Hello fellow travellers, Himanshu here!!!
The lure of nature’s beauty often calls out to those with a love for adventure, and we were four travellers; the call to trek the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib was one he couldn’t resist. Also, nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, this trek is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes.
Day 1: Journey from Dehradun to Govindghat
Our adventure began on the morning of June as we set off from Dehradun towards Govindghat. We also covered approximately 300 kilometres over 10 hours using public transport. Govindghat, nestled on the banks of the Alaknanda River, welcomed us with its serene beauty. Upon arrival, we checked into a local hotel for the night. Alternatively, Govindghat offers free accommodation and food to pilgrims at the Gurudwara run by the Shri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara Trust.
Day 2: Trek to Ghangaria
We checked out of the hotel early in the morning to embark on a 10-kilometre trek to Ghangaria, the base camp for the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib treks. Also, the foot journey, which took about six hours, led us through picturesque landscapes and quaint pathways. We reached Ghangaria by evening and opted to stay at the Gurudwara, which graciously provided us with free lodging and meals.
Day 3: Exploring the Valley of Flowers
On June 18th, we set out to explore the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park known for its breathtaking beauty. The valley is home to over 500 species of flowers and stretches across 8 kilometres, with the serene Pushpawati River flowing alongside. Also, the entry fee to this floral paradise was just ₹200 per person. After immersing ourselves in the vibrant colours and fragrant blooms, we returned to Ghangaria by evening and spent the night at the Gurudwara.
Day 4: Trek to Hemkund Sahib
The following day, we began our trek to Hemkund Sahib, a sacred pilgrimage site for the Sikh community. This 7-kilometre steep trek took us to one of India’s highest Gurudwaras, situated beside the tranquil glacial lake of Hemkund. Also, the spiritual atmosphere and stunning surroundings left us in awe. After spending time at the Gurudwara, we trekked back to Ghangaria, where we spent another night at the Gurudwara.
Day 5: Return to Govindghat
On June 20th, we started our 10-kilometre trek back to Govindghat, retracing our steps through the beautiful trails we had journeyed before. Upon arrival, we checked into a hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past few days.
Day 6: Visit to Badrinath
The next day, we travelled approximately 25 kilometres from Govindghat to Badrinath, taking about two hours. Badrinath is renowned for the Shri Badrinath Temple. One of the four Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, where the idol of Lord Vishnu is worshipped. We spent the day exploring the sacred temple and soaking in the spiritual ambience of the town before retiring for the night at a local hotel.
Day 7: Return to Dehradun
Our journey concluded on June 22nd as we checked out from our hotel in Badrinath early in the morning. After a hearty breakfast, we boarded a direct bus to Dehradun, covering approximately 330 kilometres over 12 hours. As we travelled back, we reminisced about the breathtaking landscapes, the spiritual energy, and the vibrant flora that had made our trek to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib an unforgettable adventure.
Must know: The best time to travel on the mesmerising trek to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib is between June and early September. During these months, the valley is in full bloom, showcasing its stunning array of wildflowers, lush greenery, and vibrant colours.
Tips for Fellow Trekkers
- Spend at least a day in Ghangaria to acclimatise before trekking to higher altitudes.
- Also, pack essentials include warm clothing, a raincoat, trekking shoes, a first aid kit, and a good-quality backpack.
- Moreover, keep yourself hydrated and carry energy bars, dry fruits, and chocolates for quick energy boosts.
- Likewise, begin the trek early in the morning to avoid afternoon rain and to have ample time to explore the destinations.
The breathtaking landscapes, the vibrant flora and the challenge of the trek made this a trip to remember. Also, for those seeking an escape into nature and a brush with the divine, the Uttarakhand offers a mesmerising journey like no other.
So, experience Mesmerising Stories at https://sowl.in/stories. Allow the vibrant tales of travel to inspire your next adventure in uncharted territories.
