Valley Of Flowers Trek

Introduction

This is a two part trek in the eastern part of Garhwal, providing fine views of the Trisul, Badrinath and Nanda Devi groups, and very pleasant walking party through inhabited areas, but mostly in frost and meadows above the line of permanent habitation. In the summer (May to September) the local inhabitants bring their sheep and goats up to these high pastures, building temporary dwellings or living in tents, and contact with these people adds an extra dimension to the trek.

In Hindu mythology, the Valley of Flowers is regarded as the place where the gods scattered all the different seeds, and indeed many hundreds of species flourish here. Unfortunately, some ten years ago the local authorities decided to ban grazing in the valley, and the weeds that were kept down by the grazing are now beginning to overtake the other flowers. Nevertheless, flower enthusiasts will still find many interesting species, and the situation of the valley is very impressive. August is the best month for flowers, but some species will be in bloom during June which is drier and clearer season.

The second part of the trek cover a circular route below the main peaks of the Nanda Ghuntu/Trisul group. The forest is largely untouched here and the scenery very dramatic, with deep valleys below a string of peaks. The highlight of the trek is a visit to the mysterious Roopkund Lake, although this can be omitted those who would rather spend more time with the shepherds on the bugyals or pastures.

Arrive Delhi meet and greet upon arrival at airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast full-day combined city tour of Old & New Delhi, in the evening we transfer to railway station and board the overnight air-conditioned train to Hardwar.

Arriving early in the morning, we go by bus to Rishikesh. This is the traditional starting point for the great yatra (pilgrimage) to the mountain temples of Garhwal, and the town has many religious institutions. Hotel at Rishikesh.

We drive into the Garhwal hills, following the Alaknanda river to the important hill town of Joshimath. There is a large bazaar and number of interesting temples to visit. Hotel in Joshimath.

In the morning we take a remarkable 12 miles drive along the Alaknanda river to Govind Ghat, the road head for the Valley of Flowers trek. We begin by walking up to the Hem Ganga river passing through forest and open slopes on the river bank. We spend the night at Ghangaria, a small hamlet situated at the at the junction of the Pushpawati and Hem Ganga rivers. Overnight in tents/rest house.

We spend these two days walking in and around the Valleys of Flowers, an easy walk from Ghangaria. The valley is 6 miles long and about a mile wide and is divided by the Pushpawati river, with mountains and glaciers surrounding it. Amongst the many flowers we are likely to see are the heavily perfumed Brahma Kamal, Primulas in pink and blue, dwarf rhododendron and iris, and the rare Himalayan blue poppy. We also walk to the Hemkund Lake, an important place of pilgrimage for the Sikhs, which is at an altitude of nearly 14,000 ft. its blueish green waters reflecting the seven snow peaks which surround it. Overnight in tents.

We walk back to Govindghat and then travel by bus on the hair-raising road to Badrinath. We then have some time to explore the village, whose temple is one of the greatest pilgrimage centres in all India. Its brightly coloured gilt-edged facade stands out in the village, broad steps leading up to a grand entrance hung with a huge bell. Overnight in tents/reshouse.

We drive back down the Alaknanda, turning off east along the Pinder valley to reach the second part of our trek. Depending on the state of the road, we may start walking at Tharali, or be able to continue to Deval or even beyond.

We set off walking along terraced hillsides alternating with conifer forests, passing the occasional small village. The climb gets steeper in places, but we rewarded with spectacular views of the Nanda Devi Grou, Trisul (23,360 ft.) and Nanda Ghunti (20,700 ft.) being especially proinent. Eventually we emerge via Lohjung into the lush green meadows at Alibugyal and Bednibugyal, at a little over 11,000 ft. Overnight in tents.

We camp three days at Bednibugyal to enjoy the splendid surroundings. There are fine walks along the ridges and one of the days can be used for an excursion to the Roopkund Lake (15,672 ft.) - a long and quite demanding day over a steep trail, but with increasingly good views of the nearby peaks. With a little luck we should see both the Monal and snow pheasant. Overnight in tents.

We return to Lohjung through Wan, a different route from the way up, through pleasant fields and forests, and then make a quick descent to Deval. Overnight in tents.

Here we pick up our transport for Dehra Dun, stopping briefly at some of the interesting sights on the way. Overnight in Hotel.

A free day in Dehra Dun (necessary in case we are delayed en-route). It is possible to make a day excursion to the pleasant hill station of Mussoorie. In the evening we board the night sleeper train to Delhi. 

Upon arrival at Delhi railway station transfer to your hotel. Day free for individual activities in the evening transfer to international airport to connect flight for onward destination.