Valley of Flower Trek Itinerary
High in the Garhwal Himalayas, a UNESCO treasure blooms. Valley of Flowers National Park explodes with color during the monsoon, transforming into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers. Daisies, primulas, and asters carpet the meadows, while the rare Brahma Kamal lotus adds a touch of exotic beauty. This breathtaking sanctuary is a must-see for any nature lover.
Highlights of Valley of Flower trek
- A carpet of Wildflowers
- Scenic beauty of the Himalayas
- Moderate level trek, suitable for beginners
- Wildlife spotting
- Visit to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara
Valley of Flower Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Rishikesh to Pipalkoti
(Altitude: 1,340 m/ 4,400 ft. | Drive Distance: 200 km | Driving Time: 9-10 hrs)
The Valley of Flowers trek begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Rishikesh at 6:00 am. Be prepared for a scenic but long drive, estimated to take 9-10 hours. You’ll have one last chance to grab cash and supplies at the ATM and market in Pipalkoti before reaching your destination. Luckily, you’ll have cell service throughout the journey so you can stay connected. Your first night will be spent in a guesthouse with shared accommodation.
Day 02: Drive from Pipalkoti To Govindghat- Pulna and trek to Ghangaria.
(Altitude: Pulna- 2100m | Ghangaria- 3000m | Drive distance: 52kms | 2 hours)
Our Valley of Flowers adventure starts with a 52-kilometer drive from Pipalkoti to Govindghat. Keep your eyes peeled for the sacred confluence of Vishnuprayag along the way! After breakfast, we’ll arrive in Govindghat by 8 am and take a short 4-kilometer ride to Pulna, the official starting point of the trek (included in the cost).
The 9-kilometer trek follows the Pushpawati River on a well-defined, stone-paved path with convenient stairs – a welcome feature for tired legs. Be prepared for a crowd, as this is a popular route. But fear not, hunger pangs won’t strike! Numerous snack shops offer refreshments like hot noodles, omelets, and parathas to keep you fueled.
The first 5 kilometers lead to Bhyundar village, boasting a breathtaking viewpoint of Hathi Parvat. Savor the sight, because after this, the trail takes a steeper turn. By nightfall, we’ll reach Ghangaria, nestled at a cool 9,800 feet, where we’ll spend the night in a cozy guesthouse.
Day 03: Ghangaria to Valley of flowers and back to Ghangaria
(Altitude: 3500m | trek distance: 8km)
The Valley of Flowers unfolds over 4 km from Ghangaria. Explore at your own pace – the valley itself stretches 6-7 km! A quick 30-minute walk reveals a hidden gem – Laxman Waterfall, followed by the Pushpavati River roaring under a charming wooden bridge 20 minutes later. The well-maintained trail, steeper than yesterday’s, leads you through bridges and past landslides into a breathtaking floral paradise. Imagine vibrant blooms like Blue Poppy and Himalayan Rose carpeting the meadows for 5 km, all set against a majestic backdrop of Himalayan peaks. Return to Ghangaria before nightfall after soaking up this unforgettable panorama.
Day 04: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back to Ghangaria
(Altitude: 4300m | trek distance: 6km)
An early start beckons for today’s 6 km trek to Hemkund Sahib, a sacred Sikh shrine perched at 4,329 meters, making it the world’s highest Gurudwara. Feeling weary? Don’t worry, porters and mules are available to ease your load. Expect a similar path to yesterday’s – stone-paved and steadily climbing. Shops along the way offer welcome pick-me-ups, and keep an eye out for the rare Brahmakamal flower gracing the trails. Hemkund Sahib awaits with its magical setting beside a mirror-like glacial lake. On a clear day, the surrounding Saptrishi peaks are flawlessly reflected in its waters. This serene lake is fed by melting glaciers, and a religious Laxman temple sits nearby. After soaking it all in, we’ll descend back to Ghangaria for a well-deserved rest and relaxation in the evening.
Day 05: Ghangaria to Govindghat and drive to Pipalkoti
- Trek Distance (Ghangharia- Pulna): 9 km | 4-5 hrs.
- Drive Distance (Pulna- Govind Ghat): 4km | 15min.
- Drive Distance( Govind Ghat- Badrinath): 25km | 1 hr.
- Drive Distance (Badrinath-Pipalkoti): 75km | 3-4 hrs.
Our adventure concludes after breakfast with a scenic descent back to Govindghat. From there, we’ll hop on a vehicle for the return drive to Pipalkoti. If the road and weather gods are smiling upon us, we might even get the chance for a side trip to the holy town of Badrinath, located 25 kilometers away (approximately a 1-hour drive). Finally, we’ll check into a comfortable hotel in Pipalkoti for a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 06: Pipalkoti to Rishikesh
The ride will commence at 6 am and you will reach Rishikesh around 5 – 6 pm. Your Breakfast and Lunch will be on the way at a roadside inn, exclusive of charges, after having your morning tea/coffee you can leave for your next destination.
