Valley of Flowers Trek

For the Valley of Flowers trek, you will need to reach Haridwar. Most operators will cover your travel arrangements from here to the endpoint of the trek and back.

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport is the airport that serves Dehradun, located about 48 km from Haridwar. There are daily flights from Delhi and other major cities in India for Dehradun. From here, you can catch a taxi/cab to Haridwar.

By Train

Haridwar is connected to important cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, Mussoorie, Varanasi, Kolkata, Lucknow by a strong rail network

By Bus

There are many private and government buses offering their services from Delhi to Haridwar. The drop-off point of these buses is usually at Haridwar bus station. From here, you will have to make your way to Haridwar Railway Station.

Wear quick-dry t-shirts and track pants while trekking. Wear a full-sleeved sweater or fleece jacket, scarf and socks to protect yourself from the chill. make sure you carry extra pairs of socks.

If you're planning your trip during the monsoon season, wear a poncho or raincoat. Your trekking shoes must be sturdy and if it's new, make sure it's well broken into. You should also wear a sun cap and sunglasses while trekking during the day. 

How can I pick the right trekking shoes and socks for me? Why do I need them for the Valley of Flowers trek?

When picking trekking shoes, make sure they have a strong and sturdy sole and fit you perfectly. Though all treks may not require you to have shoes that have ankle support, it’s a good idea to invest in shoes that have good ankle support to provide you with more comfort on longer or harder treks.

Make sure that your shoes provide some rain protection and don’t get drenched easily. You can pick any brand based on your budget. Most importantly, make sure that you purchase your shoes at least one month prior to your departure and wear them, exercise in them, walk in them daily to break into them well before your trek begins. This ensures you don’t trek in uncomfortable shoes.

As for socks, keep multiple pairs of quick-dry trekking socks handy. Trekking socks go above your ankle and are made from materials that keep your feet dry and less sweaty. Carry thicker quick-dry socks for the night to keep your feet warm.

Pro Tip – For treks like Valley of Flowers, with potential damp conditions, carry antiseptic/wet wipes and wipe down your feet and let them dry before changing into your night socks. Check for any shoe bites, blisters, or other injuries before you sleep so you’re ready to put your shoes back on the next day.

How can I pick the right trekking pants for me? Why do I need them for the Valley of Flowers trek?

Your trekking pants need to be quick-dry, water-resistant, and comfortable. Remember that you may need to wear thermal layers beneath your trekking pants (if you go in July) or rain pants over your trekking pants. Your trekking pants need to fit you well enough to accommodate these extra layers. Make sure you carry thicker pants for the night as it tends to get much colder.

How can I pick the right gloves for me? Why do I need them for the Valley of Flowers trek?

For the Valley of Flowers trek, you will need synthetic trekking gloves. These need to be waterproof and quick-dry. They’ll come in handy to protect your hand from harsh weather and/or injuries and discomfort. Make sure they fit you well and aren’t too tight or too loose.

How can I pick the right rain wear for me? Why do I need them for the Valley of Flowers trek?

The Valley of Flowers receives ample rainfall from July-end to mid-September, accompanied by occasional showers before and after the peak monsoon season. You need to ensure that any gear you purchase for tackling rains in the Valley of Flowers is strictly waterproof and not simply water resistant.

You will need a rain jacket or a poncho (we prefer ponchos as they have ample room to cover you and your daypack), rain pants that go over your trekking pants, rain covers for your daypack and backpack that fit them securely and don’t fall off, and rain protection for your shoes. Please do not carry light jackets or windcheaters or umbrellas as they will not be able to protect you, your gear, and your personal belongings from the rain. Do not forget to cover your backpack in its rain cover before you give it to your porter to carry.

How can I pick the right head gear for me? Why do I need them for the Valley of Flowers trek?

For the Valley of Flowers trek, we recommend carrying a quick-dry sun cap and a woollen cap.

Your sun cap should fit you well, have a brim at the front, and a flap at the back that covers the back of your neck, protecting it from sunburn. We recommend carrying a few handtowels that you can soak with water and lay them on the back of your neck in case you do suffer from a sunburn.

Your woollen cap should be made from thick and good quality material that can insulate heat well. It should fit your head snugly and cover your ears to protect you from cold winds.

How to dress appropriately for the Valley of Flowers trek

On the Valley of Flowers trek, the temperatures and weather conditions constantly change during the day. Days may be sunny or rainy and nights may be chilly and cold. Make sure all your layers of clothing are easy to put on and remove as you may need to keep switching them up.

Your base clothing layers (consisting of your innerwear and thermals) should be comfortable, thin, quick-dry, and fit close to your body. Wear a thin, quick-dry, full-sleeved sports t-shirt beneath your t-shirt to protect your arms from harsh weather conditions and injury. In July, you may need to wear insulation layers like a sweater or fleece jacket and fleece pants.

A few essentials for this trek include a minimum 50-litre backpack and a minimum 10-litre daypack, both protected by a rain cover, trekking poles, water bottles, headlamp or torch with fresh and extra pair of batteries.

How can I pick the right backpack, daypack, and covers for my bags? Why do I need them for the Valley of Flowers trek?

You will need to consider the duration of the trek to determine the size of your backpack. It’s always a good idea to check the recommended backpack size with your operator. Make sure you purchase an appropriately sized rain cover for your bag that fits it well and ensures that it stays completely dry.

On most Valley of Flowers trekking itineraries, your backpack will be carried by a porter (don’t forget to cover your backpack before handing it over to them). You will only have access to your backpack when you reach your guesthouse/hotel, which is why it’s a good idea to carry a daypack that will hold your snacks, water bottles, emergency and prescription medicines, camera, basic toiletries, jackets, etc.

Do carry some plastic or reusable synthetic bags to store your wet, sweaty, or dirty clothes and keep them separate from your fresh clothes and other items.

Lastly, but most importantly, CHECK YOUR BAGS! A few weeks before your departure, check all the straps, zips, and velcro fittings of your bag and make sure they’re in good condition. Fill your bag up completely and check if the straps are able to hold the weight of a stuffed bag. If you find anything that needs fixing, get the mends done and recheck your bag. Do this both for your daypack and backpack.

How can I pick the right sunglasses for me? Why do I need them for the Valley of Flowers trek?

The Valley of Flowers trek can get sunny and give you slight headaches. Buy sturdy, well-fitting sports sunglasses that have UV protection lenses. If you wear prescription glasses, check if your sunglasses have the same updated prescription to ensure you can see clearly through them and don’t get uncomfortable trying to adjust to different prescriptions. Make sure your sunglasses have a plastic frame as metal can get cold and cause discomfort. Carry a sturdy case to store your sunglasses (and another one for your prescription glasses if you wear any).

How can I pick the right head lamp for me? Why do I you need it for the Valley of Flowers trek?

A headlamp is one of the handiest tools you can bring with yourself on the Valley of Flowers trek. It keeps you handsfree while helping you in various situations from going to the washroom at night to finding your way back to your group in case you get lost. It also may be possible that your trek gets stretched past sundown, where a headlamp will be extremely useful in watching the trail ahead you.

Make sure your headlamp fits you comfortably, is functioning properly, and has fresh batteries. Do carry some extra batteries just in case you run out.

How can I pick the right trekking pole for me? Why do I need it for the Valley of Flowers trek?

A trekking pole can come very handy in the Valley of Flowers trek, especially on the steeper stretches and on your trek to Hemkund Sahib. It provides relief when trekking for long hours by helping with weight distribution and helps you maintain your balance on some of the rougher, steeper patches. Make sure your pole is sturdy, has a good grip, and is collapsible so you can easily fit it in your daypack. In case you don’t wish to invest in a trekking pole, you can ask your operator to rent one out to you at an additional cost.

What toiletries should I carry for the Valley of Flowers trek?

Firstly, make sure your toiletries are packed in a tightly sealed, waterproof pouch. Carry enough of the following to last you the duration of your trek, and then some more. You will be trekking to remote areas where there may not be shops for you to purchase these items.

• Body wash
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Thick face and body moisturiser
• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Moisturising lip balm with SPF
• Menstrual products and ample thick plastic bags to dispose of used sanitary napkins or tampons. Please do not litter. Ask your trek guide about the appropriate disposal methods. We do not recommend carrying menstrual cups or reusable pads/period panties as it will be difficult to wash and disinfect them while on the trek.
• Prescription medicines
• Anti-fungal and anti-rash creams
• Insect repellent
• Wet wipes
• Dry tissues
• Sanitiser
• Face masks

What water bottle or hydration pack should I carry for the Valley of Flowers trek?

As a general rule, carry 2 one-litre reusable water bottles per person. Make sure that at least one of your bottles is thermally regulated as you may need to sip on warm water or soup when it gets cold (your trek staff will give you the boiled water or soup).

If you plan on carrying hydration packs instead, make sure they fit you well and are easy to strap around you. They should be able to hold at least 500ml of water. We would still recommend also carrying at least one thermal flask for the hot water/soup.

Do I need to carry a pen knife for the Valley of Flowers trek?

It’s always a good idea to have a basic pen knife with a pair of scissors, a knife, toothpick, screwdriver, etc. on hand. This can come in handy to cut fruit if you get snacky while on the trek, replace some cutlery, help you mend small damages to your bags or shoes, and much more.

What should I carry in my medical kit for the Valley of Flowers trek?

Though your trek guide will be carrying a first aid kit, you should also carry a personal first aid kit with gauze, sprain bandage, antiseptic liquid, cotton, muscle relief spray, and loads of band aids. Also carry altitude sickness pills (please consult your trek guide before taking one) and pills for headaches, an upset stomach, cold, cough, allergies, and nausea.

Carry your personal prescription pills to last you all the days of your trek and then some extra in case your trek gets stretched due to unforeseen circumstances. Do check your medical kit for stock and expiration dates well in advance.
 

The Valley of Flowers trek is ideal for fit beginners and even families with children who want to experience Himalayan trekking. The minimum age requirement is 8 yrs. You will be required to cover a great distance in a short period of time, so it's best to spend some time building your stamina. You can prepare for this trek by performing exercises like stair climbing, jogging, running, etc.

How to prepare for the Valley of Flowers trek?

Although the trek is easy, do keep in mind that you will be walking on an ascend for several hours each day, nearing an altitude of approximately 11,200 ft above sea level.

Make sure you walk or do cardio exercises for at least an hour a day in the weeks leading up to your trek. Additionally, walk up several flights of stairs to build stamina and to get accustomed to uphill climbs, practise yoga and breathing exercises to regulate your breathing, and go for a few short runs once you’ve built onto your stamina.

Remember to rest and take your exercises easy in the days before your trek to avoid overworking yourself.

What is the cancellation and refund policy on the Valley of Flowers trek?

Cancellation policies differ from operator to operator. These policies are available on our website’s trip booking pages. As a general rule, any no shows will not receive a refund.

What are the COVID-19 protocols for the Valley of Flowers trek?

All trekkers are required to be doubly vaccinated to join any departure for the Valley of Flowers trek. Trekkers are required to maintain social distancing of 6 feet from one another (or from one personal group/family to the other). Temperatures of all trekkers will be screened before the departure with thermal temperature guns, and those with abnormal temperatures may be disallowed from joining the trek group.

If at any point of the trek you feel unwell or symptomatic, please inform your trek leader and they’ll provide you with the next steps of action. Do ask your operator for additional protocols that they undertake before you depart for your trek.

What documents should I carry for the Valley of Flowers trek?

All permits and National Park entry formalities will be arranged by your trek operator. You will simply need to carry a government-issued ID. Do ensure that you stay updated on the COVID-19 guidelines laid by Uttarakhand authorities and carry any vaccination certificates or RT-PCR reports as mandated.

What kind of food will be provided on the Valley of Flowers trek?

You’ll be given freshly cooked vegetarian meals. Please check which meals are included in your package. During road travel, the group will stop by a local highway restaurant/dhaba. Here meals are to be purchased by trekkers themselves.

Safety protocols and advisory on Valley of Flowers trek

Your trek guide is fully equipped to help you in case of an emergency. A basic first aid kit will be available, but please ensure that you carry your personal medication for the trip. In case you are feeling unwell or seem unfit to carry on with the trek, your guide may advise you to remain at the base camp. To ensure your safety, and of those around you, consumption of alcohol, tobacco products, vape pens, or any other intoxicants is strictly prohibited.

Will I get hot water at my accommodation on the Valley of Flowers trek?

Yes, you will need to inform the hotel manager an hour prior to this. Note, water is heated on wood fires and takes time, especially when large groups of people arrive at the same time and request water. In most packages the cost of hot water is not included and the homestay/hotel is likely to charge you a small amount for each bucket of water.

Will I get any network/connectivity on the Valley of Flowers trek?

There is no network on the Valley of Flowers trek. The last place you’re likely to get any network connection is at Govindghat. Hotels and guesthouses to have electricity (be prepared for outages), but most do not have any internet connection.