Valley of flowers trek is hugely different than any other trek in Himalayan region. The uniqueness of the place is so overwhelming that it easily comes to the list of once in a lifetime experience for all Himalayan lovers. Valley of flowers trek starts from Haridwar from where you have to reach Ghangaria. Ghangaria is a very small village by the bank of river Pushpawati. The Pushpawati river is the main river of valley of flowers and comes to its full glory and beauty during monsoon.

From Haridwar you can reach to Ghangaria via Joshimath and Govindghat. So your route to reach Ghangaria will be Haridwar – Rishikesh- Srinagar- Prayag- Joshimath- Govindghat- Ghangaria. From Haridwar, Joshimath is approx. 235 km distant and will take a whole day by car. Sharing cabs (Bolero/Maxx/Sumo) are easily available during trekking season from the taxi stand which is situated just outside the Haridwar railway station. One sumo/bolero will take 10 people inside and charge approx. 600/- per head for Haridwar. Until the cab is full they won’t start the journey.

Joshimath or Govindghat will be your first night’s stay. Next day morning start your journey to Govindghat and from Govindghat start the trek to Ghangaria. Before the 2012 devastating flood, the trek route was relatively lower and followed the trail of River Laxman ganga which flows from Ghangaria to Govindghat. But after the flood the route is restructured by the government and now much higher from the river trail. Its approx.12-14 km trek This is the most difficult but enjoyable part of the trek. It will take you one full day of trekking to reach Ghangaria. 2nd night stay at Ghangaria.

From Ghangaria Valley of flower approx. 4 km trek. You will see numerous species of butterflies, bees, other insects and hundreds of spectacular flower species. The valley is home of more than 60 flowers and 45 medicinal plants species which are rare and endangered. Some of these are not available anywhere in the world except the valley. Overall the valley is home of more than 600 species of flowers and numerous medicinal plant species. The state flower of Uttarakhand is Brahma Kamal, which is found in abundance in the valley.

• Duration: 6 Days – 5 Nights
• Route: Haridwar – Joshimath – Govindghat – Ghangaria – Hemkund – Ghangaria – Valley of Flower – Ghangaria – Govindghat – Joshimath – Haridwar

Trek Highlights

• Duration: 5 Nights/ 6 Days; Haridwar to Haridwar
• How to reach: Haridwar is connected by road from Delhi. Delhi is well connected by other parts of India
• Altitude: 15700 ft.
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Distance: 38 km trekking
• Weather: The nights will be cold. Day temperatures are pleasant
• Best time to trek: July, August, September

Valley of Flowers Trek Itinerary

Day 1 – Haridwar – Joshimath 235km

Haridwar to Joshimath distance is 235 km and will take approx. 8 hours by car. On the way we will cross Rishikesh, Srinagar, Prayag and reach Joshimath by evening. Night stay at Joshimath.

 Day 2 – Joshimath – Govindghat – Ghangaria Trek (25 km by car & 12 km Trek)

Today is the first day of our Valley of flowers trek. Joshimath to Govindghat is 25 km and takes approx. 1 hour by car. Govindghat has the check post from where you have to get an entry pass to the Valley of Flowers. From Govindghat our trek starts for Ghangaria. Initially the route was along the river but after the route washed away by the 2011-2012 flash flood new trek road has been built to reach Ghangaria. Reach Ghangaria by evening. Ghangaria is the last human settlement.

 Day 3 – Ghangaria – Hemkund – Ghangaria (7km )

Next day start early for Hemkund sahib gurudwara. It is the highest Gurdwara in the world just below the perpetual snow line. The trek route is good and gives you very scenic moments to stop by and enjoy. Reach Hemkund sahib by 1 PM and after sometime start descending to Ghangaria. Reach Ghangaria by evening.

Hemkund sahib is a nice addition to the valley of flowers trekking. The turquoise blue water of the lake (Hemkund) comes from the glaciers encircling the Gurudwara. You can take a dip in the icy cool holy water.

Day 4 – Ghangaria – Valley of Flower – Ghangaria (4 km)

Today is the most important day of the trek. today we will explore Valley of Flowers. It has more than 500 species of Flora & Fauna. There is a river flowing down from upper glacier. This river actually divides the valley in double parts. You can choose to go beyond the river. The riot of colors in the valley will make you speechless. Come back to Ghangaria.

Day 5 – Ghangaria – Govindghat – Joshimath

Reach Joshimath via Govindghat as the trek has ended. Night stay at Joshimath.

 Day 6 – Joshimath- Haridwar

Go back to Haridwar from Joshimath for your return journey.

Trek Inclusions

• Meals while on trek (Veg., Egg).
• All entry fees and permits.
• Accommodation: – Guest house, camping during Trek.
• Qualified & mountaineering certified trek Leader, Guide and Support staff.
• First aid medical kits
• Trek equipment (Sleeping Bag, Inner, Mattress, Tents, Kitchen tent, dinning tent, toilet tent).

Trek Exclusions

• Haridwar to Govindghat Transportation (The entire transportation rent will be divided between trekkers on actual basis. This will be approx. 500-700/- per head one way)
• Any kind of personal expenses.
• Food during the transit.
• Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
• Insurance.
• Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.

FAQ for Valley of flowers trek

Q- 1: How to reach valley of flowers base camp?

Ans: All the trekkers need to be present at Haridwar railway station at 6 AM in the morning of the trek start date. From there they will be taken to Joshimath. Overnight stay at Govindghat. Next day in the morning you will start your trek to Ghangaria, the base village of valley of flowers.

Q- 2: What is the best time to go for this trek?

Ans: Best time is July to September first half is perfect for Valley of flowers trekking. This is the monsoon and flowers are in full bloom in the valley.

Q- 3: What will be the temperature during trekking?

Ans: During the trek it won’t be cold. But nights will be cooler and there will be certain amount of rain. During July to September temperature will revolve between 4 – 10 degrees in night. Trekking to valley of flowers is a nice trekking in Uttarakhand. but be sure that there will be raining during trek

Q- 4: What kind of food and water will be provided during this trek?

Ans: The valley is situated in a remote area. Ghangaria village is not a permanent settlement though there are hotels available. So no trekker should expect luxurious trek or food. Vegetarian meals and safe drinking water throughout the trek are provided. The source of water in the area is glacial mountain water of local rivers. So you can fill your bottle with that water from hotels itself or buy packaged drinking water

Q- 5: Is there any restriction on consumption of alcohol or smoking?

Ans: Consumption of alcohol or smoking is not allowed. Organizers won’t take responsibility and may bar the participant if found consuming the same.

Q- 6: How many trekkers will be in one tent/room?

Ans: At Ghangaria, large rooms are available generally in basic hotels. Depending upon the room size 3-5 people will be accommodated in a large single room/dormitory

Q- 7: Where do I need to report for Valley of Flowers trek. Is there any common point of meeting anywhere?

Ans: The trek coordinators will arrange a pickup from Haridwar on Day 1 as per itinerary and pick up point will be Haridwar Railway Station.

Q- 8: I have booked my seat already. When can I expect a call from the Trek coordinators?

Ans: If you have questions/queries you can call anytime once you book. Apart from that the trek coordinators will send you car pick up and contact details a week before the trek starts.

Q- 9: Will there be any certified guide?

Ans: You will trek with excellent mountain guides who have been to that trail several times. Also at times we send guides who are Basic Mountaineering course certified. But that’s on availability.

Q- 10: We are a group of 3 girls. If due to some unforeseen circumstances return gets delayed from Haridwar will the trek coordinators help us to find suitable accommodation?

Ans: Drop from Govindghat to Haridwar will be arranged. Sorry, we can’t help for accommodations in Haridwar. GMVN (Motel Rahi) is a safe bet, operated by Uttarakhand Govt. Tourism department.

Q- 11: Is it possible to get Jain food for the entire duration?

Ans: Nope. This is a tea house trek, and we don’t run camps. The food will be vegetarian and served as per availability in hotels at Govindghat and Ghangaria.

Q- 12: I do not have trekking shoe. Will a good sports shoe suffice for this trek?

Ans: Trekking shoe is highly recommended. Sports shoes don’t work at that altitude, plus that’s monsoon time so they will get wet very easily.

Q- 13: Can you please share a what to carry list for Valley of Flowers trek?

Ans: We will share a what to carry list once the booking is confirmed

Q- 14: Can you please give an idea about menu during trek?

Ans: Menu will be north Indian style food. Nobody can tell that 2 months before.

Q- 15: What will be staying options? Will we be staying in tents/camps?

Ans: Private lodge/Hotel. On dormitory sharing basis, 3/4/5 beds.

Q- 16: What will be the minimum and maximum group size?

Ans: There is No minimum but maximum is restricted to 20 trekkers.

Q- 17: How will be the weather during that time?

Ans: That will be monsoon, so rain are very much expected everyday.