Valley of flowers is an amazing trek to do in July and August, it is a UNESCO world heritage site and 

you will also visit the world’s Highest Gurudwara called “Hemkund Sahib"

Region:- Uttarakhand, 

Duration:- 6 Days
Grade:- Easy
Max Altitude :- 15,190 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km:- 37 Kms.

The experience is unforgettable. One of the best trek in India in the Himalayan mountains.

Why the valley of flowers trek we have chosen?

Trek to Valley of Flowers is a vibrant trek. A burst of myriad hues greets you at every step on the trail. Valley of Flowers is a National Park situated in Nanda Devi Bio Reserve and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. It is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals.

The most beautiful of all Himalayan flowers, the blue Primula can be seen blooming in thousands in the valley. The best time to see the valley in full bloom is from mid-July to mid-August.

 The high altitude serine lake, known as Hemkund ( 4329 mts.) lies in heavenly environs. A steep trek from Ghangharia leads one to this spot in about four to six hours.

It is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs, as well as for people from other faiths. There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake. Encircled by seven snow-clad peaks and their associated glaciers, it reflects its surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear serene waters.

Who all should visit trek?

 It is not only about flower lovers, anyone can visit this place who are interested in trekking.

Where to book?

1. https://www.thrillophilia.com/tours/valley-of-flowers

2. https://www.trekthehimalayas.com/valley-of-flowers-trek/

So we have done booking through thrillophilla which manages trekking events with local agencies.

Below are the itineraries shared with me.

Our Itineraries :

Day 01: Haridwar - Joshimath / Auli (2450m) (Drive / 280 Kms / 8 - 9 Hrs)
Day 02: Joshimath / Auli (2450m) - Govindghat - Ghangaria (3050m) (Drive / 1 Hr) (Trek / 4 - 5 Hrs)
Day 03: Ghangaria (3050m) - Valley Of Flowers (3600m) - Ghangaria (3050m) (Trek / 4 - 5 Hrs)
Day 04:
Option 1: Ghangaria (3050m) - Hemkund Sahib (4329m) - Ghangaria (3050m) (Trek / 6 - 7 Hrs)
Option 2: Ghangaria (3050m) - Valley Of Flowers (3600m) - Ghangaria (3050m) (Trek / 4 - 5 Hrs)
Day 05: Ghangaria - Govindghat - Jayalgarh (Trek / 3 - 4 Hrs)(Drive / 6 - 7Hrs)
Day 06: Jayalgarh - Haridwar (Drive / 110 kms/4Hrs)

Detailed Itineraries :

DAY 01: HARIDWAR - JOSHIMATH / AULI (2450M) (DRIVE / 280 KMS / 8 - 9 HRS)

Meet at the Haridwar railway station at 7 a.m and from here board a vehicle (arranged by trekking group) and be driven up to Auli. 

This is a long but interesting drive. You will for the most part of the journey drive along the Ganga & Alaknanda rivers.

 En route, you will be crossing the holy towns of Rishikesh, Dev Prayag & Rudra Prayag. Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 02: JOSHIMATH / AULI (2450M) - GOVINDGHAT - GHANGARIA (3050M) (DRIVE / 1 HR) (TREK / 4 - 5 HRS)

Early morning drive for about an hour or so to reach Govindghat, our starting point for the trek. We start the trek by crossing the river Alaknanda over a bridge at Govindghat and from there walking towards the Bhyundar valley through forest area and a few villages. There are numerous waterfalls and absolutely lush green landscape all around. The gradient of the trail is moderate. The 14 km trek to reach Ghangaria takes about 4-5 hrs, one can also hire a mule or use the helicopter service to reach Ghangaria. Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 03: GHANGARIA (3050M) - VALLEY OF FLOWERS (3600M) - GHANGARIA (3050M) (TREK / 4 - 5 HRS)

It's a delightful and short ascent to the valley. The gradient is moderate and the landscape extremely soothing to the eye. It will take about a couple of hours to reach the valley. The beauty of this world-renowned valley totally lives up to its reputation. There are unending meadows laden with varieties of alpine flowers, a network of streams and big mountains all around. At the entrance of the Valley stands the snow-clad peak of Ratban Parvat, towards the left is Nar Parvat, which separates the Badrinath valley from this valley, and to the right is dense Birch forest on the hillsides. We will spend 3-4 hrs exploring different corners & vantage points of the valley and towards late afternoon head back to the hotel at Ghangaria.

Day 04: 

Option 1: Ghangaria (3050m) - Hemkund Sahib (4329m) - Ghangaria (3050m) (Trek / 6 - 7 Hrs) 

Option 2: Ghangaria (3050m) - Valley Of Flowers (3600m) - Ghangaria (3050m) (Trek / 4 - 5 Hrs)

Option 1: Ghangaria(3050m) - Hemkund Sahib (4329m) - Ghangaria (3050m) (Trek / 6 - 7 Hrs)

Today's climb to Hemkund Sahib is steep at places and will take about 3 - 4 hrs. Hemkund Sahib is a popular Sikh Shrine built next to the beautiful lake. The lake is surrounded by wildflowers with Brahmkamal being the most popular. Pilgrims take a dip in the freezing cold waters of the lake, not an easy task. The hot tea served in the Gurudwara (shrine) is divine, to say the least. We will also visit the Laxman mandir next to the Gurudwara. Towards afternoon head back to Ghangaria. Overnight in the hotel at Ghangaria.

Option 2: Ghangaria(3050m) - Valley Of Flowers (3600m) - Ghangaria(3050m) (Trek / 4 - 5 Hrs)

You can do a leisurely hike today and spend more time taking pictures and documenting the flower species. Towards afternoon head back to Ghangaria. Overnight in the hotel at Ghangaria.

DAY 05: GHANGARIA - GOVINDGHAT - JAYALGARH (TREK / 3 - 4 HRS)(DRIVE / 6 -7 HRS)

Today we trek back to Govindghat retracing the same route. After arriving here, we will drive to Jayalgarh. Overnight in tents

DAY 06: JAYALGARH - HARIDWAR (DRIVE / 110 KMS /4 HRS)

After breakfast drives down to Haridwar. Trip ends here

Cost Terms:

	Accommodation on sharing basis	Meals
Day 1	Overnight in Hotel (Auli / Govindghat)	Dinner
Day 2	Overnight in Hotel (Ghangria)	Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 3	Overnight in Hotel (Ghangria)	Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 4	Overnight in Hotel (Ghangria)	Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 5	Overnight in Swiss Tents (Jayalgarh)	Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 6		Breakfast

        Professional guide(s) to ensure high safety and more information and personal attention which are necessary to appreciate a trek. All our guides are professionally trained and have many years of relevant experience in guiding treks.

        Evening Tea/Coffee.

        Basic first aid for the group

Exclusions: -

§  Forest entry charges, permits & camping fee

§  Accommodation in any other location not mention above

§  Mule charges to carry your personal bag

§  Any meals/services not mentioned above

§  Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.

§  Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.

§  Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.

§  Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, roadblocks, bad weather, etc.

§  Insurance

§  GST

My experience and tips might be useful:

1.  You can explore Auli also. Try to reach Auli earlier

2.  Note: don't spend much time at the valley of the flowers starting point. try to go further to reach glacier point at earliest.

3.  Be careful while returning from the valley of flowers

4.  Trek slow for hemkund

Pictures:

1. Haridwar:  Ganga Aarti

    

2. Devprayag 

3. Auli Resort

4.  Govindghat

5. Ghangariya

6. Valley of flowers (Starting point)

Hemkund Trek