Valley of Flowers is known for its remarkable natural beauty, endemic alpine flowers, and endangered animals. This valley goes under the classification of the National Park of India and UNESCO world heritage site. It is spread over a region of about 88 square kilometers.
Did you know that Valley of Flowers was discovered by Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth in the year 1931 while they were returning from Mount Kamet expedition and lost their way and were British mountaineer?
The Valley of Flowers is a high-altitude Himalayan valley that has for quite some time been acknowledged by popular climbers, botanists and it is also written in literature. It has been globally known and recognized in Hinduism for over a century. Since ancient times, locals have visited the Valley of Flowers. Indian yogis are known to visit the valley for flowers.
The altitude of Valley of Flowers: 3352 to 3658 M above sea level.
Difficulty Level of Valley of Flowers: Easy to Moderate
Valley of Flowers Trek
When you imagine or think about heaven in the Himalayas, which is the first place that comes to mind?
Did you know that the Pandavas during their journey in search of heaven reached the Valley of Flowers while on their journey to heaven and Yudhisthira was the only one to enter the door to heaven?
The Valley of Flowers Trek is a mythological trek. The whole world knew about this! There have been numerous stories spinning around this valley - ordinarily about trekkers faint by the substantial fragrance of flowers on the huge meadows of the valley.
These stories were started by Frank Smithe who was a British climber, who discovered this valley while he was on this expedition to Mount Kemet.
"The most wonderful valley I at any point saw among the divine and abode of snow on earth" these lines were said by him in his book. This may seem like an unprecedented description; however, you will think that it's hard to oppose this idea.
Before moving ahead, you might have a question in mind that “Why should I visit the valley of flowers”? I will give answers to this question.
Why should you visit the Valley of Flower?
Valley of flowers trek is one of those treks where you will find rich flora and fauna while on the way to your journey between meadows and glaciers.
This valley has magical powers, well not the one you see in Harry Potter but a natural one. This valley naturally changes its color from April to November, which you can see live if you live there in the Valley. These alpine flowers together cause waves like structure.
After the snow melts, the initial set of flowers arrives in July, and afterward in August, and afterward, they generally start getting dry from September end.
You can see Snake Foil, Meadow Geranium, Himalayan Rose, Hooked Stick Seed, Blue Poppy, White Leaf Hog Foot, River Anemone, and Dog Flower.
No big surprise this valley is a botanist's fantasy.
All the above reasons are quite enough for you to visit this beautiful valley in the lap of Himalayas. Here you will find your inner peace and can touch your soul. This is the place where God preferred to live.
How do you plan the Valley of Flowers Trek?
Valley of Flower trekking starts from Govind ghat in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand that lies in a cold wave region. This region receives heavy snowfall during winters and rainfall during the rainy season.
The best season to visit Valley of Flowers in June, July, and September. But during this season also, the climate in Joshimath remains cool and very cold in Ghangaria and Valley of Flowers.
I will suggest planning your trip according to the weather condition and at least prepare your body for high altitude climbing a week before trekking. Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand is a must-visit place for any person living on this planet. It's god’s own heaven and opens for you to experience the way they used to live during their time.
Did you know that Valley of Flowers national park is a World Heritage Site?
I will suggest that Foreigners also must visit Valley of Flowers India once in their life.
How to reach the Valley of Flowers?
Valley of Flowers Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Rishikesh/Kotdwar to Joshimath
Today you will have an uphill drive from Rishikesh or Kotdwar to Joshimath (via Srinagar, Karnaprayag).
At around 7 am, you will start your journey from Rishikesh Hill Bus Stand / Kotdwar Bus Stand. You will have a long-distance climb from Haridwar to Govind ghat. Along the way, you will be able to see the holy confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers to form the Ganges River in Devprayag.
You will reach Joshimath which is a central point for other religious pilgrimage places like Badrinath, Hemkund, etc. You can stop here or proceed to Govind ghat for a halt.
Day 2: Joshimath to Govind ghat to Ghangaria
Today you will do complete mountain trekking from morning to evening till you reach Ghangaria, a small village or junction point of Valley of Flowers trek and Hemkund Sahib.
The trek will be a short 14 km gradual climb from Govind ghat and goes through jungles and river bridges till you reach Ghangaria. You will reach Ghangaria until evening. Here you can take a hotel, or you also have an option to camp out.
Explore the beautiful surroundings with pine trees and deodar forests and fragrance of flowers.
Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers
Today you will have a big day in your entire high-altitude Valley of Flowers trek because today you will finally watch Valley of Flowers.
Start your day with a nutritious breakfast. Set the height of 3,858 meters to reach the Valley of Flowers. This vision is a feast for the eyes and a cure for the soul.
Behold one of the finest creations of nature as you witness an array of thousands of flowers in full flower. You can see a bunch of flowers all over the valley with different colors. You can’t take your eyes off the beautiful landscape of the attractive and charming Himalayas.
Building an appealing canvas, the valley has numerous streams that flow through it. Wildflowers form a rich eco-system for some types of animals, butterflies and creepy crawlies.
You will have to come back to your camp or hotel by 5 Pm else the administration will send a search team for you in the valley.
Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib
Today you will do trekking to one of the holy places of Sikh which is surrounded by seven snow-capped mountains.
Today after doing your breakfast, you will start your trek to a medium to the hard trail to Hemkund Sahib which is a religious site, where Guru Govind Singh is said to have meditated in his previous life.
This Gurudwara is surrounded by seven beautiful snow-capped mountains, but one thing to remember is that oxygen is rare at this height you may find yourself a little uneasy at this place.
Spend time here and after having langar, start trekking down to Ghangaria.
Day 5: Ghangaria to Joshimath
After having early morning breakfast, start descending to Govindghat. You will reach Govind ghat by evening and you can halt in Joshimath.
Day 6: Joshimath to Rishikesh/Kotdwar
Your journey ends today.
Valley of Flowers from Delhi
Delhi to Valley of Flowers takes around two days or 18 hours of driving to reach Joshimath from Delhi.
From Joshimath, you will have to go to Govind ghat where your trekking journey starts.
From Govindghat, it will take you around 4-6 hours to reach Ghangaria depending on your trekking speed.
Note: **You can park your vehicle here. There are parking places that will cost you 50INR/day for your car parking. ** (Rates may be variable)
Most people ask for Valley of Flowers's best time to travel. As per my experience and understanding of the climate condition of the valley, I will suggest you June, July, and September as the best month to visit the Valley of Flowers.
Bus to Valley of Flowers
Uttarakhand Tourism and Uttarakhand Parivahan Nigam are together working on to start a direct bus service from Delhi to Govind ghat. Till now, you will have buses from Delhi to Karnaprayag and Joshimath. You can check the bus timetable here on the UTC website
You can also get buses from Rishikesh Hill Bus Stand and Kotdwar Bus Stand.
Valley of Flowers weather
During winters in Valley of Flowers National Park, the temperature ranges between -20°C and -6°C respectively.
During summer the temperature remains cool and ranges between 20°C and 5°C.
Live Weather of Valley of Flowers check here.
FAQs
Can we stay in the Valley of Flowers?
No, as per government rules, you are now allowed to stay inside the park premise. You can take a room in a homestay or hotel in Ghangaria and start your trek early in the morning.
Note: **If you didn’t return till 5 in the even then a search team will come for you to evacuate you from the park premise. **
What is the best time to visit Valley of Flowers?
You will find the valley of flowers open from early June to September Mid every year. The best time that I will suggest you visit the Valley of Flowers in July and August. This is the time when you can see the maximum number of flowers! You will find millions of flowers blooming in this season.
How long is Valley of Flowers Trek?
Drive of 11 Hours from Rishikesh. And two days trekking of 6 hours each to reach Valley of Flowers.
How far is the Valley of Flowers from Auli?
40Kms
How difficult is Valley of Flowers Trek?
It isn't such a difficult trek. The Valley of Flowers is a trek with a paved path till Ghangaria. Even though it remains steep in various spots, aside from the day when you go for a trek in the valley you can rent a horse to reduce the difficulty level of the trek. The Valley of Flowers trek is moderate to difficult trek.
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For trek inquiry you can visit: https://www.walkingthehimalayas.com/valleyofflowers
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