Valley of Flowers and Ghangaria Base Camp Trek
4N / 5D Starts from Haridwar By road
Price on request
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uttarakhand
Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Trek
Haridwar · Govindghat · Ghangaria · Valley of Flowers · Hemkund Sahib · Auli · Rishikesh
Overview
The Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Trek is a six day journey in the Garhwal Himalayas that combines a Sikh pilgrimage with one of India's best known alpine meadows. Starting from Haridwar or Dehradun, the route drives past the river confluences at Devprayag and Rudraprayag to Govindghat, then climbs on foot to Ghangaria, the base for both treks. From Ghangaria you walk into the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where more than 500 species of wildflowers bloom in season, and make the steep climb to Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib at 13,500 feet beside its glacial lake. The return stops for a night at Auli before the drive back to Haridwar or Rishikesh. The trek is graded moderat...
5N / 6DDuration
DeluxeHotels
Daily breakfast and dinner as per the itineraryMeals
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Highlights
Walk into the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Trek to Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib at 13,500 feet, with its glacial lake and the nearby Laxman Temple
Chance to see rare Himalayan flowers such as Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy and Cobra Lily
Three nights at Ghangaria, the base for both the valley and Hemkund Sahib
Daily breakfast and dinner, a trek guide and support staff included
Transfers and sightseeing by Innova Crysta, with toll, parking and driver charges included
Valley of Flowers entry permits included
Minimum group size of two persons, with private tours available
Itinerary
Where you stay each night
- Govindghat
- Ghangaria3 nights
- Auli
Day 1Haridwar or Dehradun to Govindghat via Joshimath
The journey begins with a long scenic drive from Haridwar or Dehradun through the river valleys of Uttarakhand.
The journey begins with a long scenic drive from Haridwar or Dehradun through the river valleys of Uttarakhand. On the way you pass the confluences at Devprayag and Rudraprayag. By evening you reach Govindghat, the base point for the treks to both Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers, where the rest of the day is for rest and acclimatisation before the trek begins.
Day 2Govindghat to Pulna and Trek to Ghangaria
After a short 3 km drive to Pulna, start the 10 km trek of moderate difficulty along the Laxman Ganga.
After a short 3 km drive to Pulna, start the 10 km trek of moderate difficulty along the Laxman Ganga. The trail runs between tall cliffs and fresh mountain streams and reaches Ghangaria by afternoon. This small settlement is the base for both Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers.
Day 3Trek to the Valley of Flowers and Return to Ghangaria
After an early breakfast, trek 4 km into the Valley of Flowers.
After an early breakfast, trek 4 km into the Valley of Flowers. In season the valley is covered with Himalayan flowers, including Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy and Cobra Lily, with waterfalls and misty trails along the way. Spend time in the meadows and return to Ghangaria by afternoon.
Day 4Trek to Hemkund Sahib and Return to Ghangaria
Today is the climb to Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib at 13,500 feet, a steep 6 km trek.
Today is the climb to Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib at 13,500 feet, a steep 6 km trek. The Gurudwara stands beside a glacial lake, with the Laxman Temple nearby. After time at the shrine and the langar, descend to Ghangaria for the night.
Day 5Ghangaria to Govindghat and Drive to Auli
Descend 10 km on foot to Govindghat and drive 25 km to Auli, a hill station at 2,519 metres known for its panoramic Himalayan views and its artificial lake.
Descend 10 km on foot to Govindghat and drive 25 km to Auli, a hill station at 2,519 metres known for its panoramic Himalayan views and its artificial lake. The evening is free to rest, with views of Nanda Devi and the surrounding peaks.
Day 6Auli to Rishikesh or Haridwar via Devprayag
After breakfast, check out and begin the return journey.
After breakfast, check out and begin the return journey. Stop at the Dhari Devi Temple and the confluence at Devprayag on the way. Reach Haridwar or Rishikesh by evening for your onward departure, where the tour ends.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation in 3 star hotels or mountain lodges on twin or triple sharing
- Daily breakfast and dinner as per the itinerary
- All local transfers and sightseeing by Innova Crysta
- Trek guide and support staff
- Entry permits for the Valley of Flowers
- First aid assistance
- Toll, parking and driver charges
Not included
- GST at 5%, charged extra
- Porter, mule and palki charges
- Airfare and train tickets
- Adventure activities such as safari or ropeway rides
- Personal expenses such as tips, snacks and laundry
- Any additional expenses caused by weather, roadblocks or similar disruptions
- Anything not mentioned under the inclusions
Hotels
| City | Hotel | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Govindghat | Hotel Badrish / Hotel Divine Residency / Similar | 1 |
| Ghangaria | Hotel Ghangaria Inn / Homestay / Similar | 3 |
| Auli | Hotel Manik Resort / Similar | 1 |
Meal plan at every stay: Breakfast and dinner. Hotels are confirmed at booking and are subject to availability. An unavailable hotel is replaced with one of a similar category.
Rates
| Option | For | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | On request | On request |
Rates exclude 5% GST and may change on peak season, festive and long weekend dates.
Visual highlights
Booking terms
Important notes
- The trek is graded moderate, and a basic level of fitness is recommended
- The best season is July to September, when the flowers are in full bloom, and the valley is closed from October to June
- Altitude sickness is possible above 10,000 feet, so acclimatise and carry any medication you need
- Carry cash, as ATMs may not be available beyond Joshimath
- Mobile connectivity is limited from Ghangaria onwards
- The order of the itinerary may be adjusted because of weather or trail conditions
- A government photo ID such as Aadhaar, passport or voter ID is mandatory throughout and is needed at the Valley of Flowers gate
- Camping is not permitted inside the Valley of Flowers, flowers must not be picked and all waste must be carried out
- Porters and horses are available at Govindghat for the stretch to Ghangaria at extra cost
- The minimum group size is two persons, and private or solo tours are available at a surcharge
- Things to carry include sturdy trekking shoes, light woollens and a down jacket, a waterproof jacket and umbrella, a torch, water bottles, a daypack, basic medication, ID proof with copies, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap and a rain cover for your bag
FAQs
How difficult is the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib trek?
The trek is graded moderate and a basic level of fitness is recommended. The walk from Pulna to Ghangaria is 10 km, the Valley of Flowers is 4 km from Ghangaria, and the climb to Hemkund Sahib is a steep 6 km. No other technical skill is required.
When is the best time to go?
July to September, when the flowers are in full bloom. The Valley of Flowers is closed from October to June.
How high is Hemkund Sahib?
Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib stands at 13,500 feet beside a glacial lake. Altitude sickness is possible above 10,000 feet, so acclimatise at Ghangaria and carry any medication you need.
Which meals are included?
Daily breakfast and dinner as per the itinerary. Day 1 includes dinner only and Day 6 includes breakfast only.
Are porters or mules included?
No. Porter, mule and palki charges are not part of the package. Porters and horses can be hired at Govindghat for the stretch to Ghangaria.
Where do we stay?
One night at Govindghat, three nights at Ghangaria and one night at Auli, in 3 star hotels, mountain lodges or homestays on twin or triple sharing.
Is there mobile network and ATM access on the trek?
Mobile connectivity is limited from Ghangaria onwards, and ATMs may not be available beyond Joshimath, so carry enough cash.
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