The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO world heritage site due to the rare species of flowers that are still preserved in its meadows. A fork in the trek route directs towards Valley of Flowers on one side and Hemkund Sahib on the other side. The slopes of the valley showcase flowers from the grass family and also support the fauna of the region. Don't be surprised if you spot a spotted deer. In the most part of the trek, the trekkers are surprised by the fragrance of these flowers. This fragrance is not only pleasing, but it also has great healing benefits. In the other pocket of the trek lies Hemkund Sahib, a Gurdwara and a lake. This lake remains unfrozen at the altitude of 14300 ft and has crystal clear water at all time, a fact that defies the laws of nature.
Proceed for the early morning drive to Govindghat. Enjoy the scenic drive via four holy Prayag (a spot where sacred rivers confluence) which are Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag and sacred city of Joshimath. Govindghat is 22 Km far away from Joshimath, it is a small town which is the starting point of the trek to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flower. You will arrive in Govindghat by the evening and check into a hotel for overnight stay.
Trek starts by crossing the bridge over Alaknanda River with a gradual climb through the valleys and terraced fields along the river Lakshman Ganga. The trek passes through the villages Pulna and Bhyundaar. The trail continues after crossing river Laxman Ganga which passes through the dense forest and gets steeper gradually. We will hike for next 01 hr to reach Ghangaria, on arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will ascent towards the Valley of Flowers. Today trek will be short and easy through the dense forest and meadows laden with varieties of flowers like Geranium, Marsh Marigold, Morina, Geum, Asters, Braham Kamal and many others. The valley is surrounded by snow-clad peaks of Ratban Parvat and Nar Parvat. Explore the valley and late afternoon head back to the Ghangria for night stay.
Have your breakfast and proceed while trekking to Hemkund Shahib. Today’s trek is a bit difficult compared to the previous day with a steep gradient which goes on for 07 km. Hemkund is a beautiful lake at an altitude of 4329 mt, one of highest altitude lake of Uttarakhand and the world highest Gurudwara. The lake is frozen for almost 08 months hence inaccessible during that period. Later retrace back to Ghangaria for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, start the trek back from Ghagharia to Govindghat and then drive to Joshimath. Overnight stay will be in Joshimath.
Have an early breakfast and start your drive back to Rishikesh.
•Valley of flower was declared a national park in 1982, and now is a World Heritage Site. •The valley offlo wergets blooming innumerable colorful flowers from July till September. At different altitude, the valley embraces different alpine vegetation which makes it richly diverse area & home to variety Fauna and Flora. It also houses the rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. It is also part of Nanda Devi Biosphere. •Visitto Hemkund Sahib, Gurudwara an important pilgrimage for Sikhs & Hindus.Also visit Lakshman temple on the banks of the lake. •The entire trail is adorned with sparkling waterfalls, glittering glaciers, soaring mountains, gloriousriversand secluded villages.
