Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Trek

Welcome to the valley of flowers, a landscape camouflaged by a sea of colors!  If you’re an admirer of nature then this is a place for you!  The valley of flowers is a world heritage site and is part of the famous Nanda Devi Biosphere. Words like enchanting, scintillating, and magical have been used to describe this place of wonder! Acknowledged by renowned mountaineers, botanists and in literature, the valley of flowers is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora .  It’s known for its serenity and ability to spread an aura of calmness. A place where you can reflect and bring peace to your otherwise hectic lifestyle. Wildlife enthusiasts can also get a glimpse of many rare and endangered species of animals such as the Asiatic black bear, brown bear, snow leopard, blue sheep and more. But along with the Valley of flowers, the itinerary also includes an optional visit to Auli, a ski resort and a visit to the revered Badrinath temple.
The journey to and around the valley is an experience of its own. History is mixed along with the beauty of the vast and diverse landscape! 

Highlights:

• Duration: 6 Days
• Grade: Moderate
• Max Altitude: Valley of Flowers averages around 12,000 feet. Hemkund Sahib is at 14,400 feet
• Approx kms: 38kms
• Max group size: 20

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1:- Haridwar - Joshimath 235 km (Drive)

Wake up early in the morning and right after breakfast, drive to reach Joshimath (1874 mts / 253Km) which is the winter abode of Lord Badrinath, also known as Vishnu. On the way, you shall visit Devprayag, Rudraprayag. Karnprayag and Nandprayag, four of the historic “Panch Prayag’s” river confluences. By the evening you shall reach Joshimath and check into the hotel. Over their you will watch a documentary filmed on Valley of flowers at GovindGhat. For the adventurous, Joshimath is a gateway to several climbing expeditions and trekking trails!

Day 2:- Joshimath - GovindGhat - Ghangria (Trek 13 km)

This is when your journey really begins! After breakfast, drive to reach Govindghat (1828 mts / 22Km), a pilgrim hamlet.  This is where your trek to the Valley of flowers and Hemkund begins! First it’s off to Ghangria (3049 mt / 14 km Trek) with packed lunch. The 14 km trek from Govind Ghat to Ghangria goes all the way along the river and you will be greeting with many waterfalls along with other scenic splendors. Ghangria is also known as GOVIND DHAM, the base camp for visiting Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers.

Day 3:- Ghangria – Valley of Flowers – Ghangria (Trek 6kms total)

The valley  of flowers is about 5 kms from Ghangria. The whole valley is dotted with varieties of exotic flowers and other flora. Leave Ghangria early to give yourself the whole day to spend at the Valley of flowers, easy 3km ascent. Over here you have the freedom to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that surrounds you! The whole day is yours to enjoy in whichever way you choose. Then of course, it’s back to  Ghangria for your overnight stay.

Day 4:- Ghangria – Hemkund Saheb - Ghangria (Trek 6km)

Early in the morning start trekking (6 Km) to reach "HEMKUND SAHIB", one of the most revered of all Sikh Shrines. It is also the World’s Highest Gurudwara, situated at an altitude of 4,329 mts. The Hemkund Sahib lake remains frozen for six months so you can easily walk around to the other side! There is also 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. This is a sight not to be missed! The glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks feed the lake and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this lake. For the history lovers, according to religious texts, Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikh faith had meditated on the bank of this lake in one of his earlier births.! In the afternoon, trek back down to reach Ghangria for overnight stay. Evening is free for rest & relaxation.

Day 5:- Ghangria - GovindGhat – Badrinath-Joshimath

14 Km easy descent return trek to Govindghat and then drive to Joshimath via Badrinath. On arrival, check into hotel.

Day 6:- Joshimath - Haridwar 235km (Drive)

Morning breakfast and drive to Haridwar. On arrival transfer to the station time to catch train.