Valley of Flowers; abode of fairies, nymphs and gods would be an apt description for this enchanting valley located in the Garhwal Himalayas. It was declared a national park in 1982 and stated a world heritage site subsequently. Valley of Flowers National Park is located in the upper region of West Garhwal Himalayan range bordering the Nanda Devi National Park. It is world famous for its beautiful meadows of alpine flowers stretching till the eye can see, crystal clear mountain streams, surrounding snow clad mountains, fragrances wafting in which even a master perfumer can only dream off, birds singing the songs of the highlands and crisp mountain air in abundance. The valley comprises of 87.5 sq km and is home to some rare and elusive animals like the Asiatic Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Blue Sheep, Musk Dear, Pika (Mouse Hare), Himalayan Monal, Snow Partridge, Himalayan Snowcock and huge varieties of Butterflies. Valley of Flowers has more than 200 varieties of flowers; some world famous ones are the Himalayan Blue Poppy, Brahmakamal, Cobra Lily, Dwarf Larkspur, Corydalis, Lilium, Geranium, Inula, Sibbaldia, Aconitum and many more.
Valley of Flowers was discovered by Frank S. Smythe in 1931 when he was returning from his successful ascent of Mount Kamet. As are the ways of the wild, he lost his way and stumble upon this beautiful valley full of hundreds of different variety of flowers in full bloom. He was so enthralled by the magnificence of this stunning valley that he decided to camp here for 3 weeks and did a detailed study of the Flora and Fauna of the area.
Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh commissioned Miss Margaret Legge a reputed botanist in 1939 to further study the Valley of Flowers to unveil its secret floral treasures. Unfortunately she perished soon after while traversing the valley; lost to the mountains forever, one with it, which happens to a chosen few. Her sister erected a memorial at the site of the mishap, which read, “I will lift my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my strength”.
Valley of Flowers stunning beauty has attracted people from all hues of life; from mountaineers, writers, botanist to nature lovers all have celebrated and written literature on it since the early nineties. Valley of Flowers has a mention in Hindu Mythology as the place from which Hanuman collected the Sanjivani Buti (Magical Herbs) to revive Lakshman when he was injured by Meghnada the son of Ravana.
We invite all nature lovers to join our treks through this beautiful valley. Our treks start from the 1st week of June till Middle of September. The valley witness’s full bloom from middle of July till mid of August with a riot of colours splashed across the length and breadth of the valley, it is a sight to be seen and will remain with you for the rest of your life, that is a promise. The boundary of Valley of Flowers National Park begins from Ghangharia. Once you cross into the valley the twin sentinels of Nar Parvat and Ratban Parvat will greet you, towards the right would be dense Birch forest and below it would be Pushpavati river flowing.
For a trekker, for whom an ample excuse to embark on a trekking expedition to reach a far flung spot, is that it exists, finds double the excuse in the case of Valley of Flowers. We have researched the valley for years and it would be an honour to take our esteemed customers to this stunningly beautiful valley, come join our treks and enjoy the bounty of nature.
Itinerary
Day - 01: Delhi
Go Adventure Sports team will receive you at the airport/any other destination. The guest will board our vehicles for transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day - 02: Delhi (Optional, only on request)
Go Adventure Sports team will take you for a guided tour of some famous monuments in Delhi. Delhi is wonderful city with a lot of history and culture.
Day - 03: Delhi to Rishikesh
We would be driving from Delhi to Rishikesh, the distance is approximately 260 Km and would take about 7 hours. En route we would be stopping at Haridwar to see the world famous evening Arti (Religious Ceremony). Overnight stay would be in our White Water Rafting Camp.
Day - 04: Rishikesh to Joshimath
After an early breakfast we would be driving from Rishikesh to Joshimath. It would take us close to 9-10 hours to cover approximately 260 Km to Joshimath. En route we would be crossing Devprayag which is the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alakananda rivers and from where the holy Ganga River originates. Overnight stay would be in hotel in Joshimath.
Day-5: Joshimath to Ghangaria
We will have breakfast in Joshimath and then drive towards Govindghat, it is approximately 23 Km and will take close to 1 hour. Govindghat is the place from where the trek starts. From Govindghat to Ghangaria is about 13 Km along a well beaten pilgrim route. It is continuous but gradual climb all the way to Ghangaria. Overnight in tents at our Ghangaria camp.
Day-6: Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Ghangaria
This is the day; all the hard work, planning, patience will be rewarded. We will start early morning from Ghangaria to the gate of the Valley of Flowers National Park. Once we have collected the permits we will trek for approximately 3 Km to reach the enchanted valley. Valley of Flowers is about 10 Km in length and about 2 Km in breadth. On your left will be the snow clad Garhwal Himalayas and on your right would be the Pushpawati River, in between will be a sight which will remain etched in your memory for ever. Till the eye can see; will be field upon field of stunning flowers of different shape, size and colour. The valley is a riot of colour, fragrances and jungle songs of the lovely birds and butterflies that reside in it, beyond imagination will be the experience.
Day-7: Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Ghangaria (Optional)
This day we can hurry a bit and try to explore some offbeat spots in search of rare flowers. This can be a great add on for photographers and budding naturalists.
Day 8: Ghangaria – Hemkund Sahib – Ghangaria
Get ready for a steep 6 Km climb to Hemkund Sahib, but the effort is worth it once you reach this Sikh Shrine located at an altitude of 15,200 ft. Hemkund Sahib Shrine has been made on the banks of a glacial lake and is surrounded by 7 Himalayan peaks. A Lakshman Temple is located next to the Sikh Shrine. Legend has it that the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji meditated here and became one with God. Once you reach, you can take a dip in the freezing waters of the glacial lake and then go inside the shrine to listen to religious hymns sung by the devout priests. It is a wonderful spiritual experience. Trek back 6 Km to Ghangaria, overnight stay in our Ghangaria camp.
Day 9: Ghangaria – Govind Ghat – Joshimath
It is a 13 Km downhill trek from Ghangaria to Govind Ghat. We will do it nice and easy as there is a lot of stress on the knees while going downhill. From Govind Ghat we will drive to Joshimath which would take about 1 hr. Overnight stay would be in Joshimath in a hotel.
Day 10: Joshimath - Rishikesh
After an early breakfast we will be driving from Joshimath to Rishikesh rafting camp. Total distance would be approximately 260 Km.
Day 11: Rishikesh – Delhi
Drive to Delhi will take about 7 hrs. Overnight stay in hotel in Delhi.
Day 12: Delhi Airport
We will see you off at the airport or any other destination you chose.
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