Valley of Flowers Trek: Beginners Guide

 Valley of Flowers Trek: Beginners Guide

Overview

Many lovely National Parks exist in India, protecting a diverse range of flora and fauna. Valley of Flowers,
which stands at 21,900 feet and is located in the northern part of Chamoli, Uttarakhand's largest district, is one of them.
Mountaineer Frank Smith found it in 1931, and it was named a national park in 1982, later becoming a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.

With rivers running around the green meadows and over the rocky terrain, colourful flowers below and passing clouds above, dewdrops on the leaves and rain droplets gently stroking your face, and exquisite flora and fauna along the Valley of Flowers trek, this valley is more like a fairyland. It's also known for its medicinal herbs, which have a long history.

The path to the Valley of Flowers

From your city, travel to Haridwar or Dehradun. Dehradun Airport | Haridwar and Dehradun Railway Stations | Dehradun and Haridwar Bus Stations

From Haridwar/Dehradun, take a taxi or public transportation to GovindGhat or Joshimath.

Trek from Govind Ghat to Ghangeria, then back to Govind Ghat via Valley of Flowers (3 days minimum required)

Return to Haridwar by cab, taxi, or public transportation, from where you can return home.

What is the best way to get to the Valley of Flowers?

To begin, travel to Haridwar, Dehradun, or Rishikesh.

If you're flying, take a connecting flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is the closest airport to the Valley of Flowers.

If you're travelling by train, take the last train to Haridwar and then take a taxi or public transportation to GovindGhat.

You can also take Volvo buses from Delhi to Haridwar or Dehradun, which takes about 6 hours. Haridwar is also served by trains on a daily basis.

By road from Dehradun/Hridwar to Govind Ghat

There are various kinds of transportation available from Dehradun or Haridwar to the start site of the walk, Govind Ghat, which is roughly 290 kilometres away. The travel from Haridwar or Dehradun can be made in a private vehicle, shared cabs, or public buses, which leave Dehradun and Haridwar train stations at 6 a.m.

When is the ideal time to visit the Valley of Flowers?

The greatest time to do the trek is during the monsoon season, which runs from July to September. The weather in the upper altitudes will be mild with drizzles during this season, making it ideal for hiking. The temperature will range between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius during the day and 7 to 10 degrees Celsius at night. It's possible that you'll need to bring a raincoat. In July, you'll see more lush green meadows; there aren't as many flowers yet, but the foliage and dewdrops on the leaves will leave you speechless. You'll see a big number of different flowers fully blossomed over the first 15 days of August, and they'll appear like In the Himalayas, there is a hidden sanctuary. However, be prepared for a congested valley during these months, as thousands of visitors flock to the area.

Places to see in the vicinity of Joshimath

If you have a few extra days or can squeeze a day or two out of your busy schedule, you can visit these destinations near Joshimath, a popular pilgrimage destination. Shri Shankaracharya Math, Bagini Glacier, Nanda Devi National Park, Vishnuprayag, Mana hamlet, Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib, and the famed Kedarnath temple are also worth seeing.

Is the trip across the Valley of Flowers difficult?

This walk is rated easy for experienced hikers, but it may be challenging for beginners. If this is your first time, you may require assistance from travel packages and experienced trekkers who will ensure your safety and make the journey simple for you. The roads will be rocky, making the trek a little challenging. If there are senior folks or children, a mule ride or pony ride can be taken from Govindghat to Ghangria, which takes about 7-8 hours to reach the basecamp. It is a 4 kilometre hike from Ghangria to the Slope of Flowers, which is at an elevation of 14,400 feet, with rocky terrain and a steep valley, and mules are not permitted. There is no set age limit, but it is a fitness challenge! It's a wonderful walk with lots of people from different areas and ages, and even 13-year-old youngsters can go if they're athletic enough!

The trek should begin at 7 a.m. so that you can spend more time in the Valley, and the entries close around 2 p.m. You must complete the walk and leave before 5 p.m. It's possible that you'll have to pay an entrance charge to the Forest Department.

Starting from Dehradun or Haridwar, the Valley of Flowers trek will take at least 5 days, and 6 days if you want to visit Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. On your way to the Valley of Flowers, you'll pass by numerous magnificent rivers, including the Alaknanda, Pushpavati, and Laxman Ganga, as well as waterfalls and temples.