Deep in the heart of the Himalayas is the spectacular 'Valley of Flowers'- a beautiful meadow located at an altitude of 3500 metres. Discovered in 1931 by Frank Smythe, the Valley of Flowers turns into a riot of colours in the months of August and September with over a thousand varieties of flowers, shrubs, orchids and plants carpeting the valley in myriad hues and differing textures. With its diverse flora and fauna and dazzling snow-capped peaks around, the 'Valley of Flowers' is a naturalist’s heaven and a trekker's delight.
Our trek starts from the road head at Govindghat to a remote village of Ghangaria, the base camp for all excursions into the valley and to the next highlight of our trek, the high-altitude Hemkund Lake at 4329m. Reflecting the seven encircling snow-clad peaks and adjoining glaciers on its crystal clear waters with Himganga flowing out as a small stream, this is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs in a truly a spectacular natural setting. This four-day trek discovers this Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park in its entire dazzle.
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
Arrive in Delhi. Arrive at the international airport of Delhi. After the traditional welcome transfer to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free. Overnight Hotel
Delhi – Rishikesh (240 kms;6-7 hrs). Drive to Rishikesh, situated on the banks of the Ganges. Rishikesh is said to be the birth place of yoga and known as the gateway of the four major Dhams (pilgrimage sites). In the evening visit the Ghats of river Ganga to see the evening Aarti (worship)- spectacle of sights, sounds and chanting. Overnight Hotel
Rishikesh – Joshimath (260 kms/7-8 hrs). Leave for Joshimath. En-route stop at Devprayag to witness the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi forming the holy river Ganges. Reach Joshimath by evening and check-in to the lodge/guesthouse. Rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight Hotel/Guest house
Joshimath – Govindghat (1828m) – Ghangaria (3000m;20 kms drive;13 kms trek). Leave for Govindghat by road. From Govindghat trek down to Ghangaria - the base camp for the Valley of Flowers. Reach Ghangaria late in the afternoon. Rest of the day is free to relax and to explore the area. Overnight Camp
Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Ghangaria (3000m;3+3 kms trek). After breakfast leave for valley of flowers (3 kms one side trek). A beautiful meadow covered with a carpet of flowers of myriad colors and surrounded by the dazzling snow-clad Himalayas. Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom here unhindered by mankind. In the afternoon take the same route to return to Ghangaria. Overnight Camp
Ghangaria – Hemkund Sahib – Ghangaria (3000m;6+6 kms trek). After breakfast start trek to Hemkund Sahib – a revered Sikh Shrine on the banks of Hemkund Lake. The 6-kms trek to Hemkund Sahib is a steep climb along with the Laxman Ganga River which emanates from Hemkund. After visiting Hemkund Lake return to Ghangaria by evening. Overnight Camp
Ghangaria – Govindghat (1828m) and drive to Joshimath (22kms;1 hour). Trek down to Govindghat and go for a short excursion to Mana Village, situated in the district of Chamoli. Mana is the last village before the Mana Pass and is 24 kms from the border of India and China and is at a distance of about 3 km from the Hindu Pilgrimage town of Badrinath. From Govindghat drive to Joshimath for overnight stay. Overnight Camp
Joshimath to Rishikesh (254kms; 6-7 hrs). In the morning drive to Rishikesh, a prominent meditation centre and pilgrim destination for Hindus, for transfer to the hotel and check-in. In the evening visit the holy Ghats and watch the evening aarti – a spectacle of sights, sounds and chanting. Overnight Hotel/Guest House
Rishikesh to Delhi (231kms;5-6hrs) After breakfast drive down to Delhi. Upon reaching there, check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for last minute shopping or further exploration. Overnight Hotel
Departure Delhi. In the sightseeing programme in Delhi visit Jama Masjid, India Gate and colonial buildings. In the evening, departure transfer to the airport for onward flights to respective destinations.
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
Suitable for families with young children
Highest Point (Max altitude)
Hemkund Lake (4329m)
Fitness Grade
Fairly easy 5-6 hours of activity per day. May include some uphill sections, reasonable fitness recommended.
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