Ratan Vani Parvat, 6166m, from the Valley.

 

Valley Of Flowers Trekking Tours | Valley of Flower National Park Open for Tourist from June 2016 | Best Time To Visit Valley July
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The   world   famous  Valley  of Flowers National Park is situated in the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in the far interior of Garhwal Himalayas. The  valley is spread over an area of 87.5 Sq. Kms. and is 3,250 mts. to 6,750 mts. above mean sea level. Rich references to this colouful and eye catching Valley, are found in the annals of Indian History and literature such as the Ramayana and Mahabharat.

Valley of Flowers is actually a valley not a park. So there’s no distinct mark as to where the flowers start. Officially the Forest Department has marked  a Big rock where they say the actual valley starts. That place is around 4.5Km from Ghangaria. The Ticket counter is round 1Km from Ghangaria. It opens at 7 AM and closed at 2PM.

The valley of  Flowers  National  Park starts from Ghangharia but the main valley starts after crossing the gorge and the stream starting from Nar Parvat, 3 kms. from  Ghangharia. In front of the Valley stands the snowclad  peak of  Ratban  Parvat and at the back is the Kunt Khal. Towards the left is Nar Parvat, which separates the Badrinath valley from this valley, and to the right is dense Birch forest on the hill sides.

Below the forest is the meadow. River Pushpavati flows through the valley and there are many waterfalls enhancing the beauty of the valley. The splendour and the scintillating beauty of the valley attracts tourists from all over the world.

The bloom starts immediately after the melting of snow but the peak blooming period is from mid July to mid of August. Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom here in natural way. Wherein some of the species areAnemone, Geranium, Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters,  Lilium, Ranunculus, Corydalis,  Inula, Braham kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina,  Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia,

Thermopsis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Strawberry, Epilobium, Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the flowers have medicinal values too. The abundance of Asmanda fern in this valley is a rare sight than in other Himalayan valleys. The valley remains is bloom for three months while the looral composition keeps on changing every few days. By September the hue starts changing and autumn bids farewell to flowers  and the entire vegetation remains dormant for about next five months when the valley is snow bound.

Apart from the flowers some species of Butterfly, Musk deer, Blue sheep  ( Bharal ),  Himalayan  bear, Himalayan  mouse  hare  and  some Himalayan birds & Snow leopard are also found in this area. Due to these specialities it has always caught the attention of the nature lovers as well as the environmentalists. To conserve the nature’s benevolent gift and to maintain the natural balance of the valley-the valley was declared a National Park in 1982.

APPROACH : 

The valley is approachable from Govindghat. There are two ways to reach Govindghat.

• Delhi-Rishikesh-Srinagar-Karnprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat-(Distance approx. 270 Kms. On Haridwar-Badrinath highway)
• Delhi-Nanital- Haldwani-Ranikhet-Karnprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat (Distance approx. 332 Kms.)
• Direct flight from Delhi to Dehradun is available and trains are round the week from Delhi to Haridwar as well connected to Dehradun
• From Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh there are direct AC Volvo buses and from Dehradun or Haridwar or Rishikesh direct buses are connected to Joshimath
• Share bases jeep local cab are also possbible from Dehradun or Haridwar or Rishikesh to Joshimath or Govindghat.

After crossing the Alaknanda river at Govindghat, an ascending bridle path along Bhyundar Ganga leads to Ghangharia which is 13 kms. Away from Govindghat, from wher the Valley is only 3 kms.

The journey shall be divided into 4 Parts as Reaching Govindghat

• Govindghat to Ghangaria  14 KM trek up the hill
• Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers  5KM trek
• Inside Valley of Flowers Upto 5 to 10 Km

GENERAL INFORMATION :

Area  :  87.5 Sq. Kms.
Location: On the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in Chamoli District of Uttar Pradesh.
Climate : July and August
Maximum Temp.: 15 to 25 Celsius
Minimum Temp :  -15 to 5 Celsius
Head Quarters : Joshimath
Nearest Railway Station : Rishikesh, Distt. Dehradun
Nearest Air Port : Jolly Grant, Distt. Dehradun (17 Kms. From Rishikesh)
Nearest petrol pump : Jharkula, Joshimath (22 kms. Before Govindghat)
Nearest Hospital/Market/Bank : Joshimath
Nearest Post & Telegraph Office/Phone : Govindghat
Best time to visit : From mid July to mid of August

A list of things how to prepare for this trek what should must to be bring on this trek will be send you once the trip get confirm by you.

Kindly importance note for treekers ::->Do not attempt these:

Govindghat – Ghangaria- VOF on the same day. (This is possible only if you take helicopter services from Govindghat to Ghangaria)
Govindghat – Ghangaria – Hemkund on the same day. (This is possible only if you take helicopter services from Govindghat to Ghangaria)
Ghangaria – Hemkund – Ghangaria – Govindghat on the same day. (This is possible only if you take helicopter services from Govindghat to Ghangaria)
VOF – ghangaria – Govindght would be possible only if you cut short VOF. (This is possible only if you take helicopter services from Govindghat to Ghangaria)

Last time to start the trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria is, 2 PM.  Last road head is Govindghat and from here to have to trek 17km trek to Ghangaria
If you wish to leave for Ghangaria same day, You should reach by 3PM. and start the trek down to Govindghat.
Horses don’t go after 4PM, that too would be bit rare.Night travel is not possible due to wild animals and rocks falling area.

Every Weekend Departure Trek from Joshimath Base office :: Book your departure weekend trip today.

Valley of Flowers National Park Trek Program From Joshimath to Joshimath

Days	Places	Remarks	Altitude
1 st	Joshimath – Govindghat by motor road & trek to Ghangaria. Overnight in Hotel.	19 km + 14 km trek. 8 hours	1871 m. – 3049m.
2 nd	Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Ghangaria. Overnight in Hotel.	10 km. 8 hours.	3049 m. – 3962 m.
3 rd	Ghangaria – Hemkund Sahib – Ghangaria. Overnight in Hotel.	12 km. 8 hours.	3049 m. – 4329 m.
4 th	Ghangaria – Govindghat down trek & motor road to Badrinath. Overnight in Hotel.	14 km trek + 22 km. 8 hours.	3049 m. – 3150 m.
5 th	Sightseeing of Badrinath – trek to Mana – and drive back to Joshimath. Overnight in Hotel.	3 km trek + 35 km. 9 hours.	3150 m. – 1871 m.
One Can Drop the plan to Visit Badrinath and on Day 4 Return back to Joshimath & Trip end up. 5 Days Trek Cost ::-> Standard Packaegs 15000 per head & Deluxe 20000 per head 4 Days Trek Cost ::-> Standard Packaegs 10000 per head & Deluxe 15000 per head

For Group Departure :: 3.63% government service tax and permits fees extra.

Price Include :: Local Transport, Guide, Entrance fees, Veg meals, Hotel Stay on Twin/Triple Sharing bases.

Option Two ::–> Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib lake trek 6 Days Tour Packages

TREK HIGHLIGHTS
Destination: Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib
Duration: 06 Days + 1 Day extra can be extend for Deeper part of Valley on request.
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Approx trekking: 38 kms.
Best time: July to September

Fix Departure Treks ::–>

Every Weekend Trip running from 1st July till end September 2016. Book your weekend trip now either from Joshimath to Joshomath or Haridwar to Haridwar or Dehradun to Dehradun.

Guest Crossing the Stream on the way to Valley | Dr. Miachel Green Former Diretor or English National Park with UNESCO team with us on Valley Trip.

BRIEF ABOUT VALLEY OF FLOWERS TREK
The valley of flowers changes its colors almost every day as it blooms with hundreds of different flowers, taking on various shades as time progresses. The valley was declared a National Park in 1982 and now is a World Heritage Site. It was believed by the locals that the valley of flowers was inhabited by fairies.
The valley is home to many celebrated flowers like the brahmakamal, the blue poppy and the cobra lily. It is a much sought after haunt for flower-lovers, botanists and trekkers.

The Discovery of Valley of Flowers:
Valley of flowers was discovered in the year 1931, when Frank S. Smythe, a British mountaineer along with six other British mountaineers lost their way while descending from Mount Kamet, at 25,447 feet, situated in Garhwal Himalayas. Below 16,000 feet there was heavy rainfall and dense mist surrounded the mountain side. They paused, uncertain to the route. Suddenly R. L. Holdsworth, a botanist as well as a climbing member of the expedition exclaimed “Look”, Frank S. Smythe followed the direction of his outstretched hand. At first he could see nothing but rocks, then suddenly his wandering gaze was arrested by a little splash of blue, and beyond it were other splashes of blue, a blue so intense it seemed to light the hillside. You can see such bluish shade of Valley of Flowers even today especially in July month.

DAY	PLACE	TRANSPORT	LOCAL TIME	MEMO	MEAL
1	HARIDWAR / RISHIKESH JOSHIMATH (1,875m)	Drive (255km)	Full Day	Drive to Joshimath 255km, 10 hrs drive approx. Enroute stop in Devprayag to witness the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi to form holy river Ganges. Proceed further. Enroute Lunch near Srinagar. Reach Joshimath by evening. On arrival check in Hotel. Overnight at hotel <Joshimath: Hotel>	D- Hotel
2	JOSHIMATH GOVINDAGHAT (1,828m) GHANGARIA (30,48m)	Drive (21km) Trek (13 km)	AM PM	After breakfast drive to Govindaghat, A small hamlet situated on the confluence of Alakhnanda and roaring Laxman Ganga. After arrive commence trek to Ghanghariya. Lunch En route. Overnight at lodge. 7/8 hrs trek. <Ghanghariya: Hotel >	B-Hotel L-L/Box D-Hotel
3	GHANGHARIYA FLOWER VALLEY (3,658~3962m) GHANGHARIYA (30,48m)	Trekking (7km)	AM PM	After breakfast start trek to valley of flowers. The first part of the trek is through thick forest along the Pushpavati river. Later we trek in the open meadow. Explore various Himalayan flowers inside the parks and back to Ghanghariya. Overnight at camp or lodge. <Ghanghariya: Hotel>	B-Hotel L-L/Box D-Hotel
4	GHANGHARIYA HEMKUND SAHIB (4,329M) GHANGHARIYA	Trekking (12km)	AM PM	Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast start trek to Hemkund Sahib (4,329m) 6km steep climb. Visit the holy lake and Gurudwara. After visit trek down to Ghanghariya about 6km. Packed lunch will be provided. <Ghanghariya: Hotel>	B-Hotel L-L/Box D-Hotel
5	GHANGHARIYA GOVINDAGHAT AULI (2,750m)	Hiking (13km) Drive (29km)	AM PM	AM after breakfast trek down to Govindaghat. About 4h 30m hrs trek. Lunch enroute and commence drive to Auli either by cable car from Joshimath. Back to Joshimath. Stay up here. <Joshimath: >	B-Hotel L-L/R D-Hotel
6	JOSHIMATH RISHIKESH / HARIDWAR	Drive (255km)	Full Day	Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast drive to Rishikesh.  About 165 km and 10 hrs drive.. Trip en up here.	B-Hotel
A Extra Day can be extend for Deeper part of Valley of Flowers or Badrinath Visit or Auli Visit on Request.

Fix Departure Group Tours Dates 2016 Valley Of Flowers Trek
June	4 Open	10 Open	18 Open	24 Open	30 Open
July	1 & 4 Open	9 & 15 Open	16 & 20 Open	22 & 23 Open	28 & 30 Open
August	4 & 6 Open	10 & 11 Open	12 & 13 Open	19 & 25 Open	30 Open
September	1 & 4 Open	10 & 13 Open	17 & 21 Open	24 & 28 Open
Beside this other dates will be confirm once we get more than tan 5 person in one group. You can have your own dates and customize trek on request.
Trek Option Are Also Open ::–> Valley of Flowers Trek with Auli trip or Badrinath Trip are also available. You can have extra day for Valley To.

 

Above Trip cost :: Private Trip :: INR 31989 Per Head ( for group of 2 person) & INR 24989 Per Head –> For Group of 6 person.

Fixed Group Departure->INR 17500 pp Standard & INR 21999 pp Deluxe (Every Weekend Departure Trek from Haridwar/Rishikesh/Joshimath Base)

The Valley of flowers

The valley was ‘discovered’ by the british mountaineer Frank Smythe in 1931 after a successful climb on Kamet peak. The team crossed the Bhyundar Pass in the lashing rain and mist, intent on forging a new route through the mountains back to Joshimath. As they descended into the shelter of the valley, the clouds lifted and revealed alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers. They were greeted with the sight of primula, saxifrage, red potentillas, geraniums, asters, gentians, anemones, delphiniums, blue corydalis and wild roses. The many hundreds of flowering species lead Smythe to refer to the Bhyundar Valley as the ‘valley of flowers’.

Reprints of Frank Smythe’s book The Valley of Flowers can be found in Delhi.

The valley is 10 km long and 2 km wide, and is divided by the Pushpawati stream, into wich several tiny streams and waterfalls merge.

Hemkund Sahib

From Ghangaria, it is possible to follow the Laxma Ganga to the lake at Hemkund (4329m). In the Sikh holy book Dasam Granth, the Sikh guru Gobind Singh recounts that in a previous life he meditated on the shores of a lake surrounded by seven snow-capped mountains. In 1930, a teacher from a Sikh religious center recognised this lake as Hemkund. As the valley of flowers has been an attraction for botanists worldwide since 1930’s, Hemkund has become a main pilgrimage for Sikhs. Most pilgrims wash themselves in the icy waters of the lake before visiting the gurdwara, built around 20 years ago next to the lake.

 

Badrinath and Mana

Badrinath is a Hindu holy center (dham) as Yamunotri, Gangotri and Kedarnath in the area,

lying beneath the snow-capped peak of Nilkantha (6957m).

About 3 km north of the village is the small Bhotia settlement of Mana,

the last village before the Tibetan border, just over 30 km away.

It was before an important trading village between India and Tibet.

During winter, the villagers retreat from the heavy snows to Joshimath and Chamoli.

 

Hindu temple at Badrinath (3150m)