Valley of Flowers, a renowned monsoon trek at 12,000 feet [google says it’s around 14,100 ft], is a famous monsoon trek in India for beginner trekkers. Nestled in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli District, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans 87 sq km and boasts over 600 species of exotic flowers. As the name suggests, the Valley of Flowers is a destination where nature blooms in its full glory.
Choose from various organizers like IndiaHikes, Thrillophilia, Treknomads, and more. I opted for IndiaHikes and had a delightful experience. Most treks, including mine, commence from Rishikesh and circle back to this starting point.
How to reach:
I’m from Kolkata, and I planned my trip to Dehradun well in advance, booking a one-way flight for approximately 6,000 rupees. Upon arriving in Dehradun, I needed to travel to Rishikesh, and the most economical option for me was hiring an auto outside the Dehradun Airport, costing Rs. 300 per person. The journey took nearly an hour.
Trip Itinerary:
Day 1: Pickup from Rishikesh and drop-off at Govindghat
Our journey kicked off at 5:30 a.m. from LiveFree Hostel in a Tempo Traveler. As the sun’s rays painted the zig-zag roads in the mountains, we were treated to breathtaking scenery, instantly awakening my senses . The driver made several stops for breakfast, lunch, and washrooms during the 10- to 11-hour drive to Govindghat, our base camp.
Upon arrival, the welcoming crew at IndiaHikes had our pre-booked rooms ready. They efficiently checked documents, fitness certificates, and health conditions (blood pressure and oxygen level), providing valuable tips for trekking beginners on safety measures such as handling trek poles and packing backpacks.
By 8 pm, dinner was served, and it was time to retire to our rooms for a good night’s sleep, preparing our bodies for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Travel from Govind Ghat to Ghangaria via Poolna
We started our day around 5 a.m., as shared taxis were ready to take us to “Poolna” village, the starting point of the trek. From Poolna, where motorable roads end, embark on a 1-hour drive and have to start the trek for “Ghangaria,” which would be 9 km of trek within the dense forest among the mountains.
After approximately 4 kilometers, take a break for lunch, allowing a 30- to 40-minute rest. The trail gets a bit tougher with an inclined section. After 6-7 hours of trekking, we arrived at the Ghangaria campsite, where pre-booked hotel rooms await.
In the evening, explore Ghangaria, where we find food stalls and a Gurudwara. Those trekking independently often stay in the Gurudwara. Consider a massage for relief, as shops in the area offer this service, providing a soothing end to a long day of trekking.
Day 3: Visiting Ghangaria and the Valley of Flowers
We were eagerly waiting for this day and finally ventured from Ghangaria to the enchanting “Valley of Flowers,” just 4 km from our hotel. The trail is manageable, offering stunning views of wildflowers amidst the mountains—truly a dreamlike experience.
We exit the valley by 4 p.m., as it closes after that. Aim to arrive early for an extended stay. We trek back 4 km to our Ghangaria hotel and rest for the day.
Day 4: Exploring Ghangaria with Hemkund Sahib
We were ready for the most challenging yet rewarding day of our trip, visiting “Hemkund Sahib,” the world’s highest Gurudwara at 14,000 ft—an experience as amazing as it sounds.
Prepare for a strenuous 6-kilometer trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib, with a steep, inclined trail that demands both mental and physical fitness. Despite the difficulty, the rewards are great.
- Witness a stunning lake surrounded by seven mountains, creating a scene reminiscent of Switzerland.
- Encounter the state flower of Uttarakhand, the sacred Brahma-Kamal, believed to be the flower of Brahma in Hindu mythology.
- Experience a strong spiritual connection at this elevated site.
- Climb a bit more to discover a magical flowerbed of Brahma-Kamal, overlooking the lake with an extraordinary view.
Once you are done visiting the Gurudwara, you have to trek down to your hotel in Ghangaria for 6 kilometers and rest for the day.
Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat via Poolna
On the return journey from Ghangaria to Govindghat, we follow the same route back to Rishikesh.
Optionally, you can explore Badrinath and “Mana” Village with trek-mates, but the cost is yours to bear. Indiahikes can assist in finding a shared taxi from Govindghat upon your return from Ghangaria. Plan to leave for Badrinath and Mana Village around 2:00 p.m., visiting Mana Village first (29 km from Govindghat, 1 hour by shared taxi), and then Badrinath on the way back (24 km from Govindghat). Keep it simple and sorted.
Day 6: Govindghat to Rishikesh
On this day, we left for Rishikesh early in the morning from Govindghat.
Where do I stay?
LiveFree Hostel in Rishikesh for 13 people for INR. 12000/- In Rishikesh, various accommodation options, such as GoStops, Zostel, and LiveFree Hostel, are available.
I reserved a private room for two at GoStops two months ago, paying $800 [ this should be INR] per night. Alternatively, dormitory options are available for 400–500 per night (excluding food). It’s worth noting that their kitchen operates 24 hours a day, allowing you to order food at any time, although the food choices are somewhat limited.
Things to do in Rishikesh:
- In Rishikesh, explore numerous cafes and restaurants, and consider engaging in activities like yoga and meditation. Also, you can do river rafting, cliff jumping, camping, rappelling, kayaking, bungee jumping, flying fox, mountain biking, giant swinging, waterfall trekking, rock climbing, valley crossing, or hot air ballooning.
- Renting a scooter for 500 rupees per day plus fuel costs from nearby petrol pumps (or roadside purchases at 120 rupees per liter) is a cost-effective alternative to auto or taxi.
Spend at least a day in Rishikesh to acclimatize before embarking on your trek.
Places to visit in Mana Village:
- Vyas Gufa: It is said that “Mahabharat” was written in this cave.
- The source of the Saraswati River.
- Bheem Pool: It is said the “Bheema” made this natural bridge for his beloved wife, “Draupadi,” and from here the Pandavas started their journey to heaven.
Things to pack for the trek:
- Good-quality trekking shoes
- Backpack (minimum 60 liters)
- 3 dry-fit t-shirts
- Inner thermal wear
- Light fleece layer
- Light sweater
- Padded jacket.
- 2 trek pants
- Sunglasses (Optional)
- Sun cap
- Woolen cap/balaclava
- Minimum 4 pairs of socks
- Raincoat (Poncho is not recommended)
- Rain covers for your backpack
- Toilet kit
- Cutlery
Tips for Travelers
- Plan with a buffer of 1-2 days for potential landslides that could block roads for 4-5 hours in worst-case scenarios.
- If traveling alone, carry a photocopy of your Aadhaar card for verification and permit issuance at the valley entrance. If with an organization, they typically arrange permits for you.
- Be aware that the Gurudwara closes around 2 p.m., so start your trek early to maximize your time at the destination.
The Best Food Cafes
In Rishikesh, the best cafes were pretty good, like Royal Café Rishikesh, Bistro Nirvana, and Ganga View Café (the most recommended).
When to visit:
It’s only open from June to October, although it’s best to come between July and mid-August when a variety of flowers can be seen when it’s in full bloom.
The total expense of the Trip:
It cost about Rs. 9000 plus GST to India [rephrase this sentence ], which covered all my expenses from Govind Ghat to Govind Ghat.
Dive into the allure of nature with the Valley of Flowers as your perfect introduction to trekking.
Happy Travels!!!
