Valley of Flowers Trek
One of the most well-liked treks in the Himalayas in India is the Valley of Flowers walk. Even those who have never set foot in the Himalayas are familiar with the Valley of Flowers trek.
However, there is a good explanation for Valley of Flower’s fabled popularity—it is one of India’s first treks, according to records.
The Valley of Flowers National Park was established by the Indian government in 1980, and UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 2002. Due to this, hikers from all over the world are adding Valley of Flowers to their bucket lists.
The Valley of Flowers in Chamoli district is located at 3,658 meters in Bhyundar Valley and spans a broad area of 87.50 square kms, extending 8 km long and 2 km wide. The next central zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, known as the Valley of Flowers, welcomes visitors at every turn with a bevy of tumbling cascades, silvery glaciers, and brambles.
The final area of human settlement before arriving at Valley of Flowers is the little village of Ghangaria, which is 13 kilometers from Govindghat.
With a variety of flowers blooming from May to October, the valley of flowers appears to vary its hues during the course of the growing season. Many well-known flowers, including the Brahmakamal, cobra lily, and the blue poppy may be found in the valley.
Among lovers of flowers, horticulturists, hikers, journalists, bird watchers, and wildlife photographers, it is a highly sought-after location. The Valley of Flowers is highly well-liked by international tourists, who visit in large numbers every year.
Valley of Flowers: Blooming time
In the valley, flower blooming typically starts around the end of May or the beginning of June. The flowers have started to bloom early this year, though. The scientists think that this year’s early snowmelt has caused the Valley of Blossoms’ flowers to bloom earlier than usual. Primrose, potentilla, and wild rose are a few of the flower species that have currently flowered in the valley.
History of Valley of Flowers
When climbing from Mount Kamet in the year 1931, 3 young British climbers named Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth got off track. The group came across a valley covered in alpine flowers by chance and was so moved by its magnificence that they named it “The Valley of Flowers.” A subsequent author named the “Valley of Flowers” was one of the hikers, Frank S. Smythe.
Must Visit Nearby famous trek
What is the mythology behind Valley of Flowers?
The valley has always been known to the people, who thought that fairies and gods lived there. An early theory held that someone would visit the Valley, be kidnapped by fairies, and just never reappear.
Activities to perform in Valley of Flowers
- Visitors to the breathtaking Valley of Flowers can enjoy the abundance of natural beauty it has to offer, including waterfalls, lush hills clothed in pine and oak trees, rushing rivulets and streams, and, of course, a wide variety of flowers.
- Each year, hundreds of pilgrims make the grueling journey to Hemkund Sahib, one of the most famous Sikh shrines in Uttarakhand. Wintertime sees a thick layer of snow cover the shrine.
- The final populated settlement on the Valley of Flowers trip is Ghangaria. Explore the picturesque town located at the convergence to discover more about the locals’ simple way of life, traditions, and values. On your way from Govindghat to Ghangharia, stop at Byundar Village.
Valley of Flowers Trek
None could be a better option for a stunning trekking experience than to go on an exhilarating and amazing hiking excursion in the Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand. Each hiker who wants to walk in the Himalayas should take the stunning Valley of Flower trek.
The conventional trek path is provided below, however if you’re feeling a little extra daring, consider trying out this Old Trek way to Valley from Hanumanchatti.
At GovindGhat or Pulna Village, after spanning the Alaknanda river on a swinging bridge, the journey towards the Valley starts. Through a slope with lush greenery and plants upward, the zigzag mule path straightens. After Pulna Village, the trip picks up in excitement as the Laxman Ganga gets faster and you can see glimpses of snow-capped peaks peeking through the lush, rocky rocks.
There are numerous flowing waterfalls and cool water streams along the 7 km walk from Pulna to Bhyundar hamlet. Rhododendrons paint the landscape pink and darker crimson, and bushes and wild roses proliferate. Small roadside tea shops can be found all along the route, and Bhyundar village employs energetic young tour operators.
After a brief break, the journey on the north bank of the Laxman Ganga proceeds through lush flora until it reaches a log bridge that is sustained by enormous stones. The terrain gets steeper and rougher as you pass to the left bank, and two kilometers later, you’ll arrive at Ghangharia, the starting point for hikes to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
Suggested Itinerary for Valley of flowers trek
If you want to visit the Valley of Flowers but are unsure of the schedule, this will help you. View the walk to the Valley of Flowers’ complete itinerary.
Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath
Early departure from Rishikesh towards Joshimath. It is Lord Badrinath’s winter residence and is situated 255 kilometers from Rishikesh. By sunset, you will have arrived in Joshimath, where you will check in and spend the night. From the bus station in Rishikesh, you can take direct buses to Joshimath, or if you prefer a more luxurious trip, you can reserve a taxi to take you there.
Day 2: Joshimath – Govindghat – Ghangaria
After breakfast, go the 22 kilometres to Govindghat, which is located near Joshimath. Leaving on the journey to Ghangaria with a lunch box. The base camp for the treks to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers is Ghangaria, commonly known as Govind Dham. You will arrive in Ghangaria after a 10-kilometer journey, where you’ll stay overnight.
Day 3: Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Ghangaria
As you journey to the Valley of Flowers National Park today, all your effort will finally pay off. The quick track will cut through the dense undergrowth, which is covered in untamed flora and rare Himalayan flowers, offering an intriguing backdrop.
All your work will eventually pay off as you travel to the Valley of Flowers National Park today. The short track will wind through the thick underbrush, which is dotted with rare Himalayan flowers and untamable plants, providing a unique setting.
Day 4: Ghangaria – Govindghat – Joshimath
After breakfast, set off on a 10-kilometer hike to Govindghat, followed by a drive through Badrinath to Joshimath. Once you get at Joshimath, stay in a hotel and spend the night.
Day 5: Joshimath to Rishikesh
After a hearty breakfast, depart from the hills by driving to Rishikesh.
Note: You may stay in Ghangharia for an additional day and visit Hemkunt Sahib, which is located 6 kilometers away.
