Valley of Flowers Trek – UKT2

Altitude: 6,300ft (1,920m) Time Taken: 10hrs Drive Around 7am, 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.

Altitude: 6,300 ft (1,920 m) to 9,600 ft (2,926 m) via 7,200 ft (2,195 m) Time taken: 4 km drive to Poolna. 5-6 hours trek, 9 km Trek gradient: Easy-moderate. Gradual ascent throughout on a well- defined trail Water sources: Carry sufficient water. You can refill your water bottles at any of the several dhabas that you will find on the trail. 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.

Altitude: 9,600 ft (2,195 m) to 11,500 ft (3,505 m) and back Time taken: 6-7 hours, 3.7 km each way Trek gradient: Easy. Flat walk in the valley Water sources: Carry 2 litres of water. You can refill your water bottles from streams that you will find in the Valley, after a couple of hours of trekking. 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.

Altitude: 9,600 ft (2,926 m) to 14,107 ft (4,300 m) and back Time taken: 9-10 hours, 6 km each way Trek gradient: Moderate – difficult. Steep ascent for about 4 hours to reach Hemkund Sahib and steep descent all the way back. Water sources: Carry sufficient water. You can refill your water bottles at the hotels that line the trail. 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.

Altitude: 9,600 ft (2926 m) to 6,300 ft (1,920 m) via 7,200 ft (2,195 m) Time taken: 4 hours, 9 km + 4 km drive Trek gradient: Easy descent to Poolna on the same trail that you trekked on earlier. Water sources: Carry sufficient water. You can refill your water bottles at the several dhabas that line the trail. After breakfast, take the same trek route from Ghangaria to Govindghat. If you desire, you can tour Auli in the evening.

Leave Govindghat early for your return journey home from Haridwar. Take back a mosaic of unbelievable memories with you. Important note: Since Valley of Flowers is a monsoon trek, there are possibilities of roadblocks due to landslides. Account for this by adding a buffer day in your travel plan. Our tour ends here with a sweet memory and a dream to join in Eastern Heavens once again.