Valley of Flowers Trek

Trek in Himalayas is a feast for the eyes. But there are people who are wary of treks because you have to stay in Tents and do with make shift toilets.

Of the few treks that I have gone through YHAI, Valley of Flowers Trek I would recommend for all those who are wary of staying in tents.

On this route you are put up in dormitories. Moreover you have the backup of horses/ khachars for part of the route in case of any difficulty. But I would recommend this trek for its beauty more than these features.

Ideal period for treking is the month of August.

Day 1

Haridwar to Joshimath by bus via Devaprayag - Rudraprayag - Karnaprayag - 276 kms - Approx 10 hrs

You have to start early taking into account possibility of landslides on the way.

Day 2

Joshimath is 6,150 ft from sea level.

This day is reserved for acclamatisation. Short trek is arranged to acclamatise with the weather.

Visit to Auli Ropeway is a must.

Day 3

Joshimath to Govindghat by bus - 20 kms - 1 hr.

This point onwards you have to walk to your destination, Ghangaria. There are steps on most of the distance. This is the route for Hemkund Sahib, very important Gurudwara of Sikhs. You meet lot of pilgrims on the way. Exchange of greetings makes the climb easier. You get glimpse of nature one is going to encounter further up. Ghangaria is 10,200 ft above sea level.

Day 4

Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back

Today you will leave the crowd to Hemkund Saheb on the side and head towards Valley of Flowers which is approximately 12,000 ft from sea level. You will have trekking groups and nature for company. The peace enroute heightens your expectation about the destination and Valley does not disappoint you.

Its difficult to capture the beauty of the Valley in camera. But it is right there in front of my eyes.

You return to Ghangaria to hot tea and food.

Day 5

Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib - Ghangaria

Today is the day of visit to Hemkund Sahib which is approximtely 15,200 ft from sea level. Walk for half an hour and you reach a totally different world. The scene is right out of mythology. Clouds on your sides and lovely snow peaked mountains around you. While climbing be careful not to rush. The rarified air makes breathing difficult if you climb too fast. But if you climb gradually, it can be fun. Simply take in the beauty and feel blessed.

Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib served piping hot khichdi. When you get it at that altitude you have nothing but praise for the sevaks.

Kund itself is small, but it is divinity at its best.

Your return journey to Ghangaria is enjoyable. You have to be careful about Khachars on the way. Always move on the mountain side while making way for Khachar carrying groceries. It's safer. Enjoy the mountains and clouds because climbing down is not taxing.

Reach Ghangaria and be grateful for the hot food again.

Day 6

Ghangaria to Badrinath

On your return journey go to Badrinath. Walk down to Govind Ghat and go by bus to Badrinath. This is a famous temple of Lord Vishnu. Take darshan and rest.

Day 7

Badrinath - Vasudhara Falls - Badrinath

This is a must trek. Take a bus to Mana village, which is last village on India border. Its 3 kms from Badrinath. Enjoy a cup of tea in the "Bharat ki Akhiri Chai ki Dukan".

Vasudhara Falls is 6 kms. from this place. The walk is easy and beautiful with valley on one side and mountain on another and clouds giving you company all the way.

Day 8

Badrinath to Haridwar - 315 kms. - Approx. 11 hrs.

Start early because the drive is long and through land slide prone area. Please keep a day spare while planning your return connectivity from Haridwar in case you encounter land slide.

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