Valley Of Flowers Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Dehradun – Joshimath (290 km/10 hrs by cab) 1920 M
A long yet scenic drive crosses major towns of Uttarakhand before we reach our destination of the day, Joshimath. We start early from Dehradun to reach Joshimath by evening. Crossing Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar and halting at Karnaprayag for lunch, we follow along the river the entire time. The distance from Dehradun to Joshimath is 290 km which takes 8-9 hours to complete. On reaching Joshimath, we check into our hotel before leaving for Govindghat the next day.
Day 02: Joshimath to Govindghat (45 km/2 hours drive) then Govindghat to Ghangaria (11 km/4-5 hours trek)
Post breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head towards Govindghat. The drive from Joshimath to Govindghat takes about 45 minutes from where we switch vehicles and drive towards Pulna. From Pulna, we start trekking towards Ghangharia. The distance to be covered on this day is 10 km, which takes about 6-7 hours to complete. While trekking towards Ghangharia, the path is laid, which makes the trek relatively easier. However, a continuous elevation may become strenuous. The trek route till Ghangharia is dotted with small Dhabas, pilgrims heading towards Hemkund Sahib and a ferocious outlet of the river Pushapavati. You are also going to be surrounded by the forest the entire route, which reduces the heat and makes the hike pleasant. The route till Ghangharia is a busy one as it is also the route to Hemkund Sahib. You will spot helicopters often if the weather is clear and innumerable spots to eat. Before reaching the actual village of Ghangharia, you will hit the camps. We check into our hotel and spend the rest of the evening in leisure.
Day 03: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back to Ghangaria (8 km/6 hours trek) 3500 M
Today is the day you’ve been anticipating for! The Valley of flowers welcomes you with a view that only the lucky ones can stumble upon. We start early from Ghangharia to reach the valley by 0900- 1000 hours. The trek begins with a small path covered by forest from all the sides, and there is a clear gradual increase in the number of flowers on the path. You will cross a bridge which will then lead to a sudden ascend. Continue walking on the path and within some time the path will open up into a vast valley. From here the Valley begins. The first view is of the peaks in front of the path that you’ve been trekking upon. Once you look to your right, you can see the valley and the Tipri glacier. The valley is laden with rare species of Himalayan flowers, including blue poppy, orchid, primulas, and Himalayan bellflowers. The valley of flowers is not only relevant in today’s context but has had interesting admirers since forever. One such individual Lady Joan Margaret Legge who lost her life in the valley when she slipped. Her grave is marked and trekkers often hike up till her grave. You can also trek till the river bed of the Pushpavati river. The river is named in accordance with the significance of the valley of “flowers”. You can spend your time observing the flowers, clicking photographs or simply doing nothing! The valley doesn’t disappoint you a bit. After spending 1-2 hours at the valley, we head back towards Ghangharia post-lunch. The descend is relatively easier however may become strenuous on the knees. After reaching Ghangharia, you can spend the evening exploring around.
Day 04: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back to Ghangaria (12 km/7-8 hours trek) 4633 M
The next day we embark on a pilgrimage journey. Post breakfast, we start trekking towards Hemkund Sahib. The distance from Ghangharia to Hemkund Sahib is 6 km which takes about 5 hours to complete. The path, again, is well laid and dotted with small eating joints; which is not the case while you trek towards the Valley. The path to Hemkund sahib is also blessed with flowers that you may have seen in the Valley of flowers. The hike to Hemkund Sahib is challenging yet magnificent. You can see pilgrims all motivated to reach the gurudwara, some even complete the journey barefoot. On reaching Hemkund Sahib, you can enter the gurudwara and then enjoy some ready to eat hot Halwa and chai. You can also sit by the Sarovar for a while and enjoy the views around. After spending an hour at gurudwara, we head back towards Ghangharia taking the same route. After reaching Ghangharia, we rest for a while and spend the evening in leisure.
Day 05: Ghangaria to Govindghat (11 km/4 hours trek) & Govindghat to Karnprayag (100 km/4 hours drive)
Post breakfast, we bid adieu to Ghangharia and check out of our hotel. Heading back towards Pulna, we take the same route and start trekking early in the morning to reach Govindghat on time. At Govindghat, we board our traveler and head towards Joshimath where we stop for lunch. From Joshimath, we start driving along Alaknanda and head towards Karnaprayag. Karnaprayag is a holy Hindu town, where Alaknanda meets Pindar making a Sangam. We reach Karnaprayag by late evening and check into our hotel. You can spend the evening exploring the town or go by the river to see the Sangam more clearly.
Day 06: Karnprayag – Dehradun (210 km/8 hours drive)
Post breakfast, we leave from Karnaprayag and start our drive towards Dehradun; crossing towns of Devprayag and Rishikesh en route. We check out early from our hotel to reach Dehradun by late afternoon. On reaching Dehradun, your trip ends with a backpack full of amazing memories!
Tour & Services End.
