Valley of flower

Per Person / 9000

Trek Name: Valley of Flowers Trek

Days: 6

Adventure Type: Trekking

Base Camp: Pipalkoti

Season: Monsoon

Month: June | July | August | September

Country: India

Altitude: 14,100 Ft.

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Rail Head: Haridwar/Rishikesh is the nearest railhead to the base camp

Stay: Triple or dormitory basis only (Separate for male & female)

Food: Meals while on trek & at hotel/guesthouse (Veg)

Location: Uttarakhand

Distance: 37 Km

Trail Type: Point-to-point trail | Camping at the same location upon returning

Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, 21 km from Rishikesh

Highlights:

  • +5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Services from Rishikesh to Rishikesh | Transport included
  • Meeting Point (Pickup/Drop): Trek Office, Rishikesh
  • Reporting Time: 6:00 AM
  • Drop Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM (Timings may change due to weather and road conditions)
  • It is advised to reach Rishikesh a day before to avoid delays

Why is Valley of Flowers a Must-Do Trek?

The trek is famous for its breathtaking landscapes filled with vibrant flowers, including the rare Brahma Kamal and Himalayan Blue Poppy. During monsoon, the valley turns into a colorful paradise, offering a mesmerizing sight.

A key highlight of the trek is visiting Hemkund Sahib, one of the world’s highest Gurudwaras. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and a crystal-clear glacial lake, this sacred site is a place of peace and spirituality.

The valley is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers. The trek is accessible to beginners and families, providing a great introduction to trekking in the Himalayas.

Unique Features of the Valley of Flowers Trek

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its rich biodiversity and extraordinary landscapes.
  • Rich Flora & Fauna: Over 500 species of rare flowers and sightings of Himalayan wildlife like musk deer, blue sheep, and snow leopards.
  • Breathtaking Scenery: Stunning views of peaks like Nilgiri Parvat, Rataban, and Hathi Parvat.
  • Spiritual & Cultural Experience: Visit Hemkund Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site.

The Discovery of the Valley

The Valley of Flowers was discovered in 1931 by mountaineers Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton, and RL Holdsworth during their expedition to Mt. Kamet. Later, it was declared a National Park in 1980 and became part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in 2000 under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program.

The Valley of Flowers Trek is not just about trekking; it is a soul-refreshing journey that blends adventure, spirituality, and nature’s untouched beauty. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a first-timer, this trek offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

Valley of Flowers Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Rishikesh to Pipalkoti

  • Altitude: 1,340 m (4,400 ft)
  • Distance: 200 km
  • Driving Time: 9-10 hours

Day 2: Pipalkoti → Govindghat → Pulna → Trek to Ghangaria

  • Altitudes:
    • Pulna: 2,100 m (6,900 ft)
    • Ghangaria: 3,000 m (9,800 ft)
  • Distance & Time:
    • Drive (Pipalkoti to Govindghat): 52 km | 2 hrs
    • Local Transport (Govindghat to Pulna): 4 km | 15 min
    • Trek (Pulna to Ghangaria): 9 km | 4 hrs

Day 3: Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers → Back to Ghangaria

  • Altitude: 3,500 m (11,500 ft)
  • Trek Distance: 4 km each way (total 8 km) | 7 hrs
  • Flora Highlights: Blue Poppy, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Snake Foil, River Anemone, and more.

Day 4: Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib → Back to Ghangaria

  • Altitude: 4,300 m (14,100 ft)
  • Trek Distance: 6 km each way (total 12 km) | 8-9 hrs

Day 5: Ghangaria → Govindghat → Pipalkoti (Badrinath Optional)

  • Trek:
    • Ghangaria to Pulna: 9 km | 4-5 hrs
  • Drive:
    • Pulna to Govindghat: 4 km | 15 min
    • Govindghat to Badrinath: 25 km | 1 hr
    • Badrinath to Pipalkoti: 75 km | 3-4 hrs
  • Important Note: During monsoons, the Govindghat-Badrinath route is landslide-prone. If unsafe, the visit to Badrinath will be skipped.

Day 6: Pipalkoti → Rishikesh

  • Distance: 200 km
  • Driving Time: 9-10 hours

Additional Notes:

✅ Keep a buffer day in your travel plan for weather-related delays.
✅ If the buffer day is unused, explore Rishikesh (Read: Things to Do in Rishikesh).
✅ Altitude, trekking hours, and distances are approximate.
✅ Carry original & copy of ID proof at all times.
✅ If traveling by flight, arrive a day early to avoid delays.

Inclusion

1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary):

  • Guest house in Pipalkoti(Day 1 and Day 5 as per the itinerary).
  • Ghangharia on Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4.

2. Meals (Veg + Egg):

  • All meals (including tea, soup, snacks etc.) from Day 1 Dinner to day 5 dinner.

3. Support:

  • 1 Versatile base camp manager handles communication and deploys extra manpower in emergencies.
  • 1 Mountaineering & First aid qualified professional trek Leader.
  • 1 Experienced high-altitude chef.
  • Local experienced guides (Number of guides depending on the group size).
  • Enough support staff.

4. Trek equipment:

  • Sleeping bag, Sleeping liners (if required), mattresses, and Utensils.
  • 3 men all season trekker tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent.
  • Camping stool, Walkie talkie.
  • Ropes, Helmet, Ice axe, Harness, Gaiters & crampons (if required).

5. First aid:

  • Medical kit,Stretcher,Oxygen cylinder,Blood pressure monitor,Oximeter,Stethoscope.

6. Transportation (as per the itinerary):

  • Transport from Rishikesh to Pipalkoti and back ( As per the itinerary).
  • Transport Pipalkoti to Govindghat, Pulna & Badrinath and return as per the itinerary.

7. Mules/porters to carry the central luggage.
8. Cloakroom facility available at the base camp for additional luggage
9. All necessary permits and entry fees, Upto the amount charged for Indian
10. Trek Completion Certificate.

Exclusion

  1. Insurance (Mandatory).
  2. Food during the transit.
  3. Any kind of personal expenses.
  4. Mule or porter to carry personal luggage.
  5. Emergency evacuation, hospitalization charge, etc.
  6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusion.

Mandatory Documents for Bali Pass Trek

Trekkers must carry the following documents:

✅ Original and photocopy of a government-issued photo ID (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voter ID, etc.)
✅ Passport and Visa (for foreign nationals)
✅ Medical Certificate (Part 1 to be filled by a doctor, Part 2 by the trekker)
✅ Declaration Certificate

Essential Trekking Gear

Many trekkers make the mistake of carrying unnecessary items, making their backpacks too heavy. Packing smartly is key. Here’s what you must carry:

Backpack & Footwear

🎒 Backpack (50–60 liters) – A sturdy backpack with good support (Rain cover recommended)
🥾 Trekking Shoes – Proper trekking shoes with ankle support (avoid sports shoes)

Clothing

👖 Trek Pants (2-3 pairs) – Avoid jeans; carry more for longer treks
🧥 Jackets (2) – Essential for cold weather
🧣 Warm Layers – Woolen or fleece layers (2-3 for winter, fewer for summer)
🔥 Thermals – Needed for cold nights
👕 Quick-dry T-Shirts – Preferably full sleeves to protect against sunburn
🌧 Poncho/Raincoat – Essential for rainy days

Accessories

🚶 Trekking Pole – For balance and support
💦 Water Bottles (2) – Stay hydrated
🧢 Cap/Balaclava – Protect against the cold
🕶 Sunglasses – To prevent snow blindness
👞 Slippers – Comfortable for campsite use
🧤 Gloves – Woolen and waterproof
🧦 Socks (Woolen & Regular) – Keep feet warm and dry
🧴 Sunscreen – Essential at high altitudes
🔦 Torch/Headlight – With extra batteries

Personal Items

🧼 Toiletries – Toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, sanitizer, etc.
🩺 Personal Medical Kit (Take medicines only as prescribed by a doctor)

  • Altitude sickness tablets
  • Acidity and stomach relief medicine
  • Fever and headache relief
  • Pain relievers
  • Motion sickness medicine
  • Allergy medicine
  • Diarrhea medicine
  • Antiseptic cream
  • ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts)
  • Band-aids, cotton, stretchable bandage, and gauze

Trekking Safety Guidelines

✅ Carry a First Aid Kit – Be prepared for minor injuries
✅ Follow Safety Protocols – Stick to designated trails & avoid risky paths
✅ Stay Connected – Carry a mobile phone, satellite phone, or walkie-talkie
✅ Know Emergency Services – Be aware of the nearest hospital, police, and rescue teams
✅ Pack the Right Gear – Proper clothing & equipment ensure safety
✅ Respect Nature – Follow Leave No Trace principles: avoid littering, protect vegetation, and respect wildlife
✅ Stay Calm in Emergencies – Assess the situation and act wisely

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