Trek to the Enchanted - Valley of Flowers

Valley of flowers, at a height of 3046 meters above sea level, lies in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state. Challenging trekking route and spectacular beauty of the mystical valley has always tempted botanists, nature lovers, foreign tourists and adventure lovers. Valley boast off over 500 species of wild flowers of unparalleled appearance and fragrances.

Although the picturesque valley remains open to the world from June to October, but it’s great to visit the valley around June, July and August, when the flowers are in abundance. For rest of the year valley remains snow clad.

Journey to the valley starts from Haridwar, where you can easily hire a cab for your entire trip. Below is the entire itinerary in brief. 

1. Haridwar to Govindghat - Around 300 Kms

2. Start from Haridwar - Cab is recommended. Very less frequency of buses.

3. Route: Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Jayalgarh – Srinagar – Rudaprayag – Karnaprayag – Nandaprayag – Chamoli – Pipalkoti – Joshimath – Vishnuprayag - Govindghat

4. Govindghat – (Motorable-4Km) – Poolna (Trek 10 km) – Ghangaria – Total 14 Kms

5. Split routes from Ghangaria for Valley of Flowers Trek and Hemkund Trek

Drive to Govindghat around 300 Kms, which would take 10 – 12 hours of time to reach depending on the road conditions, please expect land sliding at various points throughout the drive.

Go past the scenic Rudraprayag, which is one of the Panch Prayag of Alaknanda River, the point of confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini.

Mountain beauty is spectacular throughout the route.

Vishnuprayag, confluence of Alaknanda River and Dhauliganga River, will be the last prayag in this road trip and from here Govindghat is just 8 km. If you reach Govindghat in the evening, it’s recommended to stay for the night and start the trek next morning.

Plenty of hotels are there at Govindghat, apart from hotels you can also try staying at Gurudwara Sri Gobind Dham. In the morning take a cab from Govindghat and get down at Pulna, which is 4 km. away. From Pulna, the actual trek, of around 9 km., starts for Ghangria.

Trek with minimal luggage and expect to complete it in 4 to 5 hours. You will get refreshed and energized while trekking along with the mountains and river flowing.

Camping/ Hotel or Gurudwara – All three options are available at Ghangria to stay at. If you get a chance then see the documentary on valley of flowers, less than half an hour, shown by valley of flowers information centre there. Enjoy the hilly food at night and get ready for next morning to trek to valley.

Ticket window opens at 7 am in the morning and entry remains open till 12 in the noon. As you are not allowed to stay in the valley, it’s better to start the trek as early as possible.

No wonder valley of flowers in one of the best treks in India, walking through the mountains and along with the river streams.

As soon you have trekked around 2 km., beautiful valley opens up and you will simply be awestruck by the incomparable, exceptional beauty of the nature.

Some of the rare species of valley, which continuously attracts botanists, adventurists from all over the world.

Be aware of the prominent species found in the Valley of Flowers.

Meanwhile continue enjoying the heavenly landscapes and amazing Valley of Flowers weather.

Popular legends around the valley:

1.    After the battle of Mahabharata, while going to heaven, Pandavs saw extraordinary flowers around the river and Draupadi immediately wished to see the flowers, thereby visiting the entire valley.

2.     During the battle of Ramayana, Hanuman, great devotee of Lord Rama, brought Sanjeevni boon from this valley itself, there saving Laxman’s life.

Staying overnight in the valley is prohibited, so plan your day well and be back to Ghangaria at dusk. Below Map may of some help in planning your Valley of Flowers Trek.

Keep Travelling Guys.