Trek to Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers trek is arguably one of the most gorgeous treks in India, if visited in the right season. There are carpets of flowers to walk on, in a riot of colours, all releasing their delicate fragrance into the cool air around you. From geraniums to marigolds to rhododendron, this adventure is real floral festival. The best time to visit is after the snow has melted, when the valley springs to life. It's not just the flowers; you'll see streams trickling down from the slopes all around, creating small waterfalls all around. There's a fine mist in the air, and you'll be walking along cobbled paths that lead you through lush greenery. In the distance, you can see snow-capped peaks.

This itinerary gives you a full day to explore the valley, and also takes you to Hemkund Sahib, the holy pilgrimage spot for the Sikh community. The gurudwara stands beside a lake that has ice floating in it, but the freezing water doesn't deter devotees from taking a dip. You'll also visit Rudraprayag and Devprayag, to see the glorious river confluences that these riverside towns are famous for.

Destination

Located at an altitude of 15,200 feet, the Valley of Flowers trek is one of the most beautiful valleys in Uttarakhand. Botanists and nature lovers from around the world visit during blooming season to study the rare and lovely flowers here. It also is home to rare endangered species such as the black bear, the snow leopard, and the musk deer, amongst any others.

Destination highlights

See the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers | Book one of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand | Experience the serene ice-covered lake and gurudwara of Hemkund Sahib | Camp in scenic Ghangaria | Cross the Bhyundar Valley and trek along the Laxman Ganga River | Drink from streams of fresh water

10003

15696

1030

46 kms

24 hours

8 kms

Haridwar

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Haridwar

Shared taxi

Govindghat

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07:00

18:00

Begin your journey early with a drive uphill to Joshimath, stopping at Devprayag to view the confluence of the rivers of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. In Joshimath, you'll check in to your accommodation for the night. Depending on availability, you'll be staying in a guesthouse or campsite for the night. End your night with an early dinner, as to begin your day afresh tomorrow.

Overnight in guest house or hotel room.

Spend your night in Joshimath in a double or triple sharing guesthouse, or at a campsite. Today’s package includes a vegetarian dinner.

Food

Dinner

Veg

Day 1 Milestone

Haridwar

Joshimath

07:00 AM

After an early breakfast, you'll depart for Govindghat which will be the starting point of your trek. The trail zigzags up a gentle climb through apricot orchards and terraced fields. You cross the Bhyundar Valley,and proceed towards Ghangaria. You'll be camping in Ghangaria, and will have some time to explore before it's time for dinner. Overnight in tents.

Overnight in tents.

Spend your night in Ghangaria in tents shared by 2 or 3 people. Enjoy the services of a cook at your camp, and the convenience of a kitchen/dining tent. You'll also have a toilet tent equipped with handwash and toilet rolls for your convenience. Today’s package includes a vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 2 Milestone

Joshimath

Ghangaria

07:00 AM

Today you'll trek into the Valley of Flowers, which is 3 kms away. You'll reach a small stream, and just beyond that lies the valley, filled with flowers. You'll see flowers everywhere, and will walk through narrow trails. Several small streams and waterfalls merge around you. You'll spend the day exploring the different viewpoints and trails in the valley. You'll return to your Ghangaria campsite for the night.

Overnight in tents.

You'll be staying at the same Ghangaria campsite tonight. Today's package includes a vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eggs will be served if available.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 3 Milestone

Ghangaria

Ghangaria

07:00 AM

Today you'll set off towards Hemkund Sahib. This trek is slightly more challenging, taking you up through steep trails. You might experience some rainfall today, but you'll be fully prepared. There's an interesting mix of people to watch, from trekkers to nature enthusiasts to pilgrims. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and there's a mood of peace and goodwill here. You'll return to Ghangaria for the night. Overnight in tents.

Overnight in tents.

Spend your last night in Ghangaria tonight. Today’s package includes a vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the option of eggs.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 4 Milestone

Ghangaria

Ghangaria

07:00 AM

You'll trek back to Govindghat today, and then board the waiting vehicles to go back to Joshimath. You'll be happy to rest your legs and admire the views from the vehicle today. In Joshimath, you'll check in to your campsite or guest house for the night.

Overnight stay in guest house/ hotel or camp.

Tonight you'll return to Joshimath, to the guesthouse or campsite. Today's package includes a vegetarian breakfast and lunch.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch

Veg

Day 5 Milestone

Ghangaria

Joshimath

07:00 AM

You'll have a hearty breakfast before departing for Haridwar today. En route, you'll stop at Rudraprayag to see the confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda. You should reach Haridwar by evening. Trip ends here.

Your trip ends before nightfall.

You'll eat a hearty breakfast today before setting off on the long drive to Haridwar. The journey is a long, scenic one, and you'll be able to choose and pay for your own lunch at the lunch stop. Trip ends in Haridwar.

Food

Breakfast

Veg

Day 6 Milestone

Joshimath

Haridwar

07:00 AM

Includes / Excludes

Includes

  • Accommodation in twin or triple sharing tents
  • Sleeping bags and roll-on mattresses
  • Kitchen/dining tent with all utensils
  • Toilet tent equipped with handwash and toilet rolls
  • All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
  • Qualified and experienced trek leaders, guide, support staff
  • First aid treatment/facilities
  • Any permit charges, forest entry fee and camping charges
  • Any trekking equipment required
  • All applicable taxes

Excludes

  • Transport from Haridwar-Joshimath-Haridwar (can be arranged for INR 1200, to be paid on the spot)
  • Stay and food at Haridwar
  • Meals during transit
  • Porters or mules for personal luggage (can be arranged for INR 1400 per person, for the entire trip)
  • Any cost other than those in inclusions

What to Wear

What to Wear

  • Windcheater/waterproof jacket
  • Fleece innerwear
  • Sports/ hiking shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Cap
  • T-shirts
  • Loose trousers
  • Light jacket (woolen)
  • Rain poncho or umbrella
  • Floaters or sandals
  • Pairs of quick dry tees and track pants
  • Two pair of socks
  • One heavy jacket
  • Not to wear - Expensive jewellery, watches or electronic items

What not to Wear

  • Loose clothing that will tangle around you while swimming
  • Restrictive clothing
  • Flip-flops

Equipment / Gear

We Provide

  • All camping gear including tents and sleeping mattress
  • Kitchen tent
  • Dining tent
  • Toilet tents equipped with handwash, toilet rolls

You need to get

  • Day sack for a water bottle, camera and personal clothing
  • Small torch
  • Personal medicines if required
  • Backpack (min 55 liters) with rain cover
  • Light towel lip balm
  • Cold cream and sun screen (SPF 40+) recommended
  • Water bottle 1 lt.

Medical Kit

  • Please carry specific personal or prescribed medication, personal first-aid kit.

Cancellation policy

For cancellations made 0-10 days before the departure of the Valley of Flowers trek: No refund, but you can transfer the same to a friend.

For cancellations made 10-15 days before the departure of the Valley of Flowers trek: 50% of the amount will be refunded, or you can move to another batch for the same trek, same season.

For cancellations made 15-30 days before the departure of the Valley of Flowers trek: 75% of the amount will be refunded, or you can choose another trek or other batches for the same trek, same season.

For cancellations made 30 days or more before the departure of the Valley of Flowers trek: 90% of the amount will be refunded, or you can transfer the trek to a family member, or get a voucher for the same amount, to be used in the same year.

Rules on trip

Participants must adhere to the instructions of the trip leader/guide at all times during the Valley of Flowers trek.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages/drugs during the Valley of Flowers trek is not permitted.

Additional instructions, booking policies, terms and conditions

The supplier reserves the right to change the itinerary of the Valley of Flowers trek without prior notice.

Any trek costs are exclusive of any kind of insurances or medical coverage/benefits.

In the case of transferring your booking to a family member or friend, that person should satisfy the mandatory requirements for the Valley of Flowers trek.

Changing of batches depends on availability of the Valley of Flowers trek.