Valley of Flowers Trek
Journey to UNESCO World Heritage site - the world of flowers
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TREK
Facts to Remember
Starting Point
Govindghat, Chamoli
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Duration
5 Days & 4 Nights
Best time to trek
July to September
Trek distance
Approx. 26 Kms
Max. Altitude
12,500 ft
ABOUT THE TREK
Unraveling the Mystique
Valley of Flowers, or Phoolon Ki Ghati, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National park located in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. It is one of those rare Himalayan monsoon treks that offers a unique opportunity to witness a breathtaking display of alpine flowers including the very rare blue Primula, surrounded by majestic peaks and cascading waterfalls. With its moderate difficulty level and stunning natural beauty, this high-altitude trek is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
DID YOU KNOW THESE INTERESTING FACTS?
Tales of the Trek
Historical Significance: The VOF remained unknown to the outside world until the year 1931 when British mountaineer Frank Smythe who wrote a book about it stumbled upon it during an expedition. It was also established as a National Park in 1982.
Mythological Connection: According to Hindu mythology, Phoolon Ki Ghati is believed to be the place from where Lord Hanuman brought the magical herb Sanjivani to revive Lord Lakshman in the Hindu epic Ramayan.
Geography: At around 12,500 feet above sea level, VOF National Park borders Nanda Devi National Park to the east, and jointly they create a unique transition zone between the Zanskar Range and the Himalayas. Both the national parks are a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
Botanical Diversity: The valley is home to over 500 species of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species like the Blue Poppy and Brahma-Kamal in full bloom (the state flower of Uttarakhand). It is also known for the variety of endagered and rare Himalayan animal life.
Cultural Heritage: The Valley holds cultural significance for the indigenous Bhotiya tribes who consider it sacred.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TREK
Enchanting Moments
Trek through Bhyundar Valley including dense forests and meadows to reach Ghangaria and hike to Pushpavati river valley - the high altitude upper reach of Phoolon Ki Ghati National Park.
A chance to witness Valley of Flowers - a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Park in all its glory - it is only open from June to October and is closed for the rest of the year.
Witness a kaleidoscope of colours as you explore this one-of-a-kind geographical wonder. Enjoy a diverse mix of flora & fauna including numerous threatened species of medicinal plants which is higher than has been recorded in other Indian Himalayan protected areas.
A chance to encounter rare Himalayan wildlife such as the Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopard, and musk deer along the trekking trail.
Enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks like Nilgiri Parbat and Rataban from vantage points along the trek.
The trek to reach valley of flowers is of gradual ascent after Ghangaria.
TREK ROUTE
Brief Itinerary
Day 0: Pick-up from Delhi
Day 1: Pick-up from Rishikesh & Arrival in Govindghat
Day 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria
Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and Back
Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and Back
Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat
Day 6: Departure from Govindghat to Rishikesh/Delhi
TREK PLAN
Detailed Itinerary
Rishikesh to Govindghat via Joshimath
Pick-up from Rishikesh & arrival in Govindghat, Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
Drive Distance: Approx. 300 km | Duration: 10-11 hours
Reach Govindghat via Joshimath and check-in to the homestay.
Dinner & overnight stay.
TREK PACKAGE
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's included
Travel from Delhi/Rishikesh (as per the package)
Trek Guide, staff & helpers
Camp Stay
Breakfast, lunch & dinner during the trek
Only Veg Food
Medical Services
What's not included
Excluding GST
Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, etc.
Trek gear (available on rent)
Food during transit to and from the trek starting point
Mules & Backpack offloading charges
Anything apart from inclusions
TREK GUIDEBOOK
Trek Detailed Information
VOF Base-station, Govindghat distance from major cities
Distance from Delhi to Valley of Flowers Base-station, Govindghat: Approx. 522 km
Distance from Haridwar to Valley of Flowers Base-station, Govindghat: Approx. 284 km
Distance from Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers Base-station, Govindghat: Approx. 262 km
Distance from Dehradun Airport to Valley of Flowers Base-station, Govindghat: Approx. 277 km
Distance from Dehradun to Valley of Flowers Base-station, Govindghat: Approx. 300 km
Distance from Devprayag to Valley of Flowers Base-station, Govindghat: Approx. 191 km
Distance from Rudraprayag to Valley of Flowers Base-station, Govindghat: Approx. 125 km
Private Transport to VOF Base-station, Govindghat
You can directly reach Govindghat by road via the following routes:
Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Devprayag - Rudraprayag - Gauchar - Karnaprayag - Nandprayag - Pipalkoti - Joshimath - Govindghat
Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Devprayag - Srinagar - Tilwara - Chopta Tunganth - Gopeshwar - Pipalkoti - Joshimath - Govindghat
Public Transport to VOF Base-station, Govindghat
Bus or Shared-Taxi to Joshimath
The nearest Interstate Bus Station is in Haridwar/Rishikesh and the Bus Station/Depot is in Srinagar/Rudraprayag. Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh from Delhi or Srinagar or Rudraprayag from Haridwar or Rishikesh (direct buses are available).
Shared taxi & bus to Joshimath frequently from RIshikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun every morning. Take a shared taxi to Govindghat from Joshimath.
Direct bus or shared taxi to Rudraprayag, Srinagar or Gopeshwar. Step-down at any of the mentioned towns and take a shared taxi for Joshimath or Govindghat.
Direct bus or shared taxi to Badrinath every morning from Haridwar. Get down at Govindghat.
Or you can directly hire a taxi to Valley of Flowers Base-station, Govindghat from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Delhi or Dehradun.
Important note: The frequency of direct public transport from Rishikesh/Haridwar to Govindghat is moderately low.
By Train to VOF Base-station, Govindghat: The nearest railway station is Haridwar or Rishikesh.
By Flight to VOF Base-station, Govindghat: The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport.
Customer will receive a confirmation mail in 24 hours after booking.
In case of full slots for the required date, an alternate scheduled can be determined of customer's preference and consent & a new confirmation mail of the same with be sent via email.
Customer can also cancel their booking before confirmation in case of the above scenario. Thereafter a full refund will be processed.