Introduction

Valley of Flowers trek is a must-do for any avid trekker or nature lover. Starting from Haridwar, the trekking route will take you to Govindghat, the starting point of the trek, and then to Ghangaria, the base camp for the Valley of Flowers. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step by step guide to the Valley of Flowers Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria, so you can make the most of your trekking experience.

Introduction: Valley of flowers

Nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and trekking enthusiasts alike. Situated at an altitude of 14,400 ft, the valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to an array of exotic and rare flowers that bloom throughout the year.

The trek to the Valley of Flowers begins from Govindghat and takes you through scenic landscapes and quaint villages. Ghangaria, located at a distance of 13 kilometers from Govindghat, serves as a base camp for the Valley of Flowers trek and the Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib trek. Valley of flowers trek distance is 29 km overall.

With mesmerizing views of snow-capped peaks, glistening waterfalls, and a rich flora and fauna, the Valley of Flowers trek promises to be an adventure of a lifetime. In this blog post, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide to the Valley of Flowers trek, from Govindghat to Ghangaria, the Valley of Flowers, and the Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib trek, before returning to Govindghat.

Starting the Trek: Haridwar to Govindghat

The Valley of Flowers trek is a challenging but immensely rewarding experience. The journey begins in Haridwar, where you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Govindghat, the starting point of the trek. The distance from Haridwar to Govindghat is around 290 km, and the journey takes approximately 10 hours. If you book your trek through a trekking company like trekyaari then it will easy to join the trek and reach the points on time.

As you embark on your journey, you'll be surrounded by stunning views of the mountains and the winding roads leading towards the valley. Once you reach Govindghat, you can take some time to acclimatize yourself to the altitude and rest before starting the trek to Ghangaria.

The trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria is approximately 13 km, and it takes around 6-7 hours to cover this distance. The trail takes you through picturesque landscapes and scenic waterfalls, making it an enjoyable trek. Along the way, you'll come across several tea stalls and shops selling refreshments, which will keep you energized throughout the journey.

As you approach Ghangaria, you'll see a significant increase in the number of tourists, as it serves as the base camp for the Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers trek and Hemkund Sahib. After reaching Ghangaria, you can check into a hotel and rest before embarking on the Valley of Flowers trek.

Overall, the journey from Haridwar to Govindghat is an excellent way to start your Valley of Flowers trek. It's an enjoyable journey that allows you to take in the stunning views of the mountains while preparing you for the challenging Ghangaria to Valley of flowers trek and back. So, pack your bags, wear comfortable shoes and embark on the journey of a lifetime.

Govindghat to Ghangharia

Once you reach Govindghat, the starting point of the Valley of Flowers trek, your adventure begins. The first day of the trek is a gradual climb through a well-defined trail along the Pushpawati River. The path passes through several small villages, offering stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding scenery. You will come across several refreshment shops along the way where you can take a break and recharge before continuing your journey.

The Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers trek is a gradual ascent that takes you through lush green forests and open meadows. The trail is well-marked, and you will find several trekking groups heading in the same direction. The climb to Ghangaria takes about 4-5 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. Upon arrival at Ghangaria, you will be welcomed with several accommodation options, ranging from basic tents to deluxe hotels.

Ghangaria is the base camp for both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib treks. The village is situated at an altitude of 3,050 meters and is only accessible by foot. The second day of the trek is the most exciting as you will be visiting the Valley of Flowers. From Ghangaria, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the entry gate of the valley. You will have to purchase an entry ticket and sign a register before entering the park.

The Valley of Flowers trek is a 5 km long trail that passes through stunning landscapes, glistening streams, and dense forests. You will be surrounded by vibrant flowers such as blue poppies, daisies, and Himalayan bellflowers. The trail is well-maintained, and there are several rest areas along the way. The valley is home to many exotic animals such as musk deer, snow leopard, and Asiatic black bear.

After exploring the valley, you will return to Ghangaria. On the third day, you have the option to either trek to Hemkund Sahib or spend another day in Ghangaria and explore the surrounding areas. The fourth day marks the return journey, where you will trek from Ghangaria to Govindghat. It is a steep descent, and it takes around 3-4 hours to reach Govindghat.

The Valley of Flowers

After the exhilarating trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria, you finally reach the Valley of Flowers, which is a sight to behold. This national park is home to thousands of species of wildflowers, including Himalayan blue poppies, Himalayan bellflowers, Himalayan cobra lilies, and Himalayan primulas.

The best time to visit the valley is from mid-July to mid-August, as this is when the flowers are in full bloom. The trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers takes around 2-3 hours, but the time spent there is worth every step.

The Valley of Flowers is surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, making it an incredibly picturesque place to visit. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, Asiatic black bears, musk deer, and more.

The Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers trek and back can be quite strenuous, but the sights and experiences you'll have will stay with you for a lifetime. Be sure to take your time, soak in the beauty around you, and enjoy the moments spent in this stunning national park.

Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib

After spending a day exploring the Valley of Flowers, it's time to tackle the next leg of the journey - the Hemkund Sahib trek. The Hemkund Sahib temple is located at an elevation of 4,632 meters and is considered a holy place by both Sikhs and Hindus. The trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is a steep climb, covering around 6 kilometers. The trek is quite challenging, but the views along the way are simply stunning.

The trail begins at Ghangaria, with a gradual climb that gradually becomes steeper. As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms from green meadows to barren rocks. You will pass through forests of pine and rhododendron trees, as well as small streams and waterfalls. The final ascent to the Hemkund Sahib temple is quite steep and can be difficult, especially for those not acclimatized to the altitude.

However, the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the glacial lake at Hemkund Sahib are more than worth the effort. The temple itself is a sight to behold, with its pristine white architecture standing out against the rocky backdrop. After spending some time at the temple, you can begin the descent back to Ghangaria.

The return journey is much easier than the ascent, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery all over again. As you reach Ghangaria, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment for completing both the Valley of Flowers trek and the Hemkund Sahib trek.

Ghangharia to Govindghat

After spending some time in the enchanting Valley of Flowers, it's time to make your way back to Govindghat. The Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers trek and back can take up to six hours, but the stunning views along the way will make it worth your while.

As you leave Ghangaria, the trail takes you downhill, which may be easier on your legs than the uphill climb you encountered on your way up. The descent will take you through dense forests and fields of wildflowers, which is a beautiful sight to behold.

Once you reach the bridge over the river, you will be reminded of the beginning of your trek, and the end of your journey is near. However, before you leave, take a moment to take in the stunning views of the valley one last time.

After crossing the bridge, the trail will take you uphill towards the Govindghat, which will be your last stop before you head back to Haridwar. On your way up, you will pass through beautiful pine and oak forests, which make for a peaceful and serene environment.

As you near Govindghat, you will start seeing the signs of civilization again, with small tea shops and vendors selling souvenirs and snacks. Once you reach Govindghat, you can take a moment to rest and enjoy a hearty meal before you start your journey back to Haridwar.

The Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers trek and back may be tiring, but it is an experience of a lifetime that you won't forget. The stunning natural beauty of the valley and the fresh mountain air will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

Govindghat to Haridwar

The final leg of the Valley of Flowers trek involves retracing your steps from Ghangaria to Govindghat and then back to Haridwar. As you make your way back down from Ghangaria, take some time to soak in the stunning views of the mountains and valleys around you, and reflect on the incredible journey you've just had.

Once you reach Govindghat, you can take a short break and indulge in some local snacks before hopping on a shared jeep or taxi that will take you to Joshimath. From Joshimath, you can catch another shared jeep or bus that will take you all the way back to Haridwar. Or you book your trek through a trekking company then they will drop you directly to Haridwar.

The drive back is a long one, and you'll likely be tired from all the trekking, so take the opportunity to rest and relax as you journey back to Haridwar. You can also use the time to reflect on the memories you've made during the Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers trek and back.

As you bid goodbye to the beautiful landscapes and charming people of Uttarakhand, you'll realize that the trek has left a lasting impression on your heart and mind. It has reminded you of the beauty of nature, the value of perseverance, and the importance of taking time off to explore new places and connect with the world around you.

So go ahead, plan your next trek, and embark on another adventure that will take you to new heights and leave you with unforgettable memories. But remember, the Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers trek and back will always hold a special place in your heart, and the mountains will always call you back.

Conclusion

The Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers trek is a must-do for all adventure and nature enthusiasts. The stunning beauty of the valley coupled with the thrill of trekking through rugged terrain makes it a memorable experience. From the charming town of Govindghat, through the colorful Valley of Flowers and up to the serene Hemkund Sahib, the trek offers a unique mix of adventure and spirituality.

Each day of the trek is a different experience, starting with the gradual ascent to Ghangaria and then exploring the picturesque Valley of Flowers. The trek to Hemkund Sahib is a challenging one, but the view from the top is breathtaking and worth the effort. The trek back to Govindghat is a test of endurance, but the sense of accomplishment and the memories made along the way make it all worth it.

If you're planning on doing the Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers trek and back, be sure to pack appropriately, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for the changing weather conditions. But most importantly, be ready to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region and embrace the sense of adventure and serenity that comes with it.