Valley of Flowers Trek 2024

The trek ranks as one of the most beautiful treks in the world with the blue PRIMULA flowers, and is aptly called as the “VALLEY OF FLOWERS”.  The peak in high altitudes is a perfect spot for Mountaineers and adventure seekers. This place has a variety of flora and fauna, attractive flowers and the splendid views which will transport the trekkers to a different world with a background of majestic high cliffs and snow-capped mountains. This is the high grand Himalayas of the Garhwal District, Uttarakhand which surrounds this exquisite valley. The perfect time for Valley of Flowers Trek is during the months of mid-July to mid-August.

Valley of Flowers trek starts from an ascending to Govindghat, on the route to Hemkund Sahib and finally till the Ghangaria which is a challenging and an exciting climb. Trekkers capture a grand view of the majestic Himalayas.  After reaching an altitude of 14,300 ft trekkers see a huge clear water lake which is a sheer treat to the eyes and surely everyone will watch the same with awe for a long time.  This secret crowning jewel is a unique habitat and home to different kinds of species of wildflowers like saxifrages, seams, lilies, poppy, Calendula, daisies, geranium, zinnia and petunia.

Trekkers also encounter a variety of colorful butterflies during the Valley of Flowers trek. The valley is situated at an altitude of over 3250 m and serves as a main zone to the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve spread over a lush expanse of 87.5 sq km which is a colorful paradise on earth full of alpine flowers. Mythological legends believe it to be a place where Lord Hanuman had gone to collect the Sanjeevani Booti with healing properties to cure Laxman. Trekkers can listen sounds of different birds chirping and also the buzzing sounds of streams in full flow. The peaceful and captivating beauty attracts nature lovers and photographers.

About the Valley of Flowers Trek:

An amalgam of dazzling snow capped Himalayan Mountains, green and lush meadows, and silver-white clouds make up the “VALLEY OF FLOWERS”. Located at an altitude of 14,400 ft Valley of Flowers trek was first discovered by a British Traveler Frank Smith in 1931. The trek route is filled with flowers and starts at Govindghat, and then passes through Joshimath and the trekkers finally reach Hemkund Sahib. The Valley of Flowers trek is suitable for beginners as well as enthusiastic trekkers. The streams that meander through the valley, and the high altitude tranquil lake, “HEMKUND” at 4329 mts gives an exotic and exquisite overview of the flora and fauna of the region. This lake is a spiritual place for both “SIKHS AND HINDUS”.

The trails will be steeper but the beauty of the seven (Saptarishi) snow-capped mountains will make trekkers feel more charmed and thrilled. Capture the beauty of the Hathi Parvat and Saptarishi peaks and see the beautiful small stream of Himganga that originates from this lake. The spiritual leader “GURU GOVIND SINGH THE TENTH GURU OF SIKH SAINT“, had kept deep penance on the banks of this lake. In the final lap, the trekkers go from Ghangaria to Govindghat and then to Joshimath. The trek from Ghangaria will be steep but gives trekkers some of the most splendid views of the region.  This Valley of Flowers trek takes trekkers to see some of the worlds’ most enchanting and splendid wildlife that will be a cherished throughout their lifetime. While driving from Govindghat to Joshimath trekkers can see the confluence of “ALAKNANDA AND BHAGIRATHI” rivers to form the river “GANGES” while passing through the “DEVPRAYAG”. During the trek, it will be good to explore “AULI” if time permits. In short, the valley of flowers provides an unending surprise package for the trekkers. One can spend a quiet time in the lap of nature to re-energize with pleasant thoughts and memories.

Trek Highlights

Some of the highlights of this trek are:

• Valley of Flowers trek has the abundant beauty of exotic flowers and this will lead trekkers to small streams and rivulets.
• Trekkers get a chance to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region like saxifrages, sediams, lilies, poppy, calendula, daisies, and wildlife like brown bear, snow leopard, blue sheep (Bharal).
• See the giant and majestic peaks of Hathi Parvat and Saptarishi peaks.
• Interact with the local people to learn about their culture.
• At the Hemkund Sahib, many trekkers take a holy dip to purify their soul.
• Enjoy and get amazed by the lakeside camping and spend the night here.

Key Facts about the Trek

• Region: Chamoli, Uttarakhand.
• Starting Point: Joshimath
• Ending Point: Joshimath
• Duration: 6 Days and 5 Nights
• Ideal Time: June. Flowers are in full bloom during the first week of June every year which is the right time to visit this place. The region is not accessible during other months due to dense snowfall.
• Level: Easy- Moderate
• Total Distance: 47 Km.
• Maximum elevation: Valley of Flowers Trek at an altitude of 14,100 feet at Hemkund Sahib and around 6,240 ft at Govind Ghat. This is a high altitude trek and requires acclimatization before undertaking the trip.
• Weather: Day temperatures are usually warm between 12*C-20*C and pleasant, and nights are cold. (-4°C – -10°C).
• Communication: Connectivity is very limited and trekkers experience weak signals of BSNL network in Ghangaria. Other networks are only occasionally available.
• ATM Points: The last ATM point in this route is Joshimath

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 :-  Haridwar – Joshimath (290km, 10-11 hours)

Drive from Haridwar to Joshimath and reach there by evening. Stay overnight and next day leave for Govind Ghat.

Day 2 :-  Joshimath – Govind Ghat – Ghangaria Trek (21 km drive & 14 km Trek, 8-9 hours)

This happens to be the most difficult part of the trek, the 14 km trek from Govind Ghat to Ghangaria. The drive from Joshimath to Govind Ghat is a 21 km drive. The trekkers pass the Bhyundar Village which is set in the middle of the mountains and a river flowing through it.  The last part of the trek is a little steep which tires out people, but they are for sure always rewarded as a majestic view awaits them.

Day 3 :-  Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Ghangaria (8 km Trek, 4-6 hours)                          

Entering the Valley of flowers is a 3 km climb from Ghangaria. After crossing the Lakshman Ganga Bridge the right path goes to the Hemkund and the left one to the Valley of flowers. Access to The Valley of Flowers is restricted to daylight hours (from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and camping is prohibited. The entry of mules is also prohibited to the Valley. The same day, the trekkers need to return to Ghangaria. There’s a Forest Department check point less than a kilometer from Ghangaria, which marks the official beginning point of the Valley of Flowers. One may pay the required amount to enter the Valley and get the permit from here.

Day 4 :-  Ghangaria – Valley of Flower – Ghangaria (12 km Trek, 6-8 hours )/ Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is situated at a height of 4329 meters and is considered to be a holy place for Sikhs. This is a steep climb. Guru Granth Sahib meditated on the shores of a lake surrounded by seven mountains now known as the Hemkund.

Day 5 :-  Ghangaria – Govindghat – Joshimath (14 km Trek & 21 km drive , 8-9 hours)                  

Trek back to Govindghat from Ghangaria, which is a 14 km trek and then drive to Joshimath 21 km from Govind Ghat. Rest of the day can be used by exploring the surrounding picturesque locations. Stay back at Joshimath and next day leave for Haridwar.

Day 6 :-  Joshimath- Haridwar (290km, 10-11 hours)

Drive back to Haridwar early morning and arrive Rishikesh/Haridwar by evening.

Frequently Asked Questions