The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is one of the most celebrated Himalayan treks in India. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famed for its breathtaking alpine meadows blanketed with thousands of wildflowers, glaciers feeding pristine streams, and its spiritual aura near Hemkund Sahib.
It is not just a trek—it feels like walking into a natural botanical garden created by the Himalayas.
Location & Geography
• Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
• Lies between the Zanskar and Great Himalaya ranges, forming a hanging valley at ~3,500 m.
• The Pushpawati River flows through the valley, fed by surrounding glaciers, creating a lush and moist environment perfect for wildflowers.
What Makes It Special
• Over 600–650 species of flowers have been recorded. Some rare ones include:
o Brahma Kamal (state flower of Uttarakhand, also considered sacred)
o Blue Poppy
o Himalayan Bellflowers
o Himalayan Orchids
o Primulas & Anemones
• The blooming is seasonal—different flowers take turns, so the valley never looks the same across July–September.
• It is believed to be the place where Hanuman brought Sanjeevani herb in the Ramayana.
Trek Experience & Difficulty
This is a moderate trek, perfect for beginners who want to experience the Himalayas.
The challenges are not technical but involve stamina, as you climb steadily in altitude.
• First stretch (Govindghat → Ghangaria, ~10 km):
o Steady ascent, alongside the Alaknanda and Pushpawati rivers.
o Multiple waterfalls and small dhabas (tea stalls).
o Last 3 km are tougher with steep zigzags.
• Second stretch (Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers, ~3–4 km one way):
o Walk into the valley through stone paths and wooden bridges.
o The trail flattens once you enter the valley, with flowers carpeting both sides.
o You can explore inside up to 6–7 km, but most visitors do 3–4 km.
• Optional Hemkund Sahib trek (Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib, ~6 km one way):
o Steeper and more demanding climb to 4,329 m.
o Hemkund Lake reflects surrounding seven snow peaks.
o Religious importance: sacred to Sikhs (Guru Gobind Singh meditated here) and Hindus (Lakshman from Ramayana is believed to have done penance here).
Best Time to Visit
• Mid-July to early September → Peak bloom, maximum flower variety.
• June → Valley opens, but flowers haven’t bloomed fully.
• Late September → Flowers start to dry, but great for clear mountain views.
• Park timings: Entry allowed 7 AM – 2 PM only; must exit by 5 PM.
Flora & Fauna
• Flora: Alpine meadows, moss carpets, orchids, poppies, daisies, lilies, primulas.
• Fauna: Rare sightings of Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, bharal
(blue sheep). More commonly spotted: butterflies, Himalayan monal (state bird), and small mammals.
VALLEY OF FLOWERS
From
Duration
Tour Type
Overview
Included/Exclude
- Pick and Drop Services
- 1 Meal Per Day
- Cruise Dinner & Music Event
- Visit 7 Best Places in the City With Group
- Additional Services
- Insurance
- Food & Drinks
- Tickets
Tour Plan
• Route: Rishikesh → Govindghat (~255 km, 10–11 hrs by road)
• Highlights: Scenic drive along the Alaknanda River, passing Devprayag,
Rudraprayag, and Joshimath.
• Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or lodge in Govindghat.
Trek Distance & Itinerary
Total trek distance: ~38–40 km
Duration: 5–6 days (Haridwar/Rishikesh → return)
Day 1: Arrival at Govindghat
• Route: Rishikesh → Govindghat (~255 km, 10–11 hrs by road)
• Highlights: Scenic drive along the Alaknanda River, passing Devprayag,Rudraprayag, and Joshimath.
• Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or lodge in Govindghat.
Day 2: Trek to Ghangaria (~10 km)
• Route: Govindghat → Pulna (by vehicle, ~4 km) → trek to Ghangaria (~10 km)
• Elevation Gain: ~2,735 ft (7,785 ft to 10,520 ft)
• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Highlights: Trek alongside the Pushpawati River, cross small streams, pass
waterfalls, and traverse rhododendron and oak forests.
• Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or lodge in Ghangaria.
• Route: Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers → Ghangaria
• Elevation Gain: ~1,030 ft (10,520 ft to 11,550 ft)
• Duration: 4–6 hours round trip
• Highlights: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage valley full of wildflowers, alpine
meadows, glacial streams, and small waterfalls.
• Overnight: Stay at Ghangaria.
Trek Distance & Itinerary
Total trek distance: ~38–40 km
Duration: 5–6 days (Haridwar/Rishikesh → return)
Day 1: Arrival at Govindghat
• Route: Rishikesh → Govindghat (~255 km, 10–11 hrs by road)
• Highlights: Scenic drive along the Alaknanda River, passing Devprayag,
Rudraprayag, and Joshimath.
• Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or lodge in Govindghat.
Day 2: Trek to Ghangaria (~10 km)
• Route: Govindghat → Pulna (by vehicle, ~4 km) → trek to Ghangaria (~10 km)
• Elevation Gain: ~2,735 ft (7,785 ft to 10,520 ft)
• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Highlights: Trek alongside the Pushpawati River, cross small streams, pass
waterfalls, and traverse rhododendron and oak forests.
• Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or lodge in Ghangaria.
Day 3: Valley of Flowers (~8 km round trip)
• Route: Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers → Ghangaria
• Elevation Gain: ~1,030 ft (10,520 ft to 11,550 ft)
• Duration: 4–6 hours round trip
• Highlights: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage valley full of wildflowers, alpine
meadows, glacial streams, and small waterfalls.
• Overnight: Stay at Ghangaria.
Day 4: Optional Hemkund Sahib (~12 km round trip)
• Route: Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib → Ghangaria
• Elevation Gain: ~3,809 ft (10,520 ft to 14,329 ft)
• Duration: 6–8 hours
• Highlights: Visit Hemkund Lake, surrounded by seven snow peaks; experience
the spiritual atmosphere at the Sikh Gurudwara.
• Overnight: Stay at Ghangaria.
Day 5: Return to Govindghat (~14 km)
• Route: Ghangaria → Pulna → Govindghat (trek + drive)
• Elevation Loss: ~4,305 ft (10,520 ft to 6,215 ft)
• Duration: 5–6 hours trek
• Highlights: Retrace your path along the rivers and forests; enjoy the last views
of valley flora.
• Overnight: Stay at Govindghat.
Route: Govindghat → Rishikesh (~10–11 hrs drive)
• Highlights: Scenic drive back; optional stops at Joshimath or Devprayag.
• Overnight: Depart from Rishikesh.
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