VALLEY OF FLOWERS

Haridwar to Haridwar

VALLEY OF FLOWERS

Why is Valley of Flowers a Must-Do Trek in Uttarakhand?

The Valley of Flowers Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience located in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this alpine national park is famous for its vibrant meadows, rare Himalayan flora, and spiritual ambiance.

1. Geography and Location
Situated in the Western Himalayas near Joshimath (approx. 300 km from Rishikesh).
Part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, featuring peaks like Nanda Devi and Nilgiri Parbat.
Accessed by trekking from Govindghat via Ghangaria village.

2. Flora and Fauna
More than 500 species of wildflowers bloom here, including rare varieties like:
Blue Poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia)
Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata)
Cobra Lily, Marigold, Primula, and Gentiana
Home to diverse wildlife such as the Himalayan monal, musk deer, black bears, and snow leopards.

3. Ecological Significance
Part of the Nanda Devi National Park – a vital area for research, conservation, and Himalayan biodiversity.
Important habitat for endangered and endemic species.

4. Climate and Best Time to Visit
Ideal time: July to September for full bloom.
Closed from October to June due to snow and weather hazards.
Monsoon rains enrich the landscape with lush greenery and floral diversity.

5. Trekking and Accessibility
Moderate trek: approx. 17 km from Govindghat to Ghangaria + 3-4 km to the valley.
Stunning views of waterfalls, alpine forests, and meadows along the route.
Ghangaria is the last inhabited stop before the park gate.

6. Spiritual and Cultural Significance
Close proximity to Hemkund Sahib, an important Sikh pilgrimage site.
Associated with mythology and local legends tied to Nanda Devi and spiritual practices.

7. Conservation Challenges
Tourism pressure, climate change, and waste pose risks to the delicate ecosystem.
Strict regulations help preserve the park through limited entry and guided tours.

8. UNESCO World Heritage Recognition
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 for its exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance.

Basic Info

Trek Details

Highlights

Who Can Participate
  • Age; 10 years +.
  • First timers can apply; previous trekking experience is more appreciated.
  • The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 35 min or 10 km in 80 min without stress.

Travel Tips 

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and trekking.
  • Carry water and some snacks, as this Trek requires trekking.
  • Be mindful of the weather conditions, as this is a higher altitude trek.
₹9,000 /Person

Grade
Moderate

Distance
16

Group Size 
10

Duration
6 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath / Pipalkoti (260 Km Drive)

  • Group assembly at 6:30 AM – Pickup at Natraj Chowk / Tapovan Chowk (tentative).
  • Scenic drive via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag & Nandprayag – the sacred Ganga confluences.
  • Alaknanda river accompanies most of the drive.
  • Evening arrival at Joshimath or Pipalkoti. Check-in, dinner, and overnight stay in a guest house.
  • Mobile network is available throughout the journey.

Day 2: Pipalkoti – Govindghat – Pulna – Ghangaria (Trek 10 Km)

  • Briefing after breakfast, then drive to Pulna – the trek starting point.
  • Start 10 km trek to Ghangaria (9,800 ft). Path follows river stream and forests.
  • Govind Dham Gurudwara and Hemkund base visible en route.
  • Helicopter services available from Govindghat (subject to weather; extra cost).
  • Overnight stay at hotel in Ghangaria village.

Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers & Return (Trek 8 Km Round Trip)

  • Altitude: 11,500 ft | Distance: 4 km one way.
  • Entry at forest check post;
  • More than 300+ species of wildflowers: blue poppy, brahma kamal, orchids, primulas.
  • Trek along meadows, glacier view at end of valley.
  • No food or camping allowed inside the valley – return to Ghangaria for dinner and rest.

Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib & Back (Trek 12 Km Round Trip)

  • Altitude: 15,200 ft – World’s highest Gurudwara.
  • Challenging trek with steep ascents. Distance: 6 km one way.
  • Views of Brahma Kamal, Himalayan Blue Poppy & Saptarishi Peaks.
  • Refreshments and khichdi served at Gurudwara.
  • Return to Ghangaria for night stay.

Day 5: Ghangaria – Pulna – Drive to Pipalkoti

  • Descend 10 km to Pulna after breakfast.
  • Drive back to Pipalkoti / Joshimath.
  • Check-in, dinner and night stay at the guest house.

Day 6: Pipalkoti to Rishikesh (Drive Back)

  • Depart early with packed memories and reach Rishikesh by evening (6:30 – 7:30 PM).
  • Dispersal – ensure onward bookings after 8:30 PM for safety.

Inclusions

Stay: Homestays and Tented accommodation at individual campsites.
Meals: Uttara Hikes will provide freshly cooked meals during the trek.
Trek Equipment: Sleeping bag, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Toilet Tent.
Amenities: All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats), Crampons, and Gaiters for snow.
Health & Safety: First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, health.
Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee.
Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support teams.
Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules are to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.

Exclusion

  • Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
  • Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point
  • Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication.
  • Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water, etc.
  • Any still / video camera fee
  • Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage.
  • Any emergency evacuation charges.
  • Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section.

1. Cancellation by the Trekker:

  • Incase a trekker cancels their participation, the paid amount (including the booking amount) will non-refundable under all circumstances.

2. Postponement by the trekker:

  • If a trekker wishes to postpone their trek, they may do so without any cancellation charges, provided they inform Uttara Hikes atleast 4 days prior to the scheduled trek start date.
  • The full payment paid (including the booking amount) will be securely carried forward to the next time but for the same trek.
  • The postponed trek can be availed at any time in the future – there is no expiry or time limit for rebooking.
  • If a trekker fails to inform about the postponement within 4 days of the trek date, the booking amount and full payment (if made) will be forfeited.

Terms & Conditions

Please read the following terms and conditions carefully before booking the RoopKund Trek.

1. Extra Days Beyond Itinerary:

If the trek extends beyond the scheduled itinerary due to any reason- such as road blockage, bad weather, health issues, government restrictions or personal delays- the additional expenses for accommodation, meals, transportation, or any other services will not be covered under the trek package. Such extra costs shall be borne by the trekker directly at the time of occurance.

If the trekker voluntarily ends their journey before the completion of the itinerary, no refund will be provided for the unused days or services. Similarly, if due to weather conditions, safety concerns, or any other unavoidable circumstances, Uttara Hikes completes the trek earlier than scheduled, but all the destinations mentioned in the itinerary have been covered, no refund or adjustment shall be applicable for the remaining days.

The Booking amount(1000 Rs) is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances. Full & Final Payment must be completed after the official trek briefing. Failure to make the full payment even after the briefing will result in automatic cancellation of the trek package without any refund of the booking amount.

During the trek, the decision of the trek leader or Uttara Hikes management will be final & binding in matters related to safety. Route changes, or trek continuation. Any participant failing to follow safety instructions may be asked to discontinue the trek without refund.

Trekkers are expected to ensure their physical fitness before joining the trek. Uttara Hikes will not be responsible for any injury, loss or damage to personal belongings during the trek.

Note: By booking the trek, participants agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

Who Can Participate

  • Age; 10 years +.
  • First timers can apply; previous trekking experience is more appreciated.
  • The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 35 min or 10 km in 80 min without stress.
Early Bird Discount

Book your trek 60 days in advance and get a flat 10% discount on the trek fee.

Group Discount

Get a 10% discount when booking for a group of 5 or more trekkers.

Loyalty Bonus

Returning trekkers get an additional 10% off on their next adventure.

Note: These trekking offers are valid for a limited time and subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

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