Valley Of Flowers Trek

Today morning by 6 am we start our long journey from the plains of Haridwar toward the holy Sikh shrine of Govindghat. The road (NH 58) follows initially the valley of Ganga, and later for a major section of its main tributary Alaknanda. On route we cross Rishikesh and then the confluence at Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag to reach Joshimath. From here Govindghat (~1815 m/5950 ft) is another 20 Km. The entire distance is 290 Km and can take around 12/13 hours. There are number of private hotels and lodges serving to the tourists and pilgrims. Gurudwara provides shelter to the pilgrims going to Hemkund Sahib. Night stay at lodge/rest house.

We start our trek to Ghangaria in the morning. We leave the Badrinath highway (NH58) and get down to the Alaknanda Rived bed and cross the bridge at the confluence of Alaknanda and Laxman/Bhyundar Ganga river. From here onward we will enter in to the Bhyundar Ganga valley. The wide track climbs steadily as we enter through the gate of the National Park. The track is cemented or cobble stoned till Ghangaria. During the month of May and June the route is crowded due to the thousands of pilgrims. Small tea shops, Dhabas and temporary stalls offer variety of choice in every 10/15 minutes walk. We walk on the gentle inclined gradient while the river on our right (TRUE right of Laxman Ganga) to reach the first village on the route named “Pulna (~ 2050 m/6725 ft)” at a distance of 4 Km. The houses on the river bank washed off in 2013 disaster (Flash flood started in the morning so no fatalities reported in this valley). In 2/2 and half hours we reach “Jungle Chatti” at a distance of 5 Km. From here we walk another 3 Km to reach the last village on this valley called Bhyundar (~ 2550 m/8365 ft). The village destroyed in  2013 flash flood and residents were shifted lower in the valley. The river (with a tributary coming from Kagbhusandi Tal) has taken a course on the erstwhile village. At Bhyundar we cross the bridge on the Laxman Ganga and turn left. From here the climb is somewhat steep for next hour and half on a ridge. The trail is moist, full of Maple, Deodar and Rhododendron trees. Drongo, Magpie, Bushchat and Thrushes are common. After climbing to the top the ridge a View Point welcomes us in the left. From this point the valley widens and the track is flat for next 15 minutes. Ghangaria helipad and the camping ground is on our left. It is another 10 minutes walk to the main street of Ghangaria (~3050 m/10000 ft). Total distance is 13 Km and may take 6/7 hours. Ghangaria is not a village but essentially a one street/main Bazaar based settlement serving the tourists and pilgrims. There are several hotels/lodges, shops and a Gurudwara. Electricity and STD booths are available. Night stay in lodge.

We leave early in the morning after breakfast to the much revered valley. Crossing the last stretch of Ghangaria we cross a bridge on the Laxman Ganga. The the he track bifurcates and we move on to the left. The main trail on the right goes to Hemkund Sahib. Suddenly the atmosphere changes and nature starts unfurling its treasure cove. The river Pushpawati flows to our left. Side streams forming waterfalls over the sheer rocky cliff are common in monsoon. We walk for half a Km to cross the river and stay on the true right of Pushpawati. Stories are often heard that people became senseless or unconscious inside the valley, thanks to the intoxicating smell! Please DON’T touch and trample any flower or plant, and always stay on the well defined track.  Pleasant smell of vegetation and fresh air enthral every visitor. The valley starts changing its hue and turns into a fairyland. Large swath of the valley is covered in pink due to the Himalayan Balsam, or white for Anemones. Observe the tiny myriad little flowers like Gentians or Asters. The entire area seems like Eden while sheer mountain cliffs encompassing the valley. The hike is gentle and we walk slowly to get the smell of the mist and contrasting colours. Closely observe the buds, leaves and flowers with combinations of different size, shape and colour. The river Pushpawati cuts along the valley and gushing down to the bottom of the valley. Look out carefully for the many tiny to medium size of birds on the trees and flowering plants. After moving around 4 Km packed lunch is served. After 6 Km or so we reach the head of the valley. We can continue further north to the valley where the trail goes along almost river bed. You can see the Tipra glacier and Rataban peak towering the backdrop. We reach an altitude of ~3450 m/11320 ft. Spend some time and retrace the trail till Ghangaria. Distance is 8 Km and time spent around 6/8 hours. Night stay in hotel.

Today we will visit to the holy shrine of Hemkund Sahib. It is only 6 Km from Ghangaria but at an altitude which is alpine and above tree line. The track is wide and well defined as thousands of pilgrims visit every year. Tea stalls and Dhaba are available throughout. Brahma Kamal blooms in abundance around this trail while approaching altitude of 4000 m. The climb is continuous with a moderate gradient. It may take 3 and half/4 hours to reach. The lake is a delight to watch and remains misty during monsoon . Spend some time around the lake and have a cup of milk tea served by the Gurudwara committee. Weather can turn bad easily at this altitude. Start your return by 1:30 pm. Total distance is 12 Km and may take 7/8 hours. Night stay at Ghangaria hotel.

Today we start our descent in the morning to Govindghat and reach by afternoon. May take 6/7 hours. Night stay in hotel..

By car we get back to Haridwar by 8 pm in the evening. Book your tickets for return journey 9 pm or later.