Trekking In Garhwal » Valley of Flowers Trek
The snow on the Himalayas add majesty to the mountains and the innumerable flowers add to its beauty. This famous spot is not very difficult to reach. When the sun shines hot on this field, thousands of flowers bloom here. Tourists from all over the world come here. This valley was unknown till a British mountaineer Frank Smith first discovered this place.
In 1931, Frank Smith wanted to scale a peak in Garhwal called Comet. While returning after successfully completing his mission he took the western pass and lost his way and reached this valley after many difficulties. |
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All of a sudden he came upon a sea of flowers which totally enchanted him. He put up a tent and stayed here for many days. During these days he collected 260 different species of flowers. Some seeds he took back with him. In 1937, he came back again to this valley and stayed here for a long time. Then he wrote a book called "The Valley of Flowers". Soon after this this place became world famous. Nature lovers started visiting this valley.
Millions of different flowers adorn this valley. One also finds different kinds of insects, birds and butterflies. This valley is surrounded by high mountains on three sides and is at a height of 3500 to 6,500 mts above sea level.
In 1982, this valley was named the Republic Park. Its area was fixed at 87.5 sq. kms, Some of the flowers are saxifrags, sediams, lilies, poppy, calendular, daisies, denthus, turmopsis, primula, dadiculatar, pontitala, geranium, cipro nepolysis, holly, pansy, zinnia, petunia, fox, caropsis dynthus etc.
Many small streams flow within this valley adding to its overall beauty. The high mountain peaks surrounding this valley stand guardian to this beautiful sight. The glaciers amongst this look very attractive.
After reading Frank Smith's book many foreign tourists came here. One of them was an English woman called Margaret Lague who came here in 1939. She was very fond of flowers. On the 4th of July, when she was trying to pick one of the rare flowers she slipped from a rock and fell into a chasm to her death. In her memory the tombstone on her grave reads as "My eyes will forever drink in the beauty of the mountains which gave me strength and inspiration". The tourists who visit this valley never fail to visit her grave and pay homage.
Tour Highlights
Haridwar & Rishikesh : The two holy towns of the Hindu's- centres of ' Vedic' learning and Yoga & Meditation.
Joshimath: The religious centre, established by Adi Shankaracharya, which he called Jyotirmath, later came to be known as Joshimath. Among the sites of interest are the temples of Nav Durga and Narsingh. Apart from its obvious religious importance, Joshimath is known for its scenic beauty.
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Hemkund Sahib: The pilgrim centre of the Sikh's high in the Himalayas. The Hemkund lake is dominated by the colossal Hathi Parbat (peak).
Auli A popular winter Ski resort, Auli offers spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas.
Day 01: Arrival at Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02: New Delhi - Haridwar (205 kms/5-6 hrs).
In the morning after breakfast drive to Haridwar. Lunch enroute. Upon arrival at Haridwar transfer check into the hotel. In the evening visit "Har Ki peri" for Aarti ceremony. Back to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 03: Haridwar - Joshimath (245 kms/8-9 hrs)
After an early breakfast drive to Joshimath via Devprayag. On the way visit Dev prayag where Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet. From here the holy river Ganges started. Arrival at Joshimath by evening, check into the hotel. Dinner & overnight stay.
Day 04: Joshimath - Govindghat (22 kms/1 hrs) - Ghangaria (14 kms/3-4 hrs)
After an early breakfast drive to Govindghat. Which is the starting point of the trek. From Govindghat there is a gradual ascent along a well maintained pilgrim trail to Ghangaria. Upon arrival at Ghangria check into hotel. Explore the surroundings in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 05: Ghangaria - Valley Of Flowers - Ghangria (5 kms one side/4-5 hrs)
After breakfast trek to Valley Of Flowers (3858 m) from Ghangaria. The valley is an enchanting sight with an impressive array of rare wildflowers like Geranium, Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia, Thermo- psis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Str- awberry, Epilobium, Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the flowers have medicinal values too. The valley is 10 kms long, 2 kms wide, and is divided by the Pushpawati stream, into which several tiny streams and waterfalls merge. After enjoying the beauty of valley trek back to Ghangaria. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06: Hemkund-Ghanghria
After breakfast trek to Hemkund Sahib (4329 m) from Ghangaria. This is quite a steep climb. In the Sikh holy book, The Granth Sahib, the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh recounts that in a previous life, he meditated on the shores of a lake surrounded by seven snowcapped mountains now recognized by Hemkund. Late afternoon trek back to Ghangaria. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 07: Ghangaria - Govind Ghat - Joshimath
After breakfast trek down to reach Govind Ghat and from here drive to Joshimath. Upon arrival at Joshimath check into the hotel. Rest of the day is free |
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to explore the area.One can also visit Auli in the evening. Dinner and over night stay at the hotel.
Day 08: Joshimath - Haridwar
Early morning drive to Haridwar with packed breakfast. On the way visit Rudraprayag where river Mandakini and Alaknanda meet. Lunch enroute. Arrive Haridwar by evening. Check into the hotel for dinner and overnight stay
Day 09: Haridwar - Delhi
After an early breakfast visit Har ki peri. After lunch drive to Delhi airport.
