Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib Trek
The trek to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib is a mesmerizing experience that sets you on a spiritual rendezvous with the Himalayas. Nature’s abundance is on full display as hundreds of species of flowers dot the lush green expanse against the backdrop of foggy skies. It is one of the most recommended Himalayan treks for beginners as the views easily measure up for one’s efforts and physical endurance at medium levels. So get ready to explore as your love for nature, photography and trekking are all going to be fulfilled in this one journey!
About Valley of Flowers
If nature had to decide on one place to put its artwork on display, it could have been none other than the Valley of Flowers. Based in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, this section of the Garwhal Himalayas boasts of its diverse and unique floral treasure. As many as 650 varieties of flowers are said to be found here. You can spot the famous Brahmakamal, blue poppy and cobra lily along the 10 km stretch in the valley.
About Hemkund Sahib
In his previous life, Guru Govind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru meditated by a lake surrounded with seven snow-capped peaks. That spot came to be identified as the place where the Hemkund Sahib gurudwara stands today. It is covered in snow for most part of the year leaving only monsoons when pilgrims throng to this place of virtue to pay their respects to the revered master. The ambience is that of purity and serenity.
Cost: ₹10499 - Triple Sharing Accommodation inclusive of GST
₹11499 - Double Sharing Accommosation Inclusive of GST
Day 1: Travel from Rishikesh to Joshimath or Pipalkoti
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Distance: Around 250-260 km
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Duration: 8-hour drive
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Begin your adventure with an 8-hour road trip from Rishikesh to Joshimath, the launching point for the trek. Enjoy the stunning vistas along the Badrinath Highway, passing the Panch Prayags and the charming districts of Chamoli and Srinagar in Uttarakhand. Rest overnight in Joshimath or Pipalkoti (altitude: 6,200 ft) to prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2: Drive from Joshimath/Pipalkoti to Pulna, Trek to Ghangaria
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Drive Distance: Joshimath to Pulna (about 40-45 km)
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Trek Distance: Pulna to Ghangaria (9 km)
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Duration: Drive (1-2 hours) + Trek (around 5 hours)
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After breakfast, take a short drive from Joshimath or Pipalkoti to Pulna village, where the trek begins. Set off on a 9 km uphill journey along rocky trails beside the Pushpawati River, reaching Ghangaria village (altitude: 10,000 ft). The path offers small eateries and rest stops. Spend the night in Ghangaria.
Day 3: Trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers and Return
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Trek Distance: Round trip from Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers (about 8 km)
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Duration: 4-6 hours
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Head out early from Ghangaria to explore the Valley of Flowers. Wander through lush meadows bursting with over 500 types of wildflowers, including unique species like Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy, and Cobra Lily. After soaking in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, trek back to Ghangaria for the night.
Day 4: Journey from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and Back
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Trek Distance: Round trip from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (around 12 km)
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Duration: 6-8 hours
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Embark on a trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib, the world’s highest Gurudwara (altitude: ~15,200 ft). This steep climb is the toughest segment of the trip due to its elevation. Relish the peaceful vibes and spiritual chants at the Gurudwara before heading back to Ghangaria for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Descend from Ghangaria to Pulna, Drive to Joshimath/Pipalkoti
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Trek Distance: Ghangaria to Pulna (9 km)
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Drive Distance: Pulna to Joshimath/Pipalkoti (about 40-45 km)
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Duration: Trek (4-5 hours) + Drive (1-2 hours)
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Post-breakfast, retrace your steps 9 km downhill from Ghangaria to Pulna village. From there, hop into a vehicle for the drive back to Joshimath or Pipalkoti, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 6: Return from Joshimath/Pipalkoti to Rishikesh
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Distance: Around 250-260 km
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Duration: 8-hour drive
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After breakfast, leave Joshimath or Pipalkoti for the 8-hour drive back to Rishikesh. This marks the end of your 6-day Valley of Flowers adventure, with arrival in Rishikesh by evening.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation: 2 Nights of Accommodation in a hotel in Joshimath, and 3 Nights of Accommodation in a hotel in Ghangaria on a Double - Triple/Quad Sharing basis as per booking.
- Transportation: Surface transfer from Rishikesh to Rishikesh
- Meals: All Veg meals from Day 1st Dinner to Day 6th Morning Tea.
- Snacks: Morning / Evening Tea / Coffee with light snacks.
- Trek Leader: Qualified and Experienced Trek leader and support staff.
- Permits: All necessary fees and permits.
- Safety Equipment: Basic First Aid kit with Oximeter and Oxygen Cylinder.
- Others : Cloak Room facility available at base camp for extra luggage.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Meals during transit.
- Insurance of any kind.
- Any fees and permits (For Foreigners).
- Unscheduled delay due to a landslide.
- Charges for Hot water at Ghangaria (Rs 60 per bucket)
- Cost Escalation due to “Force Majeure and Evacuation charges”.
- Anything not mentioned explicitly in the above program.
- Note: You can apply for travel insurance prior to the trek.
- Bag offloading cost is Rs 1000 (maximum weight should not be more than 10 kg)
- Spot hundreds of species of flora
- Get enthralled by the beauty of Great Himalayas
- Enjoy Himalayan trekking experience with all basic amenities
- Lose yourself to the tranquility by the Lokpal lake
- Visit the Lokpal temple that is dedicated to Lakshman, who got cured by the magical Sanjeevani Buti said to have been found around this area by Lord Hanuman.
- Indulge in local cuisine and culture as the valley plays host to hordes of pilgrims each year.
