Valley of Flowers Trek

Govindghat to Ghangharia via Poolna

Distance: 13 kilometres

Duration: Approx 6 hours

Elevation: 10,250 feet

• The 13-kilometre distance between Govindghat and Ghangaria now has an alternating setup of driving and trekking.
• Rides from Govindghat take you four kilometres to Poolna, from where the trekking begins.
• The nine-kilometre trek from Poolna to Ghangaria takes approximately five to six hours on the well-defined trail that runs along the river.
• The trail can be sunny or shaded at different intervals, and has ample eating spaces for trekkers. Ghangaria village has hotels, restaurants, gurudwara, helipad, and some camping space for trekkers.
• The altitude gained on this easy-moderate trail of gradual descent is from 6,215 feet to 10,250 feet, via 6,720 feet.
• Stay at Ghangharia for the night.

Ghangharia – Valley of Flowers – Ghangharia

Distance: 3.7 kilometres (one side)

Duration: Approx 7 hours

Elevation: 11,550 feet

• The trek ahead from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers is a mere 3.7 kilometres and is an easy, flat walk in the valley.
• Leave Ghangaria in the early morning so you could spend the day at the Valley of Flowers.
• Less than a kilometre into the trek, the trail splits and takes you to the gate where you can buy your entry tickets.
• As you reach an altitude of 11,550 feet from 10,520 feet, you get to witness the legendary beauty of the iconic Valley of Flowers.
• The valley stretches for approximately 5-7 kilometres, after exploring which you would need to head back to Ghangaria for staying the night.

Ghangharia – Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara - Ghangaria

Distance 6 kilometres (one side)

Duration: 10 hours

Elevation: 14,107 feet

• An early start to the day is absolutely essential, as you would have to cover 6 kilometres each way between Ghangaria and Hemkund Sahib.

• Trekkers reach an altitude of 14,107 feet from 10,520 feet and come back down over a period of approximately 10 hours.

• This moderate-difficult trek, which includes a steep ascent of around 4 hours to Hemkund Sahib and steep descent back, is popular as a serenely beautiful pilgrimage trek.

• A highlight of the trek is the Hemkund Sahib Lake, a calm attraction in the midst of tall mountains. This trail is the most strenuous part of the Valley of Flowers trek.

• By afternoon, begin the steep descent back to Ghangharia, where you would stay overnight.

Ghangharia to Govindghat via Poolna

Distance: 13 kilometres

Duration: Approx 5 hours

Elevation: 6,215 feet

• The trail back to the real world is an easy-moderate trek and drive covering 13 kilometres and a drop in altitude from 10,520 feet to 6,215 feet.
• The gradual descent from Ghangaria to Poolna covers a distance of nine kilometres along the river, which can be embarked upon after a good rest at Ghangaria, much needed after the Hemkund Sahib trek.
• The well-defined trail has numerous eateries and takes you to Poolna in around 5 hours.
• Take a ride from Poolna to cover the remaining four kilometres and reach the Valley of Flowers trek base camp at Govindghat, where you rest for the night.

Govindghat to Haridwar

Distance: 300 kilometres

Duration: 10 hours

Elevation: 1,030 feet

• The Valley of Flowers trek package is primarily a monsoon trek, which in the mountains of Uttarakhand is a season marked by landslides. It is highly recommended that you keep this detail in mind when you plan your trek and keep a buffer day for the same.
• The drive from Govindghat to Haridwar takes approximately ten hours, with the sites being located at a distance of around 300 kilometres. Soak in the enchanting views of the Alaknanda River on your way.
• Pass through Joshimath and Devprayag en route. Relish some local delicacies on the way as you stop at the various eateries on the way to Haridwar.
• Reach Haridwar by evening, and either stay the night or catch transportation to reach back home.

There has traditionally been one route for the Valley of Flowers trek, known as the Govindghat – Ghangaria route. Recently, however, another route, which was the original route before it was closed off in 1970, has been reopened for visitors and is known as the Kunthkhal – Hanuman Chatti route.

• Govindghat – Ghangaria route: This route begins from Govindghat, which is the base camp for the Valley of Flowers trek. Govindghat is accessible from Haridwar, Rishikesh and Joshimath. The next stop on the journey is Ghangaria, which one reaches via Pulna village. After Ghangaria, trek up to the iconic Valley of Flowers via the well-trodden path. Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is the highest and final point in this route. Trace back the same trail back until you reach Govindghat.

• Koonthal – Hanuman Chatti route: This alternate route is more difficult than the regular route, and is meant for adventurous trekkers wishing to explore new trails. The base camp is at Govindghat, and the route is similar to the traditional one till Ghangaria and changes thereafter. Experience the Valley of Flowers as you climb up to Kunthkhal via the newly opened route after Ghangharia. The next stop is at Palsi Uddyar, which is a small meadow. The final stop is at Hanuman Chatti, from where you can take a ride directly to Badrinath or Joshimath.

The best time to embark on the Valley of Flowers trek, which opens to visitors in June, is during the months of July, August, and September. The trek is not known for its snow experience, but trekkers might witness snow patches in the early season. The day temperatures in these months range between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius, while temperatures at night drop to a minimum of 3 degrees.

The Valley of Flowers trek package offers unique experiences in different months. In July, when the snow is still melting, trekkers can witness flowers as they begin to bloom. A vision to behold with the myriad colours of the flowers, the valley has the least number of visitors this month. As monsoon gains momentum in the second half of the month, expect lush greenery like never before as you trek through the valley.

The maximum number of flowers can be witnessed in August when monsoon rains wash the valley and bring alive a world of stunning colours. While weekends see crowds, if you plan a trek on the weekdays, you would be able to enjoy the blossoms at leisure.

With the end of August and by September, flowers have mostly wilted, but visitors are graced with views of the bewitching mountains as the monsoon ends. September sees the highest crowds in the valley as pilgrims visit the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.

• Trekking shoes: Durable trekking shoes that withstand snow and rain as well as provide ankle support and good grip.

• Backpack: Ideal capacity of 50 to 60 litres and offers proper hip and shoulder support and has quick access pockets.

• Clothes: Choose synthetic dry-fit T-shirts for the base camp and a minimum of three warm layers for the trek. Include light woollens like inner thermals, fleece layers, light sweaters, and a padded jacket.

• Trek Pants: Take a maximum of two pairs of quick-dry trek pants with zippered pockets for your necessary accessories.

• Accessories: Some mandatory accessories include sunglasses, sun caps, hand gloves, woollen caps, socks, headlamps, a pair of trekking poles, rainwear, a rain cover for your backpack, and an optional daypack of 20-30 litres.

• Kits: Take along a toilet kit that includes basics like toothbrush and toothpaste, small soap and toilet paper, small moisturiser, roll-on deodorant, lip balm, and sanitary napkins. Cutlery like a lunchbox, mug, spoon, and plastic bags to keep your used clothes come in handy too.

• Medical kit

It is advised that you carry a medical kit with all necessary supplies with you at all times. Important recommended medications include Diamox for ACM, Dolo 650 for fevers, Avomine for motion sickness, Combiflam for muscle aches, Digene for indigestion, and ORS for replenishment. Remember to carry simple first aid items and your specific medications in your kit.

• Documents

Carrying an original government-approved ID card and its photocopy, a passport-size photograph, a disclaimer certificate, and a medical certificate from a practising doctor are necessary for the Valley of Flowers trek package. It is advised that you take them along in a plastic folder in your trekking backpack.

The starting point for the Valley of Flowers trek package is at Haridwar, Uttarakhand. One can reach this stunning town either by air from Dehradun or by train and bus from Delhi, which are the nearest centres that offer direct connectivity to Haridwar.

By Air: If you wish to take a flight, Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, located around 28 kilometres away from Haridwar, is the nearest. Take a taxi, auto, or bus to reach Haridwar from the airport. One can also opt to fly to Delhi and take a train or bus to reach Haridwar.

By Train: Haridwar has its own railway station which is well-connected to the rest of India. One can get direct trains to Haridwar from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Kochi, Varanasi, Gaya, Puri, and Deharadun.

By Bus: One can find comfortable buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate for Haridwar. The journey takes approximately five hours.

Once you reach Haridwar, it is highly recommended that you spend a night here to ensure you are well-rested and acclimated to the environment before you embark on your Valley of Flowers trekking package.

One needs to hop on a bus from Haridwar to reach Govindghat, which is the base camp of the Valley of Flowers trek. Another drive from Govindghat to Poolna takes you to the starting point of your much-anticipated Himalayan trek.