Dayara Bugyal:
Valley of Flowers is located in Uttarakhand and is well known for spatial alpines & rare Himalayan flora.
Valley of Flowers is one trek where many people begin their journey of trekking in the Himalayas. And why not? It is one of those rare natural botanical gardens in India. Flowers bloom everywhere in a riot of colours. On one side of the flower-decked valley tall cliffs climb to the sky. The other side is guarded by snow-clad mountains. A serene river glides through the middle of the valley. If there is a picturesque setting that is perfect, then this must be it.
Don’t discount the exhilarating climb to Hemkund Sahib – an alpine lake at 14,300 ft. That such a large clear water lake can be present at this altitude is hard to fathom! Of course, the langar (meal) at the Gurudwara is to die for!
About the Activity:
Get swept away into a floral fairy tale world. A trek to Valley of Flowers greets with an array of colourful blossoms and charming network of streams lacing dewy meadows. The backdrop of snow kissed mountains further adds to the charm. Huddled in the celestial like West Himalaya, Uttarakhand, the trek to this destination opens up around 300 types of endemic alpine flowers and a rich range of flora.
A nature lover's paradise, Uttarakhand allures with a dramatic landscape of quaint lakes, meandering rivers, lofty mountains and rising peaks of Hilamlayas. The serene atmosphere further lends in a distinct character.
Lolling over a good 87.5 square kilometres, the area was declared a national park in 1982. Heralded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the entire valley comes alive when the snow melts. Over here, you will also come across endangered species as such as Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and also the blue sheep. At 3600 meters above the sea level, the Valley of Flowers makes for an engaging trekking destination.
Itinerary:
Day 1 -
Haridwar - Govindghat via Joshimath and Devaprayag (Drive 260km/ 10hrs)- Uphill Drive, Joshimath, Devaprayag
- Around 6am, assemble at Haridwar Railway Station. Begin a long distance, uphill drive from Haridwar to Govindghat. Along the way, pass Devaprayag to witness the holy confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers to form the River Ganges. Arrive at Joshimath, a midpoint for other religious pilgrimage locations. You could stay over here or proceed to Govindghat in lieu of time for the halt.
Day 2 -
Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria (Trek 14km/ 4hrs)- Mountain Trekking
- Today begins Valley Of Flowers Trekking in Uttaranchal with a short 14km gradual ascent trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria. Arrive at Ghangaria. Hotel check-in or camp out. Explore the surrounding. Have dinner and call-it-a-day.
Day 3 -
Trek from Ghangaria to Valley Of Flowers and back (Trek 5km, one-way/ 5hrs)- Blossoms, Flora
- This day marks the very reason for your entire high altitude Valley Of Flowers trek. Start your day with a wholesome breakfast. Scale a height of 3,858m to arrive at the Valley Of Flowers. This sight is a feast to the eyes and treat for the soul.
- Admire one of nature’s finest creations as you are left speechless witnessing an array of thousands of flowers in full bloom. The myriad palette with a multitude of colour shades rests against the watchful eyes of the mighty Himalayas. Creating an alluring canvas, the valley has several streams casually meandering through it. The wild flora creates a rich eco-system for many species of birds, butterflies, and insects too. Several soulful moments later begin your return trek to Ghangaria. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel/ camp.
Day 4 -
Trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (4,329m)- Trekking, Holy spot of the Sikhs, Seven Snow-capped Mountains
- Today after breakfast, you’ll follow a steep trail to Hemkund Sahib to visit the religious site where Guru Gobind Singh is said to have meditated in a previous life. Surrounded by seven snow-capped mountains this place is no doubt soothing and calming. Spend time here. And after lunch, start a late afternoon trek back to Ghangaria. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel / camp.
Day 5 -
Trek from Ghangaria to Govindghat and drive to Joshimath- Trekking
- After breakfast, take the same trek route from Ghangaria to Govindghat. From Govindghat, drive to Joshimath. If you desire, you can tour Auli in the evening. Overnight stay at Joshimath.
Day 6 -
End of Valley Of Flowers Trekking journey. Drive from Joshimath to Haridwar- Trip ends here
- Leave Joshimath early for your return journey home from Haridwar. Take back a mosaic of unbelievable memories with you.
Inclusions :
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Things To Carry :
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Stay :
Tourists are not allowed to stay overnight in the Valley of Flowers and therefore there is no accommodation in the Park. You can stay at private lodges and hotels, the base camp for your trek to the Valley of Flowers.
History :
In the year 1931, three young British Mountaineers Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton and R.L. Holdsworth went astray from their path while descending from Mt. Kamet. The group accidentally reached a valley which was blanketed with alpine flowers and was left in the awe with its beauty, thus naming it as “The Valley of Flowers”. One of the climbers Frank S. Smythe later wrote a book called the ‘Valley of Flowers
