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Valley of Flowers Trek: An awakening journey to a floral wonderland
The Himalayas is a distinctive geographic destination blessed with special wonders of nature. Amongst them is a unique bouquet of flora not witnessed anywhere else on earth and is called Valley of flowers!
This wonder of nature is located at 2,658 altitudes in the Bhyundar valley of Chamoli in Uttarkhand. The mountain slopes and the valley are awash in color between May to October and that is the best time to visit here. The maximum numbers of flowers bloom between July and September.
Not without reason was this land declared as the UNESCO World Heritage site. The blemish less land lures Botanists, nature admirers, photographers, bird watchers, and adventure seekers from all parts of the world.
This place was discovered by three British mountaineers Frank S.Smythe, R.L.Holdworth and Eric Shipton in 1931 while descending from a successful trek to Mt.Kamet. They were so mesmerized by the natural flower bounty that Frank S.Smythe published a book detailing the exquisiteness of this landscape.
The Valley of Flowers, India trek is quite popular among Trekking enthusiasts. The trek to this land and beyond to Hemkund Sahib is completed in 6 days and 5 Nights. The difficulty level is termed Easy to Moderate.
Kashti Adventures is a sought-after travel company that has immense experience in Himalayan treks for both amateurs and professionals alike.
The Itinerary for this trek is as below:
Day 1
The pickup will be from Rishikesh/Haridwar at about 6 am. The picturesque drive will cross Prayag, reaching Govindghat by End of Day. Enjoy a pleasant overnight stay at the designated hotel.
Day 2
After breakfast you will be taken on a 4 kms drive to Poolna crossing the Alaknanda River.
From here you will trek for 7km to Ghangaria passing the raging Laxman Ganga and a rocky landscape. Admire wild shrubs and greenery, water springs and sparkling waterfalls along the way. There are numerous tea stalls that can energize you across the cool and rocky terrain.
The Evening snacks and night dinner will be provided at a hotel in Ghangaria.
Day 3
The trek continues on Day 3 passing through numerous sparkling waterfalls, dense confer forests offering views of snowcapped mountains and glaciers culminating in the famous Valley of flowers.
Nothing can prepare you for the grandeur of the valley!
You may notice more than 600 species of flowers on either side of the trek trail! The heavenly floral carpet is beyond description until viewed personally!
The flowers on display are Rhododendron, Geranium, Petunia, Geranium, Anemones, Calendula, Zinna, Primulas, Marigold, Shomalap, Vajardanti, Poppies and Orchids. The valley also has some unique flowers such as Brahmakamal, Cobra lily and more! The landscape changes color at different intervals from May to October before the rains.
The Valley of Flowers and the nearby areas are home to the unique fauna as well. Himalayan black bear, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan goral, Chevrotain, Himalayan Thar, Grey langur, red fox, Weasel, yellow throated marten and more reside here. You may however not see these animals on the trek trail.
You will however witness birds of different color including Koklass pheasant, red-billed choughas, snow pigeon, yellow-nape woodpecker, blue throated barbets who inhabit with the lovely flowers here.
If there are flowers can butterflies be far behind? Swallow tail common blue Apollo, common Mormon, lime butterfly and more can be found in these parts.
The heart might not feel like leaving here but the park closes at 5 pm.
You can continue to Hemakund sahib or head back towards Ghangaria after a packed lunch. Check with your tour manager for more details.
How to reach here
Air
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport. From you can travel on road to Govind Ghat. The trek to this valley is 16 kms from Govind Ghat. The airport has frequent flights from Delhi.
Helicopter services are also offered from Govind Ghat to Ghangaria.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. The tour operator has pickup service from Rishikesh.
By Road
Road transport such as buses, and cab, can be availed from major destinations in Uttarkhand state to Govindghat.
Some pointers for your trip to Valley of Flowers
- The best time to visit here is between June and October so keep your calendar free for this period
- Follow the advice of your leader and start early from Ghangharia to reach the valley early and have more time for your photo shoots.
- Do carry your Photo Id for entry points in the forest.
- Avoid plastics! Be conscious of what you carry to the valley. Be responsible and do not discard anything that could endanger the fragile environment here.
- Enquire about the weather and road conditions of the valley before travelling. This is important especially in the monsoon season which is best time for this trek. Book flexible tickets for your return journey as the monsoons may cause roadblocks that may clear over a period of hours or even a day resulting in extension of tour itinerary.
- There are no food outlets in the valley so have your lunch and pack some light refreshments before you head to the valley. There are of course numerous places in Ghangharia serving Indian cuisine.
- There is an entry fee for the valley of flowers.
- Ponies are available at Govindghat for those who feel trekking tough. However the views are best enjoyed over a lovely trek.
- Hotels are arranged by the tour operator, check with the tour operator for more details. Do not carry excess luggage to the top use the cloakroom facility offered in the hotels.