Valley of Flowers Trek

The Valley of flowers trek  recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Valley of flowers trek is one of India’s famous trekking destinations in the Gharwal Himalayas. This trek is popular for all age person from kids to senior citizens as well.

There is a strong reason behind why people want to be a witness to this trek and why it also attracts not even Indian trekkers but also from all over the world.

Valley of flowers was created in 1980 by the Indian Government, and later in 2002, it was considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the reason behind the popularity of this trek.

History

Valley is located at 14000 feet, and it was accidentally discovered in 1933, Frank S Smythe, Eric Shipton, and RL Holdsworth while coming back after an expedition to Mount Kamet. Smythe returned late and also wrote a book The Valley of Flowers. But in 1939 a  botanist named Joan Margaret Legge was deputed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to scientifically catalog the flowers here.

Unfortunately, she died due to slipped her leg on the rocky slope while collecting flora of the Valley of flowers. Her sister came in search of Joan Margaret and built a tomb inside the valley.

The valley has approximately 520 species of plants, out of which 498 flowers plant.

The distance from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers is four kilometers. The first is a lovely walk, passing under pine trees, and intersection a murmuring stream. There is a Forest Office here where one needs to pay section charges (₹150 for Indians/₹600 for outsiders).

Past the Pushpavati stream slamming down the rough mountainside and the scaffold spreading over the downpour, the way gets smaller and all the more unpleasant cut.

About the Trek

Trek Starts from Govind ghat and here is the check post of the forest department and the entry charge is 150 INR per person for Indians and 600 INR per person for foreigners. But do remember, they don’t allow the entry after 2 pm IST because the trek route is 15km which takes 5-6 hours, so if anyone goes afternoon then they can’t reach before sunset, and the whole area is not safe due to wild animals like black bear, snow leopards, jackals and many more. But don’t worry if you are trekking in the daytime, there are forest rangers is also on the trails at every kilometer.

Govind Ghat to Ghangaria is 15km but the shared taxi is available and it will drop at 4km up to the last motorable route, and the next 11km needs to be completed by trekking. Pony services are also available who charge 2000-2500INR.

Helicopter service

Helicopter service is also available from Govindghat to Ghangaria.

Once reach Ghangharia you can stay in hotels here, the average charges are 1000-2000 per room for 2 people but in crowd time they can increase charges, but there is a Famous Gurudwara where maximum tourist and Hemkund sahib pilgrims stay there without any charges and also free food (langar) available, and the services are awesome you loved it the hospitality of Gurudwara committee. People also donate money as per willingness for the continuous running of Gurudwara.

Is it required ID Proof?

don’t forget to carry your identity card (Adhar/ DL/ Passport), they don’t allow without a valid ID.

Stay at a hotel or Gurudwara at night and start trekking to the valley of flowers in the next early morning. The check post of the forest department is also there and need to buy an entry pass of 200INR which is valid for one day only, and the entry pass counter open at 7 am.

From Ghangharia to Valley of flowers is 4km but it is the entry point and the whole valley is spread till 8km long and 3km of its periphery which will take a whole day to travel to its end.

The valley is covered with more than 450 varieties of flower plants, which makes the incredible beauty. There are lots of river streams so no lack of crystal clear drinking water. Even though the water quality is superior to any purifier and also fully loaded with minerals.

Here the tomb of Joan Margaret Legge.

After exploring the Valley of flowers, start the return to Ghangaria before 2 hours of sunset because night stay and camping is not allowed and also fear of wild leopards and black bear.

After reaching Ghangaria then stay at night and you can plan for Hemkund sahib or return to Govind Ghat and Rishikesh then back home.

Can we also go to Hemkund Sahib?

Yes, if you have one-day extra time then you can plan for Hemkund Sahib also. It is a devotional place for the Sikh religion and Hemkund pilgrims must go to this place as well.

How many days required for this trip?

5 Days without Hemkund Sahib & 6days with Hemkund Sahib.

What about the food and water availability?

Small food shops are easily available on the way to Ghangaria but not available on the way from Ghangaria to Valley of flowers, and no worries about drinking water in the Himalayas, lots of natural water stream available at every point on the trail.

Camping availability?

Camping not allowed anywhere in the valley of flowers but you can pitch the camp nearby Ghangaria with the permission of the forest department.

How to reach the Valley of flowers?

• Start the trip from Rishikesh to Govindghat via bus, shared cab, or private car. (270km 9hr)
• Govindghat to Ghangaria via 11km trek + 4km taxi (5-6 hour)
• Ghangaria to Valley of flowers and return to Gangharia 4+4km via trek (2hr +1 hr)
• Gangharia – Hemkund Sahib – Ghangaria 5+ 5km trek(3hr + 1.5 hr)
• Ghangaria to Govind Ghat via trek. 11km + 4km (4hr)
• Govind Ghat to Rishikesh Via bus or taxi (9hr)

Note: Buses are available till 12 pm

Which season is best for this trek?

Monsoon and after the monsoon season (June, July, August, September) are the best, flowers are in full bloom after the rain. The average temperate is 5 to 15 degrees celcius.

The Valley of Flowers Book Buy

Contact Forest Department; +911352559898

Is it safe for solo travelers?

Yes, this trek is completely safe for solo travelers for male and female both. But for girls they should pre-book a hotel at Ghangaria otherwise it will difficult to find a good room.

Is Airtel, Jio, Vodafone, BSNL network available?

Only BSNL postpaid network is available here, from Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. All networks are available till Govindghat.