Valley of Flowers Trek

Overview

Valley of Flowers Trek

Myriad of colours - purple, yellow, red, blue and white, that forms like a carpet on the valley floor during its full blossoming season, the Valley of Flowers National Park in the Garhwal Himalayan region is just like a plot plucked from one of the childhood fairy tales. The picturesque and colourful valley that covers an area of 87.50 square kilometers and secluded within the mountains is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The trek hosts an abundance of natural beauty being dotted with a wide range of flowering and medicinal plants, mountain trees and endangered species like Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox and blue sheep. One can even spot varied species of Himalayan birds at different altitude. Representing the bond of nature and human soul, the Valley of Flowers trek is one of the beautiful treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region that receives travellers of all age from different corners of the world. The major highlight remains the blue Primula, which is the most beautiful flower of the entire Himalayan flowers and one can feast his eyes on this beautiful flower during the peak season that stretches from mid July to mid August. Further, the trek goes forward, divulging from Ghangaria to a lofty height of 4,300 meters to Hemkund Sahib, which is one of the Sikh pilgrimage sites bound within the mountains. The tranquil and crystal clear water of the lake that reflects the surrounding peaks is another major highlight on the Valley of Flowers trek.


Wooing with natural colours and faith among the travellers, the Valley of Flowers Trek expunged from Govindghat, which is approximately a 22 kilometers drive from Joshimath. The trail continues along the Alaknanda River to Ghangaria with a gentle climb passing through an evergreen forest that is abundant with wide range of Himalayan trees. The trail is strategically located with eateries along the way and is frequented by Sikh pilgrims going either ways. You would not fail to notice the cleanliness of the trail in spite of being trodden by hundreds every day. Thanks to the volunteers who sweep the trail every day. From Ghangaria the trail splits in two. One route heads to Valley of Flowers and the other to Hemkund Sahib. The trek to Valley of Flowers National Park passes through different elements of nature, gurgling streams, ridges, forest and majestic sight of towering peaks at a distant. Slowly the trail leads to a small footway along the side of the valley followed by a sharp turn which allows you to discover the distinct and colourful nature hidden within the mountains. A botanist's haven, photographer's natural reel and frame and leisure escapers paradise, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a complete contrast to any other trekking destination in the Garhwal Himalayan region. One can even walk through the valley for another 5-7 more kms until one strikes at the glacier, which is visible at a distance. The stream flows all the way through the valley. Take off your shoes and dip your feet into it to experience the icy cold water.