Valley of Flowers Trek – Wonderland of Garhwal Himalayas. Needless the say anything about this trek. Every trekker wants it into their bucket list including Henkund Sahab.
Trek to Valley of Flowers (VoF) at an elevation of 3352-3658 meters ASL is probably one of the most popular trek in Utrrakhand and is famous for more than 500 species of flowers. It is one of the oldest known trek to all who haven’t even stepped into the Himalayas.
Best month to visit VoF is July-Aug. Rain may play the spoilsport but it’s worth visiting during those months. The trail passes through dense forest, all along Pushpawati river originating from “Phoolon Ki Ghati” crossing many bridges, glaciers and waterfalls on the way.
The Valley of Flowers National Park was established by the Indian government in the beginning of Eighties, and it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. This makes Valley of Flowers popular n’ favourite among the trekkers from around the world.
The trek to “Phoolon Ki Ghati” is not so easy, it is of moderate level with slightly longer trekking days and a steep ascent to Hemkund Sahib (elevation 4,632 meters/ 15,197 feet) will definitely challenge the endurance of many.
Day - 1: Haridwar to Joshimath.
» Enjoy the hill drive of 296 Kms in 10 plus hrs. You will get the opportunity to witness couple of prominent Prayags (confluence of river). (1) Dev Prayag (Bagirathi & Alaknanda), (2) Rudra Prayag (Mandakini & Alaknanda), (3) Karna Prayag (Alaknanda & Pinder).
» Stay – Home Stay/ Designated Hotel.
» Joshimath altitude: - 1857 m/ 6150 ft. ASL (Above Sea Level)
Day - 2: Joshimath to Govindghat - Pulna and Trek to Ghangaria
» Travel by road: - Joshimath to Govindghat, 16 Kms in 1 plus hours.
» Travel by road: - Govindghat to Pulna in Local Available Transport 6 Kms in 30 min.
» Pulna to Ghangharia: - Trek for 9 Kms in 5-6 hours.
» Altitudes: - Pulna 2100 m/ 6900 ft & Ghangharia: 3206 m/ 10520 ft.
Day - 3 : Ghangaria to Valley of Flower & back to Ghangaria
» Trek for 8 Kms (Both ways) – in 7 plus hrs.
» Maximum attainable Altitude: 3500 m/ 11500 ft.
Day - 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back to Ghangaria
» Trek for 12 Kms (both bays) in 9 plus hours.
» Altitude: Hemkund Sahib 4300 m/ 14107 ft.
Day - 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat and Drive to Joshimath.
» Trek Distance (Ghangharia- Pulna): 9 Kms | 4-5 hrs.
» Travel by road Pulna - Govind Ghat: - 6 Kms in 30 min.
» Travel by road Govind Ghat - Joshimath: - 16 Kms in 1 plus hrs.
Optional:
Those who want to visit Badrinath can make it from Govindgat by on the spot arrangements, but has to ensure their return to Joshimath by evening.
Day - 6: Joshimath to Haridwar
» Leave Joshimath early morning by 6.00 AM.
» Travel Distance by road 296 Kms in 10 plus hrs.
» Morning Tea/ Coffee on the way which is excluded.
» Breakfast and Lunch excluded.
» Reach Haridwar by Late Evening
Note:
1. Keep the original and copy of ID proof handy.
2. Pick up will be from Haridwar Railway Station by 6.00 AM.
3. As we are reaching Haridwar by Late Evening. Make your further travel plans which suits you the best.
4. Distance, Altitude, and Trekking hours are approximate.
