As the name suggests, the Valley of Flowers Trek is all about a breathtaking valley filled with colourful flowers. This trek in Uttarakhand is famous for blooming flora, with more than 500 species of colourful and rare flowers, including the Himalayan Blue Poppy and Brahma Kamal, which creates a picture-perfect carpet over the valley, especially during the monsoon. Trekking here feels like you have been teleported to heaven, and the views of mountains standing tall in the background make the trek even more enchanting.

While trekking here, you will also visit the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. Surrounded by majestic snow-covered mountains, this holy site offers tranquillity along with awe-inspiring views. This is not just a journey through the floral paradise; it is an experience which combines spirituality, natural beauty, and tranquillity, making it must for all the adventure junkies and nature lovers. In this blog, we have mentioned everything you need to know about the Valley of Flowers trek to make your experience even more interesting.

Attractions of the Valley of Flowers

• Wide Range of Flora and Fauna: During the Valley of Flowers trek, you will see a variety of rare plant species, including Cobra Lily, Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy, and native flowers. Apart from the flowers, you will also spot wildlife species such as the Snow Leopard, Musk deer, Asiatic Black Bear, Red Fox, Brown Bear, and Blue Sheep.

• Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara: During this trek, you will also get a chance to visit the highest Gurudwara in the World, Hemkund Sahib. This is a beautiful pilgrimage site dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh. A visit to this Gurudwara adds a spiritual touch to your overall journey.

• UNESCO World Heritage site: Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers holds a great universal value as a natural site. The unique landscapes of this place are among the most beautiful destinations. Trekkers will find themselves surrounded by colourful flowers, and the picturesque scenery will surely leave them amazed.

Valley of Flowers Trek Difficulty

While the Valley of Flowers trek does not include many steep or rough sections except the climb to Hemkund Sahib, it is rated as moderately difficult due to its longer trek duration. With gradual ascent and descent, the trek can be easily managed by beginners and experienced trekkers. There are a few sections that might test your endurance, and beginners can find it challenging.

While you don’t need any technical trekking skills, it does cover a long distance, which can be exhausting for many. The most demanding part of the entire trek is a climb to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. This is a steady climb with gaining altitude, which can be tiring and challenging. But the path from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is well-maintained, making it easier to continue the climb. During your trek in the Valley of Flowers, you will also come across beautiful sections filled with rhododendron and oak trees. The forest trail looks like out of a painting, but it can be difficult to trek on slippery and muddy trails, especially during and after the monsoon. You need to be extra careful while trekking through these sections and follow the guidelines of your trek leader.

To enjoy the trek with safety and utmost comfort, you must prepare yourself mentally and physically. A good fitness level helps you stay energised and reduces the risk of injury, making the journey even more enjoyable. Bad preparation can even make the easiest trek feel difficult and take away the enjoyment. So, make sure you are prepared for unforeseen situations.

Best Time for the Trek

The Valleys opens its doors with the arrival of June every year. The most suitable time for this trek is from June to September (monsoon season). This is the time when the valley is in full bloom and looks colourful. The winter snow melts by june, and the valley starts to bloom again by mid-July. July to August are considered to be the peak months for this trek as the flowers are in full bloom during this time. The monsoon rain plays an important role in bringing out the richest colours. From bright purples and pink to soothing yellow and white flowers, the valley looks like out of a beautiful painting.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Reach Pipalkoti from Rishikesh (by road)

Day 2: Drive to Govindghat from Pipalkoti and start trekking to Ghangaria

Day 3: Trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers and back to Ghangaria

Day 4: Trek to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara from Ghangaria and back

Day 5: Trek back to Govindghat from Ghangaria and drive back to Pipalkoti

FAQ’s

Q1. What is the distance of the Valley of Flowers Trek?

The total distance of the Valley of Flowers trek is around 37 km. The distance between Pulna and Ghangaria is 9 km, from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers it is 4 km, and 6 km is added if you choose to include Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara in the trek itinerary.

Q2. What is the altitude of the Valley of Flowers Trek?

The total altitude of the Valley of Flowers is around 12,000 feet. The starting point of this trek is Govindghat, at 6000 feet, and you will gain altitude from here. If Hemkund Sahib is included in the itinerary, the altitude can stretch to 14,100 feet.

Q3. Are permits required for the Valley of Flowers Trek?

Yes, you need a forest permit to get an entry into the Valley of Flowers. You can easily get these permits through the official website of the forest department or any recognised tour organisation.

Conclusion

That’s everything you need to know about the Valley of Flowers Trek. This journey into the valley is not just about walking through the blooming flowers; it is a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. Visiting the world’s highest Gurudwara, the Hemkund Sahib, adds a unique spiritual touch to the overall trek experience. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a memorable adventure through the valley of flowers. Happy trekking!