Valley of Flowers: the ultimate floral destination

A mystical walk through the valley that opens up to a flower bed, with peaks and glacier in background and a river bed; Valley of flowers is an ultimate destination for nature lovers.

Situated between the Zanskar and the Great Himalayan ranges, Valley of flowers is a renowned World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Valley of Flowers is an important site for botanists, mountaineers and trekkers. It is a region full of rare Himalayan plants and flowers as well as birds, rare in nature; only to be found at a specific altitude. The flora and fauna of the valley is highly fragile and endangered. The national park is surrounded by peaks like Gauri Parbat (6590m), Rataban (6126m) and Kunth Khal (4430m). Pushapavati river also flows through the valley and joins Lakshman Ganga at Ghangharia. The discovery of the valley was unintentional yet has now turned into a sensational destination. After coming back from a successful Mt. Kamet expedition, a team of six mountaineers stumbled upon the Bhyundar valley while returning. Frank Smythe is the most famous person associated with the history of the valley.

Day 1: Dehradun to Joshimath

A long yet scenic drive crosses major towns of Uttarakhand before we reach our destination of the day, Joshimath. We start early from Dehradun to reach Joshimath by evening. Crossing Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar and halting at Karnaprayag for lunch, we follow along the river the entire time. The distance from Dehradun to Joshimath is 290 km which takes 9-10 hours to complete. On reaching Joshimath, we check into our hotel before leaving for Govindghat the next day.

Day 2: Joshimath to Govindghat to Ghangharia

Post breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head towards Govindghat. The drive from Joshimath to Govindghat takes about 45 minutes from where we switch vehicles and drive towards Pulna. From Pulna, we start trekking towards Ghangharia. The distance to be covered on this day is 10 km, which takes about 6-7 hours to complete. While trekking towards Ghangharia, the path is laid, which makes the trek relatively easier. However a continuous elevation may become strenuous. The trek route till Ghangharia is dotted with small dhabas, pilgrims heading towards Hemkund Sahib and a ferocious outlet of the river Pushapavati. You are also going to be surrounded by the forest the entire route, which reduces the heat and makes the hike pleasant. The route till Ghangharia is a busy one as it is also the route to Hemkund Sahib. You will spot helicopters often if the weather is clear and innumerable spots to eat. Before reaching the actual village of Ghangharia, you will hit the camps. We check into our hotel and spend the rest of the evening in leisure.

Day 3: Ghangharia to Valley of flowers

Today is the day you’ve been anticipating for! The Valley of flowers welcomes you with a view that only the lucky ones can stumble upon. We start early from Ghangharia to reach the valley by 0900-1000 hours. The trek begins with a small path covered by forest from all the sides; and there is a clear gradual increase in the number of flowers on the path. You will cross a bridge which will then lead to a sudden ascend. Continue walking on the path and within sometime the path will open up into a vast valley. From here the Valley begins. The first view is of the peaks in front of the path that you’ve been trekking upon. Once you look to your right, you can see the valley and the Tipri glacier. The valley is laden with rare species of Himalayan flowers, including blue poppy, orchid, primulas and Himalayan bell flowers. The valley of flowers is not only relevant in today’s context but has had interesting admirers since forever. One such individual Lady Joan Margaret Legge who lost her life in the valley when she slipped. Her grave is marked and trekkers often hike up till her grave. You can also trek till the river bed of Pushpavati river. The river is named in accordance with the significance of the valley of “flowers”. You can spend your time observing the flowers, clicking photographs or simply doing nothing! The valley doesn’t disappoint you a bit. After spending 1-2 hours at the valley, we head back towards Ghangharia post lunch. The descend is relatively easier however may become strenuous on the knees. After reaching Ghangharia, you can spend the evening exploring around.

Day 4: Ghangharia to Hemkund Sahib

The next day we embark on a pilgrimage journey. Post breakfast, we start trekking towards Hemkund Sahib. The distance from Ghangharia to Hemkund Sahib is 6 km which takes about 5 hours to complete. The path, again, is well laid and dotted with small eating joints; which is not the case while you trek towards the Valley. The path to Hemkund sahib is also blessed with flowers that you may have seen in the Valley of flowers. The hike to Hemkund Sahib is challenging yet magnificent. You can see pilgrims all motivated to reach the gurudwara, some even complete the journey barefoot. On reaching Hemkund Sahib, you can enter the gurudwara and then enjoy some ready to eat hot Halwa and chai. You can also sit by the Sarovar for a while and enjoy the views around. After spending an hour at gurudwara, we head back towards Ghangharia taking the same route. After reaching Ghangharia, we rest for a while and spend the evening in leisure.

Day 5: Ghangharia to Govindghat to Karnaprayag

Post breakfast breakfast, we bid adieu to Ghangharia and check out of our hotel. Heading back towards Pulna, we take the same route and start trekking early in the morning to reach Govindghat on time. At Govindghat, we board our traveller and head towards Joshimath where we stop for lunch. From Joshimath we start driving along Alaknanda and head towards Karnaprayag. Karnaprayag is a holy Hindu town, where Alaknanda meets Pindar making a sangam. We reach Karnaprayag by late evening and check into our hotel. You can spend the evening exploring the town or go by the river to see the Sangam more clearly.

Day 6: Karnaprayag to Dehradun

Post breakfast, we leave from Karnaprayag and start our drive towards Dehradun; crossing towns of Devprayag and Rishikesh en route. We check out early from our hotel to reach Dehradun by late afternoon. On reaching Dehradun, your trip ends with a backpack full of amazing memories!