat which is common for both destinations and the route is also same till Ghangaria (Ghangaria is the only place nearby where accommodation facilities are available for tourists). After Ghangaria, treks are divided differently for both Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Tourist can visit both of destinations one by one from Ghangaria. The distance of Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib from Ghangaria is 3.2 km and 2.1 km respectively.
Valley of Flowers Being a National Park and a World Heritage site, Valley of Flowers trek is subjected to strict ecological discipline and the trekker is expected to be careful not to disturb the ecosystem of the region. Therefore, government has discontinued the camping.
Because of the high altitude location, person should be physically fit and mentally prepared for the
trek. There is low oxygen availability and therefore is always a point of concern for high altitude
areas, therefore we advise that the tourists with breath related health issues should avoid this trek.
Please carry some essential medicine with you while you trekking and muffled yourself with the
warm and waterproof clothes. Talk to your tour guide in case of any emergency.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek
We shall charge only the services which are paid and non-refundable and our professional charges on the actual basis. This means we will pay you nearly 90% of the payment and if you want to adjust your payment for the next trip then it will be adjusted. But also note that the balance payment for the future tour shall be paid by the client.
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
We will refund you 70% of the payment and if you want to adjust your payment for the next trip then it will be adjusted. But also note that the balance payment for the future tour shall be paid by the client.
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
We will refund you 50% of the payment and if you want to adjust your payment for the next trip then it will be adjusted. But also note that the balance payment for the future tour shall be paid by the client.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
It will be calculated and hence the refund is initiated.
