The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wild, untamed blossoms surrounded by white peaks. The Valley of Flowers is around 300 kilometers north of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli area (near Badrinath). Trekking travel Guide to Valley of Flowers opens for the tourists from June to September every year. For its wild, untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks, Mountaineer Frank S Smith discovered the valley of flowers in 1931 at the meeting point of the Himalayan ranges, Zanskar, and the Western and Eastern Himalayas. You can book Uttarakhand Tour Packages from Dehradun for a comfortable and enjoyable vacation and explore the magnificent Valley of Flowers.
Hanuman is reported to have taken Sanjivani to the ailing Lakshmana in the valley of flowers, which is noted for its distinct sorts of medicinal herbs. This is a wonderful location to relax and take in the scenery, which includes numerous Himalayan waterfalls, streams, and paddocks. Many enthusiastic trekkers and adventure seekers have VOF on their bucket lists. If you’re one among them, the Valley of Flowers Guide will come in handy.
So, without further ado, let’s have a look at the Complete Trekking travel Guide to Valley of Flowers National Park. Those who are familiar with the area refer to it as the VOF Trek.
About Valley of Flowers National Park
Every free-spirited wanderer who aspires to explore every ounce of beauty in nature will fall in love with the enthralling Valley of Flowers. The appealing valley is adorned with uncommon alpine flowers that can only be seen in Uttarakhand’s higher elevations. The lush Valley of Flowers National Park contrasts well with the untamed mountain environment of Nanda Devi National Park to the east.
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (2,2367 ha), which is further protected by a buffer zone, encompasses both of these national parks (5,148.57 km square). They constitute a unique transition zone between the Zanskar and Great Himalayan mountain ranges when they come together.
Every year, millions of people go from all over the world to see the lush pastures, stunning mountains, and flowing streams. There are no human settlements within the park, and grazing is strictly prohibited. Many international visitors visit the biosphere reserve since it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seven restricted-range bird species are found in this area of the Himalayas, which is located in the transition zone between Eastern and Western Himalayan vegetation.
The path to the valley of flowers is flanked by wild rose bushes, scented wildflowers, and wild strawberries, making it a memorable journey. It is a must-see destination for anyone who appreciates peace and beauty in nature.
Location and Altitude of Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is surrounded by snowy peaks such as Gauri Parvat, Rataban, Kunt Khal, Saptsring, and Nilgiri Parvat (where the Tipra Glacier begins). VoF stands for Voice of the People. The Nanda Devi Biosphere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the park is part of it.
The streams you observe in the valley are rivulets that meet River Pushpavati, which flows from the Bhyunder Glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas to Ghangaria, where it meets the Lakshman Ganga. This river changes its name to Bhyunder after leaving Ghangaria and falls into the Alaknanda at Govindghat, about 12 kilometers downstream. You will get to see the Pushpavati River which passes through the valley.
Trek to Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers walk will undoubtedly provide you with one of the most spectacular trekking experiences. After crossing the Alaknanda River on the hanging bridge, the walk begins at Pulna Village or Govindghat. After traveling through Pulna town, you can see the snow-capped peaks nestled between the green and the Rocky Mountains. Coldwater Springs and waterfalls may be found along the 7-kilometer trail between Pulna and Bhyundar Village. Due to the number of Rhododendrons in the area, the area appears pink and dark red.
After a brief respite, the walk continues on the right bank of the Laxman Ganga till it reaches a wood bridge. The terrain becomes steeper after crossing to the left bank. 2 kilometers from here, you’ll arrive in Ghangharia, which serves as the starting point for treks to the Valley of Flowers.
Attractions to Visit Near Valley of Flowers
Govindghat: The distance between Govindghat and Badrinath is about 25 kilometers, and it takes approximately an hour to get there. The beautiful Neelkand peak can be seen from Badrinath temple if the weather permits. This temple is one of the Char Dham Yatra’s abodes.
Mana Village: The distance between Badrinath and Mana is 3 kilometers, which may be covered by a cab. The hike from Mana village to Vasudhara is around 6 kilometers long and is one of the most scenic paths in the area. Get up early in the morning if you want to embark on this hike. It is suggested that you should return to Mana village by 1 to 2 pm. On this amazing trip to Mana Village, this has to be noted that there is no food or water available. So, please bring enough supplies. When compared to Valley of Flower or Hemkund Sahib, it is a highly scenic and simple path.
Joshimath: Joshimath is the starting point for a number of Himalayan treks and pilgrimages. Auli is also accessible from here. The trip to Badrinath also starts here.
Panch Prayag: The five confluences of rivers in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas are known as Panch Prayag. On the road from Joshimath to Haridwar, you may view Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Devprayag. The hue of the water changes with the seasons, although during the monsoon season, it is usually muddy or grey in color.
A visit to Rishikesh and the Ganga-Aarti at Haridwar in the evening might be added to the schedule for the religiously inclined.
Activities to Do in Valley of Flowers
Trekking – Nature lovers and adventurers alike flock to the Valley of Flowers, which boasts immense natural beauty in the form of waterfalls, grassy hills covered in pine and oak trees, gushing rivulets, streams, and, of course, a plethora of flowers.
Pilgrimage – Hemkund Sahib is one of Uttarakhand’s most cherished Sikh shrines, with hundreds of pilgrims making the long journey every year. During the winter, the shrine is buried beneath a heavy blanket of snow.
Village Tour: On the Valley of Flowers trek, Ghangaria is the final inhabited village you will be encountered. Explore the lovely community at the confluence to learn about their rustic way of life, customs, and beliefs. On the way to Ghangharia from Govindghat, you can stop via Byundar Village.
Accommodation at Valley of Flowers
Because the Valley of Flowers is located in a protected wildlife area, no one is permitted to spend the night there; hence there is no accommodation in the Park. So, in order to obtain accommodation on the same day, one must journey back to either Ghangaria.
Govind Ghat: There are a few good hotels available with great views of the Lakshman Ganga River. From there helicopter takes off to the gorgeous Valley of Flowers.
Ghangaria is densely packed with hotels and guesthouses. The lodgings are sometimes very rudimentary, with no hot water in the taps, and it becomes cold at night.
Haridwar: There are many possibilities around the railway station in Haridwar. Unless you have a large group, it is best to book the room after inspecting it on the spot.
Own Camping Gear: If you are from of those travelers who love camping, then, you can carry your camping gear with you and stay up nearby the river or a nearby guest house. You can stay close to nature by camping in the magnificent natural beauty near the Valley of Flowers. You just need to make sure to clean up the mess before you leave.
Food Options in Valley of Flowers
This has to be noted that, there are no restaurants or food joints available in the Valley of Flowers. The exploring time will be from 5 to 8 hours. If you are going to the valley of flowers, it is a good idea to pack a lunch and some drinks in your daypack.
Restaurants are only found in Ghangharia, where you can find north Indian vegetarian food, as well as a few popular Chinese, Punjabi, and Garhwali specialties. Aside from that, hotels with in-house restaurants provide dining options.
Note: Please be a responsible tourist and leave no trash in the valley. Carry all packaging materials, garbage, and wrappers back to Ghangharia and dump them there.
An Ideal Itinerary for Valley of Flowers
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi. Travel to Haridwar/Dehradun for the night.
Day 2: Haridwar to Joshimath – Govindghat
Day 3: Govindghat to Ghangaria (Trek – 4 km + 11 km)
Day 4: Govindghat to Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Ghangaria (Trek – 5 km + 5 km)
Day 5: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (Trek – 6 km + 6 km) (Optional)
Day 6: Ghangaria – Govindghat (11 km + 4 km)
Day 7: Govindghat to Badrinath – Mana – Vasudhara Falls – Govindghat (optional)
Day 8: Govindghat to Joshimath – Hardiwar/Dehradun To Delhi, take a night train or bus.
Best time to visit Valley of Flowers
Because the Himalayan Mountains surround the valley of flowers, it is snow-covered for most of the year. During the late summer months, heavy rain and dense fog can be seen at the location. The best time to visit is from mid-July to mid-August when the snow begins to melt and colorful flowers begin to bloom. Warm days and cool nights provide for a lovely climate.
As per the trekking travel guide to the valley of flowers, in these high-altitude alpine meadows, a the beautiful floral extravaganza begins every year. Though it is open from mid-June to September as the snow melts, July and August are the finest months to visit to see the beautiful blooms. From December to early May, the valley is closed to visitors. Each month, a new flower blooms, carpeting the valley in a rainbow of colors. Even if it rains for a day or two, the sight of the valley is enough to make any discomfort fade away.
Things to carry for Valley of Flowers Trek
This trek can be completed in regular sports shoes, but ankle-high hiking shoes or trekking shoes with water protection will always assist protect your ankles from twists or injuries while also keeping your feet dry.
- An extra pair of clothes should be carried in a backpack.
- Carry good woolen clothes with you
- A stick, if you need help during trekking
- For the trek to Valley of Flowers from Gangharia, you will need a packed lunch and/or snacks, as well as energy bars.
- Umbrella and raincoat
- A medical kit with your daily medication
- Carry an extra pair of Socks
- Torch and Candle matchbox
- Poncho
- Extra Batteries for your Camera or other electronic items
As per this trekking travel guide to Valley of Flowers, it is suggested that always carry your own water bottle with you and refill it as often as you need it. It will not only keep you hydrated all the time, but it will also aid in the removal of plastic waste from the Himalayas. Remember, every small step matters, and your contribution to this cause can help save the Himalayas as well.
Valley of Flowers Charges
- Entry Fees (2020)
- INR 150 for Indians
- INR 600 for foreigners
An update on the Trek: A quick walk route to the Valley of Flowers has been cut out, guiding you to the empyrean flowery valley with ease. A new motorable bridge has been built-in Govindghat, linking 4 kilometers into the Valley of Flowers until Pulna Village, to make your journey more rewarding. As a result, tourists only have to hike 10 kilometers to reach Ghangaria (the Valley of Flower Trek’s base camp).
So, this was the complete trekking travel guide to Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand. You can opt for the Uttarakhand Tour Packages from Dehradun offered and well crafted by Lock Your Trip. You will have a hassle-free and most exciting, amazing, and comfortable vacation with your family, friends, or your beloved ones.