Region: Garhwal Himalayas of Uttaranchal
Duration: 10 days/09 nights
Altitude: 1828 m - 3962 m
Season: July - September
Grade: Moderate

Highlights:

World heritage site, mountainous & spectacular views, meadows replete with nearly 300 species of alpine flora

Originally called the Bhuindhar Valley (after a village located in south-east Badrinath) it was renamed The Valley of Flowers by British explorer Frank Smythe. In 1931 Smythe, along with Eric Shipton and R.L. Holdsworth, was returning from their successful expedition to Kamet Peak and it was quite by chance that they stumbled into this valley. The river Pushpawati flowed through the conical shaped vale. Lush alpine meadows were crisscrossed by shepherd trails and punctuated by waterfalls. When Smythe saw this pristine valley sequined with a profusion of flowers, he became so profoundly affected that he gave Bhuindhar its now famous name - the Valley of Flowers.

The Valley of Flowers, perched at 3658 -3962 m, is internationally important on account of its diverse alpine flora, representative of the West Himalayan biogeographic zone. The rich diversity of species reflects the valley's location within a transition zone between the Zanskar and Great Himalaya ranges to the north and south, respectively, and between the Eastern and Western Himalaya flora. Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom here including the Blue Primula, Purple Ipomea, blue and yellow Himalayan poppies, Staurts primrose, Musk thistle, stalked gentiana, Himalayan lily, Himalayan rose and the brahmakamal. Faunistically too, the valley is rich in high altitude fauna like Musk deer, Bharal, Ghoral, Tahr, Himalayan Brown Bear, Asiatic Black Bear and pheasants.

Spread over an area of 87.5 sq km, the Valley of Flowers National Park is at an altitude of 3,250 m to 6,750 m. The main valley starts after crossing the gorge and the stream starting from Nar Parvat. At the entrance of the valley stands the snow-clad peak of Ratan Parvat, towards the left is Nar Parvat, which separates the Badrinath valley from this one. The valley was declared a National Park to regulate camping, cooking and grazing which disturb environmental conditions and endanger a number of endemic flora. Since camping within the Valley of Flowers is not permitted, we base ourselves at the periphery of the park at Ghangaria.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Delhi - Rishikesh
After breakfast depart by surface for Rishikesh (250 km / 5 hrs drive). Arrive at Rishikesh and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 2 : Rishikesh - Joshimath (1890 m)
After an early breakfast drive to the pilgrim town of Joshimath, 250 km away. Adi Guru shankaracharya attained enlightenment in the 18th century while meditating under a tree and established one of the four mathas (hermitage center) here. Joshimath has a temple dedicated to Narshimsha, an incarnation of Vishnu, an arm of the idol of this deity (which is installed in the temple) is said to be thinning daily and it is believed that when it breaks off the road to Badrinath will be close by a landslide and Bhavishya Badri wil become the lord's new seat. Its name is a corruption of the Sanskrit word 'Jyotirmath', or the place of the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. It is a popular halting place for the pilgrims bound for Badrinath. Badrinath, or Lord Vishnu, resides here in winter. You stay overnight at the guesthouse at Joshimath.

Day 3 : Joshimath - Auli - Joshimath
Today head for Auli, a spectacular drive along river Alaknanda, dense forest & views of the snowcapped mountain. On arrival check-in at hotel. Full day excursion to Auli. Explore Auli bugyal (Meadow) where one can find lots of wild flower. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 : Joshimath - Govind Ghat - Ghangaria
14 Kms trek; 6-8 hrs walking
Morning drive to Govindghat (1828 m), the last motorable point from where our trek commences to the Valley of flowers. After a mandatory chai and snacks at one of the dhabas at Govind Ghat we start our trek to Ghangaria (3048 m) heading eastwards. The trail is well defined and leads through pine forest. It is advisable to leave early for Ghangaria as it can get quite hot especially in the months of July-August. On the way we were rewarded with stunning views of Hathi Parbat and other peaks over 6,200 m. Since camping and overnight stay is not allowed in the Valley of Flowers, Ghangharia serves as the base camp for this trek and gets quite busy in the tourist season. Stay overnight at GMVN tented accommodation, which is comfortable and well managed

Day 5 : Ghangria - Valley of Flowers - Ghangaria
4 km each way; 5-6 hrs walking
Today we trek to the Valley of Flowers. We woke at the break of light, wanting to maximize our time at the Valley. You walk along a paved stone path for about 500 m out of the village where you take the left fork to Valley of Flowers or go right towards Hemkund. Our trail to the valley headed north and soon you reach a forest checkpoint and have to purchase tickets like any other National Park. This is also the last point till where the mules are allowed. Explore the Valley & evening return back to Ghangaria.

Day 6 : Ghangria - Valley of Flowers - Ghangaria
4 km each way; 5-6 hrs walking
Today trek to Valley of Flower (3658 -3962 m).. A splendid Valley with hundreds of flower. Explore the Valley & evening return back to Ghangaria.

Day 7 : Ghangria - Hemkund Sahib - Ghangaria
6 Kms; 4-5 hrs walking
Today trek to Hemkund Sahib. Hemkund Sahib is reversed by both Hindus & Sikhs. Evening return back to Ghangaria. Overnight at tourist rest house/camp.

Day 8 : Ghangria - Govind Ghat - Joshimath
On this day we trek for about 3 hrs to reach Govindghat, which is an easy walk. Here, we meet our awaiting vehicle to drive us to Joshimath where you stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 : Joshimath - Rishikesh
Drive back to Rishikesh. Night stay and meals in Hotel/guest house.
Early morning drive 280 km to reach Haridwar..

Day 10 : Rishikesh - Delhi
Day at leisure or free for sightseeing activities and in the afternoon depart from Rishikesh by surface via Haridwar for Delhi. Arrive at Delhi and check in at hotel for transfer to onward destination.

Trekking Tours in India:
Trekking in Binsar, Maneater of Mohan Trail,
Corbett to Nainital Trek, Nanda Devi Trek,
Roopkund Kuari Pass Trek, Sandakphu and Goechala Trek,
Snow Leopard Trek India, Tawang Trek Arunachal,
Valley of Flowers Trek