The Valley of Flowers trek is one of India's most well-known treks and one of the country's oldest. The Valley of Flowers trek is immensely popular, and even those who have never been to the Himalayas have heard of it. The walk to Valley of Flowers is on most hikers' bucket lists worldwide. In this article, our experts will provide you with all the Valley of Flowers trek details - the best time for the Valley of Flowers trek, the Valley of Flowers trek cost, the Valley of Flowers trek package, and much more. So, keep scrolling along with us to know more about this awesome adventure.

Introduction

The Valley of Flowers is a beautiful and enchanting location in Uttarakhand's Chamoli District. Valley of Flowers is a national park in India notable for its diverse flora and wildlife. The Valley of Flowers is located between 3352 and 3658 metres above sea level. Every year, many trekkers and travellers go to Valley of Flowers, a famous trekking destination! The National Park has an area of 87.50 square kilometres, with a width of 2 kilometres and a length of 8 kilometres. The trip to Flower Valley provides quiet natural beauty with snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the background.

Joshimath, a holy village near Haridwar, is the starting point for the enticing walk to the valley. Botanists, nature enthusiasts, and mountaineers will appreciate the Valley of Flowers. There are endemic uncommon flower species, beautiful meadows, and a wide range of plants can be seen. Valley of Flowers National Park is home to some of the most valuable and rare flowers and some unique endangered animal and bird species. There’s the Asiatic black bear, musk deer, and snow leopard, to mention a few. They are common creatures, and Himalayan monal and pheasant are examples of high-altitude birds that may be spotted in the valley. Take in the spectacular sight of the riot of colours stretched out before you at the Valley of Flowers National Park - the blues, yellows, pinks, and reds shimmering in the sunshine! The intoxicating blend of smells flowing from the flowers will strike you in waves as you enter the valley, making you feel intoxicated by its perfection!

  • Start Point/End Point: Haridwar
  • Duration: 6D/5N
  • Maximum Altitude: 14,400 ft
  • Distance: 47 km
  • Temperature: Day 12°C-20°C and Night: 4°C-10°C
  • Best Time For Valley of Flowers Trek: June end to mid-September
  • Cost: INR 5000 (approx.)

About Decathlon

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Reasons To Trek The Valley Of Flowers 

The Valley of Flowers Trek is worthwhile for a variety of reasons. The valley itself is the primary reason. As you approach the entrance, you'll see a brightly coloured carpet. Waves of pinks, blues, and yellows will flow across the width and length of the room. You may go on a tiny track that runs between the flowers. As you progress deeper into the cave, you'll notice a variety of flowers in a variety of colours, shapes, sizes, textures, and scents. It will be fascinating to see the large animals adapt in tandem with the changing vegetation. Standing near the flowers, sitting near them, and lying down on the narrow exposed walkway are all options. The glacier at the valley's end will provide a refreshing mountain wind along with its smells. It would offer you a wonderful sensation. The Valley of Flowers is a colourful wonderland of alpine blooms in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve's heart zone. Some think that this is where Hanuman gathered Sanjeevani Buti to heal Laxman. You will have the opportunity to listen to the sound of birds singing and the sound of water flowing through the streams throughout the Valley of Flowers journey. The Valley of Flowers is truly a photographers' heaven, with its relaxing wind and breathtaking beauty.

What Is The Best Time To Go On The Valley Of Flowers Trek?

From June to September is the best season to visit Hemkund Sahib. A minimum of 12°C (53.6°F) and a maximum of 23°C (73.4°F) are expected. With beautiful blue skies, the weather stays nice and chilly. Because the weather at Hemkund Sahib changes so quickly, it is recommended to bring strong woollen clothing and raincoats. Due to heavy snowfall, the area is inaccessible from October to April.

The monsoon season is the perfect time to explore the Valley of Flowers! The greatest time to see the valley's flowering magnificence is from mid-July to mid-August. From June through October, the National Park is available to the public. The valley is blanketed with immaculate white snow for the remainder of the year.

July:

The monsoon season begins in July in the Valley of Flowers. However, in the first part of the month, it does not rain much. The flowers are just beginning to blossom in July. It's nearly all green, and there won't be many blossoms in the first few weeks of July. There may be some snow before the rains start in earnest during this period. The blossoming season begins in mid-July, and you can expect a riot of colours. The valley receives more rain and is less busy during this season. During this time, the rain will also wash away the snow. Pink and yellow flowers are the most common flowers in the valley. The Asteraceae family includes these flowers. Aside from these, you may see Himalayan blue poppies, Himalayan Daisy, Cobra Lily, and other uncommon Himalayan flowers.

August:

During the first two weeks of August, there are many blooms to be seen. Although the area receives a lot of rain, you may still enjoy its beauty. On weekends, the place is packed. So try to go during the week. The month of August is when the valley's blooms are at their peak. As you climb to Hemkund Sahib, you'll see the lovely Brahma Kamal, a unique flower that only grows around 14,000 feet. August is a great time to visit the valley of flowers because the tourists aren't as thick.

September:

The flowers disappear by September. As pilgrims visit the Gurdwara of Hemkund Sahib throughout this month, the valley will become increasingly crowded. The blooms begin to droop in mid-August, and by September, just a handful remain. On the other hand, the monsoon will bring a new type of splendour. As the skies clear, you'll be able to see some mountain views. Visit the Valley of Flowers in the morning this month, since the rain intensity rises in the afternoon.

How To Reach The Valley Of Flowers Trek?

By Air:

The nearest airport to Haridwar is Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport. Dehradun is accessible via direct flight from Mumbai or Delhi and connecting flights from other Indian cities. Local automobiles may be hired outside the airport to get to Haridwar from Dehradun via road.

By Train:

Haridwar Junction Railway Station is well-connected to all of the main cities in the surrounding area. Haridwar is easily accessible by train from both Delhi and Dehradun.

By Road:

Haridwar is well linked by road to all major cities and towns, so travellers may take Haridwar bus according to their preferences and comfort. A well-developed road network connects Haridwar to Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, and Nainital.

Sample Itinerary For The Valley Of Flowers Trek 

Day 1

– Reach Delhi. Overnight to Haridwar/Dehradun.

Day 2

– Haridwar – Joshimath – Govindghat

Day 3

– Govindghat – Trek start place – Ghangaria (Trek – 4 km + 11 km)

Day 4

– Ghangaria – VoF – Ghangaria (Trek – 5 km + 5 km)

Day 5 (Optional)

Ghangaria – Hemkund Sahib (Trek – 6 km + 6 km)

Day 6

– Ghangaria – Govindghat (Trek – 11 km + 4 km)

Day 7 (Optional)

– Govindghat – Badrinath – Mana – Vasudhara Falls – Govindghat

Day 8

– Govindghat – Joshimath – Hardiwar/Dehradun. Overnight train/bus to Delhi.

Important Things To Carry On The Valley Of Flowers Trek

  • This walk may be completed in regular sport’s shoes, but ankle-high hiking shoes or trekking shoes with water protection will always protect your ankles from twists or injuries while also keeping your feet dry.
  • A change of clothes and a water bottle should be carried in a backpack.
  • Clothes made of wool.
  • Stick with it if you need help (no need for buying poles, sticks are available for sale at INR 50).
  • To go from Gangharia to VoF, you'll need a packed lunch and/or snacks, as well as energy bars.
  • An Umbrella or two.

Biodiversity Of The Valley of Flowers

Valley of Flowers National Park, nestled among the high Himalayan hills in Garhwal's Chamoli region, is known for its floral richness and unparalleled natural beauty. More than 500 species of vascular plants, 160 species of birds, and numerous insects and animals call this biome home. The Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park are stunning high-altitude West Himalayan landscapes with diverse wildlife. Both parks are part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve's core zones. In 2005, the Park was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve historic site.

Flora inside Valley Of flowers:

This valley has around 520 plants and flower species (recorded and recognised) that are indigenous to this region. Here are a few examples:

  • Himalayan Rose 
  • Himalayan Honeysuckle 
  • Woolly Pearly Everlasting 
  • Himalayan Blue Poppy 
  • Himalayan Mini Sunflower 
  • Brahma Kamal
  • Himalayan Cinquefoil 
  • Silky Woundwort 
  • Whiskered Commelina 
  • European Goldenrod 
  • Himalayan Thyme 
  • Woolly Pearly Everlasting 
  • Himalayan Rhodiola 
  • Whorled Solomon’s Seal 
  • Devendra’s Balsam 
  • Purple Stalked Gentian 
  • Showy Inula  
  • Jacquemont’s Cobra Lily 
  • Large Bellflower 
  • Himalayan Milk Vetch 
  • Himalayan Monkshood 
  • Purple Stalked Gentian 
  • Creeping Aster 
  • Himalayan Typhonium
  • Himalayan Thimbleweed 

Fauna inside Valley Of Flowers:

Together with Nanda Devi National Park, this National Park constitutes one of the Himalayas’ most bio-diverse zones. Many creatures, including the Asiatic black bear, Leopard, Snow leopard, Brown bear, Civet cat, Musk deer, Blue sheep, Serow, and others, call this area home. Snowcock, Partridge, Monal, Pheasant, Vultures, Eagles, Laughing-thrushes, Warblers, Yuhina, Nuthatch, Honeyguide, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, Magpies, Robins and Redstarts, Sunbirds, Accentors, Rosefinches, Sunbirds, Accentors, Rosefinches, Sunbirds, Accentors, Rosefinches, Sunbirds, Accentors, Many different species of colourful butterflies, moths, and bees may be seen.

Major Attractions/Nearby Places

  • Govindghat – Badrinath is around 25 kilometres away and takes roughly an hour to get there. If the weather permits, the beautiful Neelkand mountain may be viewed from Badrinath temple. This temple is one of the Chardham yatra's abodes.
  • Badrinath – Mana is 3 kilometres long and may be reached via cab. The hike from Mana village to Vasudhara is around 6 kilometres long and is one of the most scenic routes in the area. If you want to go on this hike, get up early in the morning. It is recommended that you return to Mana village by 1 or 2 p.m. There will be no food or drinks available on the journey, so you are advised to bring enough supplies. When compared to VoF or Hemkund Sahib, it is a highly picturesque and simple path.
  • Panch Prayag – The Garhwal area of the Himalayas has five river confluences. On the road from Joshimath to Haridwar, you may view Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag. The hue of the water changes with the seasons, although it is generally muddy/grey during the monsoon season.
  • A visit to Rishikesh and the Ganga-Aarti in Haridwar in the evening might be added to the schedule for the religiously inclined.
  • Joshimath is the starting point for several Himalayan treks and pilgrimages. Auli is also accessible from here. The journey to Kedarnath begins here as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the Valley of Flowers trek’s difficulty level?

The VoF hike ranges from simple to strenuous (except Hemkund). You might begin training by going on a brisk walk for an hour every day for 2-3 months before the journey.

2. What is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers trek?

The months of July and August are ideal for seeing the valley in full flower. However, these are also the monsoon months.

3. Do I require a guide for the Valley of Flowers trek?

The Valley of Flowers hike does not require a trekking guide. The hike route is well-marked, and hundreds of people and mules follow it. If you're travelling alone and need assistance in an emergency, hiring a guide is a good idea.

4. Do we require a mule/porter for the Valley of Flowers trek in advance?

You do not need to make a reservation for a porter or mule because they may be hired on the spot.

5. Do we need to book a helicopter ride in advance?

Preferably yes. A helicopter ride to the Valley of Flowers walk should be booked. For reservations, please contact Jaideep Bhai of Hotel Bhagat.

The Bottom Line

Valley of Flowers, or VoF, is a must-see destination for travellers because it ticks so many boxes. It is a Himalayan destination and a natural phenomenon that only happens twice a year. This walk, in Garhwal, is suitable for even fairly fit people. It doesn't make a dent in our wallets (the cost is less if we trek). Helicopter services make the work much easier, allowing anybody to do it.

So, what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags now!!


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