QUICK FACTS
Trek Start/ End Location - Rishikesh
Valley of Flowers Trek Duration - 6 days (including travel)
Valley of Flowers Distance From Gobindghat - Approx. 38–40 km
Valley of Flowers Trek Altitude - 4,329 meters (Hemkund Sahib)
Valley of Flowers Trek Difficulty - Easy to Moderate
Valley of Flowers Trek Best Time - July to early September
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its rich biodiversity and pristine natural beauty.
Over 600 Species of Flowers: Witness rare Himalayan blooms like blue poppy, cobra lily, and Brahma Kamal during the monsoon.
Spot Himalayan birds, butterflies, and animals like the musk deer and snow leopard (if you're lucky).
Visit a sacred Sikh shrine at 4,329 meters beside a glacial lake, adding a spiritual touch to your trek.
Easy to moderate trail with clear paths and basic accommodations makes it perfect for first-time trekkers.
Best Time to Trek: The ideal time for the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek is from May to June and September to November, when the weather is most favorable.
TREK OVERVIEW
The Valley of Flowers Trek in Uttarakhand is one of the most breathtaking Himalayan adventures for nature lovers, trekkers, and photography enthusiasts. Tucked away in the Chamoli district, this UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into a vibrant paradise each monsoon, blanketed with hundreds of rare Himalayan flowers, lush greenery, and sparkling streams.
DAY WISE ITINERARY
Day 1 - Drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath
Mode: Private taxi or shared jeep.
Distance: 255 km
Time: 9 hours
Altitude: Rishikesh (372 m) → Joshimath (1,875 m)
Stay: Guesthouses in Joshimath
Travel from Rishikesh to Joshimath by private taxi or shared jeep (9 hours, 255 km). This scenic uphill journey through Himalayan roads sets the stage for your Valley of Flowers trek. Arrive and rest overnight in a guesthouse in Joshimath.
Day 2 - Trek from Joshimath to Govindghat → Ghangaria
Mode: Drive to Govindghat (20 km), then trek to Ghangaria.
Trek Distance: 13 km
Trek Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: Govindghat (1,828 m) → Ghangaria (3,049 m)
Stay: Guesthouses in Ghangaria
Drive 20 km to Govindghat, then begin a 13 km trek to Ghangaria. This is the base village for visiting the Valley of Flowers. The route passes rivers and forested trails. Stay overnight in Ghangaria.
Day 3 - Trek from Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers → Ghangaria
Trek Distance: 10 km round trip
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: Ghangaria (3,049 m) → Valley of Flowers (3,500 m)
Highlights: Explore the valley's diverse flora; note that camping is prohibited, and overnight stays are not allowed in the valley.
Stay: Return to Ghangaria for the night
Trek 10 km round trip from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers. Wander through meadows bursting with rare Himalayan blooms, butterflies, and streams. Camping isn’t allowed, so you return to Ghangaria by evening.
Day 4 - Trek from Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib → Ghangaria
Trek Distance: 12 km round trip
Trek Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: Ghangaria (3,049 m) → Hemkund Sahib (4,329 m)
Highlights: Visit the sacred Gurdwara Hemkund Sahib, situated at a high altitude with a serene glacial lake.
Stay: Return to Ghangaria for the night
Another scenic day trek, this time 12 km round trip to Hemkund Sahib. Though not part of the Valley of Flowers, this sacred glacial lake at 4,329 m adds spiritual depth to your adventure. Return to Ghangaria for the night.
Day 5 - Descend from Ghangaria → Govindghat → Joshimath
Trek Distance: 13 km
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: Ghangaria (3,049 m) → Govindghat (1,828 m)
Mode: Drive from Govindghat to Joshimath (20 km)
Stay: Guesthouses in Joshimath
Trek 13 km downhill to Govindghat and drive back to Joshimath. As you wrap up the Valley of Flowers journey, take in the peaceful mountain surroundings before resting overnight in Joshimath.
Day 6 - Drive from Joshimath → Rishikesh
Mode: Private taxi or shared jeep
Distance: 255 km
Time: 9 hours
Altitude: Joshimath (1,875 m) → Rishikesh (372 m)
Drive 9 hours back from Joshimath to Rishikesh. The journey through winding roads and Himalayan landscapes is a final goodbye to the Valley of Flowers experience.
🧭 Additional Notes:
Guesthouses: Accommodations are available in Ghangaria and Joshimath. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak trekking seasons.
Weather: The weather can be unpredictable in the mountains. Carry appropriate clothing and gear for varying conditions.
Health & Safety: Acclimatize properly to prevent altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and take necessary precautions.
WE ASSURE YOU OF OUR BEST SERVICE
SEND ENQUIRYINCLUDES/ EXCLUDES
Price Includes
- Accommodation: Guesthouse stay in lohajung village and Alpine tents (triple/quad sharing) during trek
- Meals: Day 1 Dinner to Day 6 Breakfast as per itinerary (vegetarian)
- Trekking Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, gaiters, and microspikes for snow trekking.
- Safety Measures: Basic first aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and guides trained for emergency situations.
- Trek Leader: Services of an expert trek leader (Qualified in Basic/Advanced Mountaineering Courses)
- Transportation: Shared vehicle transportation from Rishikesh to Lohajung (starting point) and return. (2000 INR extra)
- Permits: All necessary permits, including forest entry fees and camping charges.
- Guides and Staff: Services of experienced trek leaders, local guides, and support staff including cooks and porters for logistical arrangements.
Price Excludes
- Taxes: 5% GST(Service Tax)
- Personal Expenses: Snacks, beverages, mineral water, or additional food items outside the meals provided.
- Insurance: Personal travel insurance or medical insurance coverage.
- Personal Gear: Trekking shoes, warm clothing, backpacks, thermos, water bottles, and toiletries.
- Porter Services: Charges for hiring porters to carry personal luggage.
- Personal Expenses: Snacks, beverages, mineral water, or additional food items outside the meals provided.
- Emergency Costs: Expenses for medical emergencies, evacuation, or returning from the trek midway.
- Other Costs: Any expenses incurred due to delays, weather changes, or natural calamities, and activities not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
HOW TO REACH
How to Reach Valley of Flowers – Travel Guide
Reaching the Valley of Flowers involves a mix of road travel and trekking. Start your journey from Rishikesh or Haridwar, both well-connected by train, road, and air (via Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport). From there, travel 255 km by road to Joshimath, followed by a short 20 km drive to Govindghat, the trek’s starting point. A 13 km trek from Govindghat takes you to Ghangaria, the base camp. From Ghangaria, it’s a 4 km hike to the Valley of Flowers, open only during the monsoon months of July to early September.
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Railway stations: Haridwar (best connected), Rishikesh
Road route: Rishikesh → Joshimath → Govindghat
Trek length: Govindghat to Ghangaria (13 km), Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers (4 km one way)
Best time to visit: July to September
Mode of transport: Taxi, shared jeep, bus, on-foot trekking
THINGS TO CARRY
- Thermal Innerwear (Top and Bottom): Helps regulate body temperature, keeping you warm by trapping heat close to your skin. Choose materials like merino wool or synthetic blends for their moisture-wicking and insulating properties.
- Insulated Jacket (Down or Synthetic): Provides essential warmth, especially in freezing temperatures. A down jacket is lightweight yet highly insulating, while synthetic options are better for damp conditions as they retain warmth even when wet.
- Waterproof Trekking Boots: Boots with a good waterproof lining (Gore-Tex) will prevent snow and water from entering, keeping your feet dry in wet, slushy conditions. Insulated boots will provide extra warmth in cold temperatures.
- Woolen Socks (3-4 pairs): Wool socks are a must for winter treks. Merino wool is ideal because it keeps feet warm, even when wet, and minimizes odor. Bring multiple pairs to rotate and keep feet dry.
- Insulated Gloves (Windproof): Protect your hands from the cold with gloves made from insulating and windproof materials. Choose a pair that offers dexterity for handling trekking poles and gear. A second pair for backup is always a good idea.
- Balaclava or Neck Warmer: A balaclava will shield your face from biting winds, while a neck warmer or gaiter protects your neck and helps retain body heat. Both can be easily adjusted for comfort.
- Waterproof Jacket and Pants: A breathable, waterproof jacket and pants will protect you from snow, rain, and wind while trekking. Ensure they are light enough to keep you comfortable but durable enough to withstand winter elements.
- Headlamp with Extra Batteries: A high-quality headlamp with adjustable brightness is essential for trekking early in the morning or late into the evening. Cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, so bring extra ones.
- First Aid Kit: Always carry a basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, blister plasters, and any personal medication. A well-stocked kit can help with small injuries during the trek.
- Sun Protection (Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Sunglasses): Even in winter, the sun's rays can cause burns, especially at higher altitudes. Apply sunscreen, use lip balm with SPF, and wear UV-protective sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.
- Personal Toiletry Kit: A compact, lightweight kit with essentials like a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, biodegradable soap, wet wipes, quick-dry towel, sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and personal hygiene products, all stored in a waterproof pouch for convenience during your trek.
CONFIRMATION POLICY
- Within a day of a successful booking, the client gets a voucher of the confirmation through email.
- If the preferred slots are not available, an alternative schedule will be arranged according to the preference of the customer, and a new voucher of confirmation will be sent through email.
- Alternatively, before confirmation, the customer can decide to cancel their booking, and a complete refund will be issued.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Cancellations made in between 45 days of the start date of the trip will be assessed a cancellation fee of 25% of the total tour cost.
- Cancellations made between 15-30 days of the trip’s start date will be charged 50% of the total tour cost as cancellation fees.
- If you cancel within 0-15 days of the trip’s start date, you will be charged 100% of the entire tour cost as cancellation fees.
- In the event of bad weather or government restrictions, any trips or events may be cancelled. In such a case, the operators will do all possible to give a viable alternative. However, a cash refund is not available on this item.
REFUND POLICY
If you select a refund after canceling your trek, the refund amount will be deposited into the payment account that you had used while making payment to us. It will take ten to twelve working days.
ENQUIRY
ABOUT US
Why MadTrek ?
We prefer to do things differently keeping in mind safety, comfort & pleasure of our trekkers at highest priority. We strongly believe in preserving the brilliance we proudly call our home & do not welcome anyone who litters around & doesn’t respect the notion of loving nature so it can love you back.
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