The Valley of Flowers Trek in Uttaranchal

Travel to India > The Valley of Flowers Trek in Uttaranchal

The Valley of Flowers is a saunter in Eden. This valley had held a place in a local legend for a long time. It was called Nandan Kanan which means the garden of Lord Indra. The legendary name is justified as it is as beautiful as an abode of god could possibly be. The name given by Frank S. Smythe (who was amongst the six British mountaineers who came across this valley while returning from their Kamet climb in 1931) was 'the Valley of Flowers' which was later widely accepted. The name again is truly justified and it is needless to tell why. The Valley of Flowers trek lessens your adventurous feeling with that of savoring breath-taking beauty of flowers.

The Valley of Flowers Trek In Uttaranchal

Ideal season to trek the valley of flowers :It is during the monsoons and from July end to August.

Location of the valley of flowers :It is located in Bhyundar valley of Chamoli district.

Trekking in valley of Flowers

  • Day 1
    1. Govindghat - Ghangaria
    2. Distance: 13 kms.
    3. Time: 4-5 hours
    4. Level: Moderate

    Govindghat (1828 m) is an enormous parking lot. Sikhs come here to pay pilgrimage in great lots. Here you will also see the Hemkund Lake which is locally called Lokpal. This is a place of Sikh pilgrimage.

    After you cross Alaknanda River, the ascent begins. Now move to Ghanagria which is also called Gokuldham. From the path of Laxman Ganga, climb to the Pulna hamlet. From here climb to Bhyundar village. Now cross the Laxman Ganga and reach Ghangaria. Camp anywhere before and after Ghangaria. Though options of Forest Rest house, gurudwara and associated dharamshalas are there.

  • Day 2
    1. Ghangaria-Bhyundar valley-Ghangaria
    2. Distance: 8 kms.
    3. Time: 7-8 hours
    4. Level: Easy

    Leave Ghangaria and bend north-west. Ascend through a coniferous forest and descend to the Bhyundar valley which is the valley of flowers. Climb a rocky path. As you proceed to east, you start feeling the fragrance of the valley. It is heavenly being there.

  • Day 3
    1. Ghangaria-Hemkund-Ghangaria
    2. Distance: 6 kms.
    3. Time: 4 hours
    4. Level: Hard

    Cross the bridge over the Hem Ganga. Move east up the heavily-trafficked path. If your valley of Flowers trek is completed the previous day, you will be adapt to the environ in a better way than the others. If you are not tired, you can reach the glacial lake (4329 m). Here you could grow stronger in faith by taking a dip in the chilled water of this lake.

  • Day 4
    1. Ghangaria-Govindghat
    2. Distance: 13 kms.
    3. Time: 4-5 hours

    You take the return route via the same way as you came.

    As you stand at the valley's foot, you see green meadows spread throughout and slipping to the stream's cleft which ice-fringed in the month of August also. On both the sides, the dark rocks give a good combination to both, greenery below and deep blue skies as their background. Rataban Peak and Nilgiri Peak contribute to the valley's richness. You will always relish the beauty you witnessed during the Valley of Flowers trek. To add, it is good to know that like Frank S. Smythe, you need not climb up to Kamet for this exotic beauty.