Valley of Flower & Hemkund Sahib Trek

Valley of Flower: The beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3300 mts to 3650 mts is the paradise of nature lovers. Starting from about 6 kms from Bhuindhar village it covers an area of about 87 square kms. The valley is exceptionally rich of the flowers wealth and has the largest collection of wild flowers species. The river Pushpawati flows through the verdant valley. The valley blooms with exotic. Flower from June, July till early September. There are about 520 species of flowering plants and the area was declared as a National Park in 1982. The animal like Himalayan black bears, musk deer's, brown bears, Bharal and rich variety of birds and butter flies are found in this national Park.

Hemkund Sahib: The holy lake Hemkund, an important pilgrimage of Sikhs and Hindus, lies near the Valley of Flowers at an altitude of 3050 mts. The sacred beautifully shaped Gurdwara near the lake is visited by large number of pilgrims from all over the world. It is believed that Guru Govind Singh, the tenth guru of Sikhs meditated and united with God at this place.

Area: Garhwal Himalayas
Duration: 8 Days.
Altitude: 3858 mts/12654 ft
Grade: Easy
Season: End June - Mid September

Day 01: Delhi - Rishikesh

In the morning take an AC Train for Haridwar at 06:55 hrs. Upon arrival at Haridwar transfer to Rishikesh and check into hotel. Evening free to do your own activities.

Day 02: Rishikesh - Joshimath (245 kms/8-9 hrs)

After an early breakfast drive to Joshimath via Devprayag. On the way visit Dev prayag where Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet. From here the holy river Ganges started. Arrival at Joshimath by evening, check into the hotel. Dinner & overnight stay.

Joshimath: The religious centre, established by Adi Shankaracharya, which he called Jyotirmath, later came to be known as Joshimath. Among the sites of interest are the temples of Nav Durga and Narsingh. Apart from its obvious religious importance, Joshimath is known for its scenic beauty.

Day 03: Joshimath - Govindghat (22 kms/1 hrs) - Ghangaria (14 kms/3-4 hrs)

After an early breakfast drive to Govindghat. Which is the starting point of the trek? From Govindghat there is a gradual ascent along a well maintained pilgrim trail to Ghangaria. Upon arrival at Ghangria check into hotel. Explore the surroundings in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04: Ghangaria - Valley Of Flowers - Ghangria (5 kms one side/4-5 hrs)

After breakfast trek to Valley Of Flowers (3858 m) from Ghangaria. The valley is an enchanting sight with an impressive array of rare wildflowers like Geranium, Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia, Thermo- psis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Strawberry, Epilobium, Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the flowers have medicinal values too. The valley is 10 kms long, 2 kms wide, and is divided by the Pushpawati stream, into which several tiny streams and waterfalls merge. After enjoying the beauty of valley trek back to Ghangaria. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05: Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib - Ghangaria (6 kms one side/ 3-4 hrs)

After breakfast trek to Hemkund Sahib (4329 m) from Ghangaria. This is quite a steep climb. In the Sikh holy book, The Granth Sahib, the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh recounts that in a previous life, he meditated on the shores of a lake surrounded by seven snowcapped mountains now recognized by Hemkund. Late afternoon trek back to Ghangaria. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Ghangaria - Govind Ghat - Joshimath

After breakfast trek down to reach Govind Ghat and from here drive to Joshimath. Upon arrival at Joshimath check into the hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore the area. One can also visit Auli in the evening. Dinner and over night stay at the hotel.

Day 07: Joshimath - Rishikesh

Early morning drive to Rishikesh. On the way visit Rudraprayag where river Mandakini and Alaknanda meet. Lunch enroute. Arrive Rishikesh by evening. Check into the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 08: Rishikesh - Haridwar - Delhi

In the morning transfer to Haridwar and from here catch an AC train for Delhi.
Arrival at Delhi by afternoon.