Valley of Flowers Trek with Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand

The way to the valley of flowers begins from Haridwar, from where you can opt for a 10-hour long drive to Govindghat. Along the way pass Devprayag and then halt at Joshimath. Then next day from Joshimath, another one-hour long drive will take you to Govind Ghat. The trek begins from the Govind Ghat, from where you are required to cover a distance of around 14 KM to Ghangaria and another 3.7 KM to the final destination - The Valley of Flowers.

The Valley of Flowers trek reaches a maximum elevation of approximately 4,390 metres (14,400 feet) above sea level. As you ascend through the stunning landscapes of the Indian Himalayas, you'll gradually gain altitude. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this pristine valley adorned with colourful blooms and majestic snow-capped peaks.

The complete Valley of Flowers trek itinerary consists of 6 days and 5 nights, starting from Haridwar. It includes transfers to and from Govindghat which is the starting point of the trek. However, the actual trek that takes you to the Valley of Flowers starts from Ghangaria on the 3rd day of the trip. It takes approximately 6-7 hours to reach the destination and return back to Ghangaria before dusk of the same day, covering a total distance of 8-9 km. 

The temperature of Valley of Flowers ranges from -15 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius. Summers experience moderate temperatures making them ideal for outdoor activities while winters are generally chilly with occasional snowfall and rain. 

The Valley of Flowers Trek is a four day long journey which begins at the base camp Govindghat. You have to trek for 14 KM from Govindghat until Ghangaria which would be a 8-10 hour trekking time. From the base camp Ghangaria, the Valley of Flowers is another 14 KM by trekking and you would be required to walk for 7-8 hours to cover this distance.

To prepare for a Valley of Flowers trek, ensure you're physically fit by incorporating regular exercise into your routine. Refrain from smoking and drinking at least two to three months prior to the trek. Pack appropriate clothing layers, sturdy hiking shoes, and essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen. Acclimatise to high altitudes and try to always remain hydrated. Familiarise yourself with the trail and weather conditions beforehand for a safe and enjoyable trek.

Of course, you can visit Hemkund Sahib on your trek to Valley of Flowers. It is a must visit attraction. En-route Valley of flowers, Hemkund Sahib falls on the route on the 3rd day. It is one of the most revered Sikh Shrines. Hemkund Sahib is the world’s largest gurudwara situated at 4239 m altitude. The whole vibe of the place is so serene and peaceful.

No, the Valley Flowers trek is not difficult and rather a moderate-level trek. It is suitable for beginners with reasonably good fitness levels. The trail involves moderate uphill climbs and uneven terrain but doesn't require technical skills. However, prior trekking experience and acclimatisation to high altitudes are generally recommended due to the trek's elevation.

Yes, the trek is perfectly fine for the ones who are trekking for the first time. Although there are steep trails for first 3 KM you can easily trek through those trails. There are also pony and helicopter services during the trek. Also, keep yourself fit and active before you head out for this trek.

The Valley of Flowers trek is an easy to moderate trek. But since you will have to do some steep climbing it is advisable that you prepare yourself for this. You can start with walking for at least 1 hour a day and around 3-4 kms. Also, do yoga and pranayam which will help you to regulate your breathing while you are trekking at high altitudes. You can also do some stretching and sit-ups every day which will help you later while you climb the steep trails.

Clothing and equipment to be carried during Valley of Flowers trek include:

• A pair of lightweight pants to wear at night
• Wool jumpers or lightweight fleeces
• Full sleeve t-shirts and warm shirts
• Thermal inners
• Scarf, woolen cap, and inner fleece gloves
• Raincoats (In case it rains)
• Sunscreens and Lip Balms
• Insulated water bottles being able to hold 2 liters of water at a time
• Waterproof covers for bags
• Personal Medications and Toiletries
• A walking stick or a trekking pole
• Torch/Flashlights with spare batteries
• Comfortable and waterproof trekking shoes
• Dry fruits like figs, cashews, almonds, walnuts, Protein bars, and chocolates.
• One pair of thick woolen socks and 4-5 pairs of normal socks.

No, one day is not enough to fully explore the Valley of Flowers trek. The location is accessible only by trekking which takes 3-4 days starting from the base camp of Govindghat. It involves several hours of hiking, and the valley itself is vast, offering numerous trails and viewpoints to discover.

Yes, you can go for a Valley of Flowers trek in May as it is one of the most favourable times of the year. During the months of May to November, the entire valley is covered with vibrant colours as vast meadows of flowers are in full bloom.

To reach the Valley of Flowers from Delhi, one needs to reach Govindghat, the base camp and then further trek to the destination.

By Air: Fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and take a bus or taxi to reach Haridwar. From Haridwar, you can again take a bus or taxi that will take you to Govindghat, the starting point of the trek to Valley of Flowers.

By Bus: Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Rishikesh or Haridwar. From there, you can again take a bus or taxi to reach Govindghat and further trek to Valley of Flowers. 

By Train: Take a train from Delhi to reach Haridwar Junction or Yog Nagari Rishikesh railway station. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Govindghat which is the base camp of Hemkund Sahib Valley of Flowers trek. 

• Bringing proper IDs and some loose cash can really come in handy at various times.
• Water is usually limited, thus wasting it is not appreciated.
• Since the Valley of Flowers is a protected area, littering and disposing of garbage are strictly prohibited.
• Bringing an extra pair of clothes, undergarments, and socks will be a safe option.
• At all times you are required to follow the rules and all the guidelines given by the instructor. 
• Check for your luggage and respite carrying unnecessary items so that you can go easy on your baggage. 
• You might not find charging options at various places, thus make sure that you carry a power bank.

Known as the most beautiful trek in the world with the blue Primula, Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand is a must-do trek for you. Tucked up at a high altitude this trek is renewed with the Mountaineers and adventure seekers. Blessed with exotic flowers, faunas, and magnificent views, this Valley of Flowers trek will take you to the world of snow-clad mountains and high cliffs. High in the grand Himalayas of the Garhwal district sprawls this captivating valley.

For this Valley Of Flowers trek, you will have to trek from Govindghat, on the route to Hemkund Sahib, up to Ghangaria which is quite an exhilarating climb. Catch the glimpse of the Himalayan beauty while you head out on this trek. At an altitude of 14,400 ft, you will come across the large clear water lake which will make you stare at it for a long. This hidden jewel is a unique habitat and home to millions of species of wildflowers such as saxifrages, sediams, lilies, poppy, calendular, daisies, geranium, zinnia, and petunia. Not just this you will come across varieties of colorful butterflies as you continue your Valley of Flowers trek. 

This valley was also declared as a National Park in 1982 and is a world heritage site. One can also find a variety of rare and endangered species of animals like Asiatic black bear, brown bear, snow leopard, blue sheep, and more. With the backdrop of the mountains and the scenic trail, you will feel as you have definitely landed in the land of fairies.

Valley of flowers trek is one of the most beautiful Himalayan treks. It is a 47 Km long trek that starts from Haridwar, Uttrakhand. You need to strictly carry trekking shoes, which are water proof and they must be high ankle and must also have high grip.

Here is the list of best Uttarakhand treks that you can book from Thrillophilia:

1. Kedarkantha Trek
2. Roopkund Trek
3. Har Ki Dun Trek
4. Kedartal Trek
5. Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek

Yes, traveling to the Valley of Flowers is generally considered safe. The trek is well-established, and local communities are welcoming and supportive. However, as with any high-altitude trek, it's essential to be prepared for changing weather conditions and to ensure proper acclimatization. Carrying necessary gear and following safety guidelines will enhance your trekking experience.

Several noteworthy destinations surround the Valley of Flowers:

• Hemkund Sahib: A revered Sikh pilgrimage site located at an altitude of 4,329 meters.
• Badrinath Temple: One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Auli: A popular hill station known for skiing and panoramic Himalayan views.
• Joshimath: A gateway town offering spiritual and adventure experiences.
• Govindghat: The starting point for treks to both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
• Mana Village: The last Indian village before the Tibetan border, rich in culture and mythology.

Yes, a permit is required to enter the Valley of Flowers National Park. These permits can be obtained at the Forest Department checkpoint in Ghangaria. Trekkers should carry valid identification, such as a government-issued ID, along with passport-sized photographs. Additionally, a medical fitness certificate and a disclaimer form may be necessary, depending on the trekking agency's requirements.