Region
Uttarakhand
Trek Grade
Moderate
Trek Distance
approx. 38 km
Highest Altitude
~12,000 ft
Overview
The Valley of Flowers Trek is one of Uttarakhand’s most scenic monsoon treks, located in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its endless stretch of alpine flowers, lush meadows, waterfalls, and snow-clad peaks, this trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty and spiritual experience. The trail also covers the revered Hemkund Sahib, a high-altitude Sikh shrine beside a glacial lake.
Best done between July to September, the trek is moderate in difficulty and suitable for beginners with basic fitness. Starting from Govindghat near Joshimath, the journey takes you through charming villages, pine forests, and finally opens up to the breathtaking valley carpeted with rare Himalayan flowers.
Short Itinerary (5N/6D)
Day 1: Rishikesh/Haridwar – Joshimath – Govindghat (drive ~270 km)
Day 2: Govindghat – Pulna – Ghangaria (drive 4 km + trek 10 km)
Day 3: Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Ghangaria (trek 6 km one way)
Day 4: Ghangaria – Hemkund Sahib – Ghangaria (trek 6 km one way)
Day 5: Ghangaria – Govindghat – Joshimath (trek 10 km + drive)
Day 6: Joshimath – Rishikesh/Haridwar (drive ~270 km)
Detailed Itinerary
The journey begins from Haridwar or Rishikesh, driving along the Alaknanda River through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag—famous confluences of the Ganga. Reach Joshimath by evening, a base for many Himalayan expeditions. Overnight stay in Joshimath.
After an early breakfast, a short drive takes you to Govindghat. From here, begin your trek with a gentle ascent through lush greenery, waterfalls, and the village of Pulna. The well-laid path runs along the Lakshman Ganga River. Reach Ghangaria, the base camp for both Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Overnight stay in a guesthouse/lodge.
This is the most awaited day! A scenic trail leads you into the Valley of Flowers National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley opens up with vibrant alpine flowers, streams, and snow-covered peaks in the backdrop. Spend a few hours exploring the meadows, capturing the beauty of rare Himalayan flora. Trek back to Ghangaria for an overnight stay.
Today’s trek is steep and challenging, but rewarding. Ascend towards Hemkund Sahib (4,329 m), a revered Sikh pilgrimage site, nestled beside a glacial lake surrounded by snow peaks. Visit the Gurudwara and the sacred lake, where many pilgrims take a holy dip. After darshan and rest, descend back to Ghangaria. Overnight stay.
Descend along the same trail through Pulna village to reach Govindghat. From there, drive to Joshimath. Evening at leisure with options to explore local temples or relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Joshimath.
Early morning departure for Haridwar/Rishikesh. Drive back along the Alaknanda River, reaching by evening. The trek concludes with memories of the valley’s unmatched natural beauty.
Inclusions – Everything We Take Care Of
- Accommodation: Guesthouse/hotel stays at Joshimath & Ghangaria (triple/quad sharing)
- Meals: Vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek days
- Transportation: Surface transfers from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Joshimath & back
- Permits & entry fees for Valley of Flowers National Park
- Qualified trek leader and local guides
- Support staff including cook and helpers
- First aid kit and oxygen cylinder for emergencies
Exclusions – What’s Not Included?
- Travel to and from Haridwar/Rishikesh (start/end point)
- Meals during transit (Day 1 drive and Day 6 return)
- Porter or mule charges for personal luggage
- Any personal expenses: tips, laundry, phone calls, etc.
- Travel insurance, evacuation costs, or medical expenses
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
FAQs – We’ve Got All Your Questions Covered!
Typically from June 1 to October 31, weather permitting.
Govindghat to Ghangaria ~13 km, then Ghangaria to Valley ~3–4 km one-way (total ~32–34 km round trip trekking).
No. The trek is mandatory from Govindghat; shared jeeps are available up to Pulna (~4 km).
No. Overnight accommodation is only available in Ghangaria.
Expect Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy, orchids, marsh marigolds among 500+ floral species; wildlife includes snow leopard, bears, musk deer, Himalayan monal, and more.
Caution is advised; landslides and unpredictable weather are common. Many prefer late August or early September.
2 sep to 30 sep
Trek Details
- Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Trek Distance: ~38 km total
- Region: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand (Garhwal Himalayas)
- Highest Altitude: 4,329 m (Hemkund Sahib)
- Trek Grade: Moderate
- Best Season: July – September
Trek Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site inside Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
- Vast meadows carpeted with rare Himalayan flowers during monsoon
- Scenic trek through waterfalls, rivers, and alpine forests
- Visit to Hemkund Sahib at 4,329 m beside a glacial lake
- Stunning views of peaks like Nilgiri, Rataban, and Hathi Parvat
- Suitable for beginners with basic fitness
Route & Region
- Route: Haridwar/Rishikesh → Joshimath (Drive) → Govindghat → Ghangaria (Trek) → Valley of Flowers → Hemkund Sahib → Return via Govindghat & Joshimath → Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Region: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand (Garhwal Himalayas), within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site)