The Valley of Flowers is a stunning national park in Uttarakhand, India. Known for its vibrant meadows of alpine flowers, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discovered in 1931 by British mountaineer Frank Smythe, this valley is a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. Located at an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level, it covers an area of about 87.50 square kilometers.

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In this article, we will provide a detailed valley of flower itinerary, including an alternate route to make your trek more enjoyable. Read on to get all the essential details for planning your trip to the Valley of Flowers.

Geographic Details:

• Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 3,658 meters
• Area: 87.50 sq km
• Coordinates: 30.728 latitude, 79.605 longitude

Weather Details:

• Summer (June-August): 7°C to 20°C
• Monsoon (July-August): Frequent rains
• Autumn (September-October): 5°C to 15°C

Opening Time:

• Season: June to October
• Best Time to Visit: July to August (peak blooming season)

Short Itinerary:

• Day 1: Govindghat to Ghangaria (13 km)
• Day 2: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back (10 km)
• Day 3: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back (12 km)
• Day 4: Ghangaria to Govindghat (13 km)

Detailed Itinerary:

How to Reach Govindghat

From Rishikesh:

• Distance: 272 km
• Mode of Transport: Bus or taxi
• Travel Time: 9-10 hours

From Haridwar:

• Distance: 292 km
• Mode of Transport: Bus or taxi
• Travel Time: 10-11 hours

Places to See on the Way:

• Devprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, forming the Ganges.
• Rudraprayag: Another beautiful confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
• Karnaprayag: Meeting point of Alaknanda and Pindar rivers.
• Joshimath: A key stop for travelers with temples and scenic views.

After reaching Govindghat, the trek to the Valley of Flowers begins. Now, let’s dive into the detailed day-wise itinerary.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Govindghat to Ghangaria (13 km)

• Distance: 13 km
• Trek Time: 6-7 hours
• Elevation: 1,828 meters to 3,049 meters

Details:

• Start your trek from Govindghat early in the morning.
• Cross the Alaknanda River via a suspension bridge.
• Follow the trail along the river, passing through lush greenery and small villages.
• Rest stops: Pulna (3 km) and Bhyundar Village (9 km).
• Arrive at Ghangaria by late afternoon.
• Accommodation: Guesthouses and campsites available in Ghangaria.

Day 2: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back (10 km)

• Distance: 10 km (round trip)
• Trek Time: 5-6 hours
• Elevation: 3,049 meters to 3,658 meters

Details:

• Begin your trek to the Valley of Flowers after breakfast.
• Enter the valley through a narrow passage and be amazed by the colorful flowers.
• Key points: Pushpawati River, various species of flora.
• Spend time exploring and taking photos.
• Return to Ghangaria by evening.

Day 3: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back (12 km)

• Distance: 12 km (round trip)
• Trek Time: 6-7 hours
• Elevation: 3,049 meters to 4,329 meters

Details:

• Start early for the steep trek to Hemkund Sahib.
• Key points: Laxman Temple, scenic views of the Himalayas.
• Reach Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine, by noon.
• Enjoy the serene lake and spiritual atmosphere.
• Descend back to Ghangaria by late afternoon.

Day 4: Ghangaria to Govindghat (13 km)

• Distance: 13 km
• Trek Time: 5-6 hours
• Elevation: 3,049 meters to 1,828 meters

Details:

• Begin your return trek to Govindghat after breakfast.
• Retrace your steps through the same trail.
• Arrive at Govindghat by afternoon.
• Option to travel to Joshimath for overnight stay.

This detailed itinerary covers all essential details for a smooth and enjoyable trek to the Valley of Flowers. Safe travels!

Alternate Route to Reach Govindghat: Via Kumaon Region, Haldwani

If you’re looking for a scenic and less crowded route to Govindghat, consider travelling through the Kumaon region via Haldwani. This alternate route offers stunning landscapes and a unique experience of the Himalayas.

Route Overview:

• Starting Point: Haldwani
• Key Stops: Almora, Kausani, Gwaldam, Karnaprayag
• Total Distance: Approx. 315 km
• Travel Time: 12-14 hours

Detailed Route:

Haldwani to Almora:

• Distance: 90 km
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours
• Mode of Transport: Taxi or bus
• Highlights: Beautiful hill views, pine forests, and charming towns.

Almora to Kausani:

• Distance: 52 km
• Travel Time: 2-3 hours
• Mode of Transport: Taxi or bus
• Highlights: Famous for panoramic views of the Himalayas, especially Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli peaks. Visit the Baijnath Temple and Anasakti Ashram.

Kausani to Gwaldam:

• Distance: 39 km
• Travel Time: 2 hours
• Mode of Transport: Taxi or bus
• Highlights: Scenic route with tea gardens and splendid mountain views. Gwaldam is a serene hill station offering picturesque landscapes.

Gwaldam to Karnaprayag:

• Distance: 63 km
• Travel Time: 3 hours
• Mode of Transport: Taxi or bus
• Highlights: Karnaprayag is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers. It is a significant place for pilgrims and offers serene surroundings.

Karnaprayag to Govindghat:

• Distance: 71 km
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours
• Mode of Transport: Taxi or bus
• Highlights: This stretch follows the same route as the traditional one from Haridwar or Rishikesh, passing through scenic villages and offering magnificent views of the Alaknanda River.

Advantages of the Kumaon Route:

• Less Crowded: Fewer tourists compared to the traditional route.
• Scenic Beauty: Pass through some of the most beautiful parts of Kumaon, including lush forests, rivers, and mountain views.
• Cultural Experience: Get a taste of the rich culture and heritage of the Kumaon region.

Travel Tips:

• Accommodation: Various options are available in Almora, Kausani, Gwaldam, and Karnaprayag.
• Food: Local eateries serve delicious Kumaoni and North Indian cuisine.
• Transport: Taxis are readily available, and local buses can also be used for budget travel.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast and road conditions, especially during the monsoon season.

Choosing this alternate route through the Kumaon region not only adds an element of adventure to your journey but also allows you to explore a lesser-known part of Uttarakhand. The blend of natural beauty and cultural richness makes this route a memorable experience.

Helicopter Services to Govindghat and Ghangaria

For those looking to save time or seeking a unique travel experience, Helicopter services are an excellent option to reach both Govindghat and Ghangaria. Helicopter services provide a fast and comfortable alternative to the long road journey, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas.

Helicopter Services Overview:

From Dehradun to Govindghat:

• Service Providers: Several private operators offer heli services.
• Starting Point: Dehradun (Sahastradhara Helipad)
• Destination: Govindghat Helipad
• Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Frequency: Daily services, subject to weather conditions

From Govindghat to Ghangaria:

• Service Providers: Various operators provide this route.
• Starting Point: Govindghat Helipad
• Destination: Ghangaria Helipad
• Flight Duration: Approximately 5-10 minutes
• Frequency: Daily services, subject to weather conditions
•  

Booking Details:

• Advance Booking: Recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season (June to September).
• Ticket Price: Varies by operator and season, typically ranging from INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 per person for Dehradun to Govindghat, and around INR 3,500 to INR 4,500 per person for Govindghat to Ghangaria.
• Baggage Allowance: Usually limited to 5 kg per person. Extra baggage may incur additional charges.
• Official booking website- https://heliyatra.irctc.co.in/

Advantages of Heli Services:

• Time-Saving: Reduces travel time significantly, making it ideal for those with tight schedules.
• Comfort: Offers a hassle-free journey without the fatigue of a long road trip.
• Scenic Views: Provides stunning aerial views of the Himalayan landscape, rivers, and valleys.

Important Tips:

• Weather Check: Helicopter services are highly dependent on weather conditions. Ensure to check the weather forecast before your trip.
• Health Precautions: If you have any medical conditions, consult with your doctor before opting for a helicopter ride.
• Arrival Time: Arrive at the helipad at least an hour before the scheduled departure for check-in and briefing.

Helicopter services to Govindghat and Ghangaria offer a blend of convenience and adventure, making it an attractive option for travelers. Whether you’re short on time or simply want to enjoy the majestic views from above, heli services provide a memorable start and continuation of your Valley of Flowers trek.

 30/07/2024

Mohit Bangari