TREK DIFFICULTY

Moderate | Level 2

TREK DURATION

6 days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

14,107 ft

TREK STARTS FROM

Poolna, Uttarakhand

A Legendary Trail the World Wants to Trek in

The Valley of Flowers trek is one of India’s most popular treks in the Himalayas. People who haven’t even stepped into the Himalayas, have heard about the Valley of Flowers trek. 

But there is a solid reason behind Valley Of Flower’s legendary popularity – it is one of India’s oldest known treks. 

In 1980, the Indian government created the Valley of Flowers National Park, and later in 2002, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This pushed Valley of Flowers on the bucket list of trekkers from around the world.

Having said that, you must note that the Valley Of Flowers trek is not easy. It is a moderate level trek, with slightly longer trekking days and a steep ascent to Hemkund Sahib that will challenge your endurance. So, prepare well for this trek. We have talked in detail about this in the ‘difficulty’ section of this trek guide.

This extensive trek guide contains all details you need to know to do this trek.

And, it also contains an interesting insight, a story of how one can fall in love with Himalayan treks after trekking to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Yes, that can happen. We know because it happened with Sandhya UC, Co-Founder and COO of Indiahikes.

The Valley of Flowers trek is one of India’s most popular treks in the Himalayas. People who haven’t even stepped into the Himalayas, have heard about the Valley of Flowers trek.  But there is a solid reason behind Valley Of Flower’s legendary popularity – it is one of India’s oldest known treks. 

Valley of Flower Videos

Watch these videos to prepare well for your trek.

Quick Itinerary

Study this map to know about how does each day looks like on the Valley of Flowers trek.

Day 1

Drive from Rishikesh to Karchi

Drive Distance: 255 km | Drive Duration: 11 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh | Pick up Time: 5 am | Location of Indiahikes basecamp: Karchi

The pick-up location is at Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh at 5:00 AM. The cab costs Rs 9,000 per vehicle for an SUV and Rs 13,000 for a Tempo Traveler. The amount is divided equally between the team, the total number of vehicles used by the total number of trekkers travelling in all the vehicles.

Day 2

Drive from Karchi to Poolna. Trek to Ghangaria

Drive distance: 38 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours
Trek distance: 9 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Altitude gain: 7,785 ft to 10,520 ft

A short drive followed by a gently ascending river-side trail. The trail is well-laid out with several trekkers and pilgrims frequenting the route.

Day 3

Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back

Trek distance: 3.7 km each way | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude gain: 10,520 ft to 11,550 ft

A rewarding trek to Valley of Flowers, with flowers blooming on either sides of the trail.

Day 4

Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back

Trek distance: 6 km each way | Trek Duration: 8-9 hours | Altitude gain: 10,520 ft to 14,107 ft

A series of switchbacks continuously climb to Hemkund Sahib. The gurudwara and lake at the top are a wonderful reward for the challenging climb.

Day 5

Trek from Ghangaria to Poolna. Drive to Dhak

Trek distance: 9 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude loss: 10,520 ft to 6,215 ft
Drive distance: 35 km | Drive Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

A swift descent to Poolna, followed by a drive to Govind Ghat

Day 6

Drive from Dhak to Rishikesh

Drive Distance: 252 km | Drive Duration: 9-10 hours

The cab costs Rs 9,000 for an SUV and Rs 13,000 for a Tempo Traveler.

Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.

IMPORTANT POINTS

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

- Your stay will be arranged at lodges throughout the trek. The number of people per room depends on the availability at the time.

- We have a cloakroom facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Anything beyond one luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.

- Any additional cost incurred due to landslide that happens before or after the trek will have to be borne by trekkers.

- If you are travelling on your own to the basecamp, then you'll have to pay Rs 3,500 per vehicle (6-seater) for the transportation from Karchi to Poolna and Rs 3,500 per vehicle (6-seater) for the transportation from Poolna to Dhak. If you are opting for Indiahikes transport, you don't have to pay these separately. The cost of transportation includes these.

Study this map to know about how does each day looks like on the Valley of Flowers trek.

PRO-TIPS

Book flexible flight tickets

The Valley of Flowers trek is done in peak monsoon season. This is a time when heavy rain can affect your road journey. While roadblocks usually get cleared within a few hours, there have been instances where it has taken a day or so. So it is always good to book flexible flight tickets for your journey. Most travel agencies offer this for a small added cost.

Choose trains over buses to reach Rishikesh

Train journeys are less tiring and more punctual than bus journeys. It's even better if you reach Rishikesh by evening and stay there for the night. It will give you more rest and refresh you before your journey to Govind Ghat.

Day 1

Drive from Rishikesh to Karchi

Drive Distance: 255 km | Drive Duration: 11 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh | Pick up Time: 5 am | Location of Indiahikes basecamp: Karchi

The pick-up location is at Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh at 5:00 AM. The cab costs Rs 9,000 per vehicle for an SUV and Rs 13,000 for a Tempo Traveler. The amount is divided equally between the team, the total number of vehicles used by the total number of trekkers travelling in all the vehicles.

Day 2

Drive from Karchi to Poolna. Trek to Ghangaria

Drive distance: 38 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours
Trek distance: 9 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Altitude gain: 7,785 ft to 10,520 ft

A short drive followed by a gently ascending river-side trail. The trail is well-laid out with several trekkers and pilgrims frequenting the route.

Day 3

Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back

Trek distance: 3.7 km each way | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude gain: 10,520 ft to 11,550 ft

A rewarding trek to Valley of Flowers, with flowers blooming on either sides of the trail.

Day 4

Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back

Trek distance: 6 km each way | Trek Duration: 8-9 hours | Altitude gain: 10,520 ft to 14,107 ft

A series of switchbacks continuously climb to Hemkund Sahib. The gurudwara and lake at the top are a wonderful reward for the challenging climb.

Day 5

Trek from Ghangaria to Poolna. Drive to Dhak

Trek distance: 9 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude loss: 10,520 ft to 6,215 ft
Drive distance: 35 km | Drive Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

A swift descent to Poolna, followed by a drive to Govind Ghat

Day 6

Drive from Dhak to Rishikesh

Drive Distance: 252 km | Drive Duration: 9-10 hours

The cab costs Rs 9,000 for an SUV and Rs 13,000 for a Tempo Traveler.

Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.

IMPORTANT POINTS

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

- Your stay will be arranged at lodges throughout the trek. The number of people per room depends on the availability at the time.

- We have a cloakroom facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Anything beyond one luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.

- Any additional cost incurred due to landslide that happens before or after the trek will have to be borne by trekkers.

- If you are travelling on your own to the basecamp, then you'll have to pay Rs 3,500 per vehicle (6-seater) for the transportation from Karchi to Poolna and Rs 3,500 per vehicle (6-seater) for the transportation from Poolna to Dhak. If you are opting for Indiahikes transport, you don't have to pay these separately. The cost of transportation includes these.

PRO-TIPS

Book flexible flight tickets

The Valley of Flowers trek is done in peak monsoon season. This is a time when heavy rain can affect your road journey. While roadblocks usually get cleared within a few hours, there have been instances where it has taken a day or so. So it is always good to book flexible flight tickets for your journey. Most travel agencies offer this for a small added cost.

Choose trains over buses to reach Rishikesh

Train journeys are less tiring and more punctual than bus journeys. It's even better if you reach Rishikesh by evening and stay there for the night. It will give you more rest and refresh you before your journey to Govind Ghat.

Flowers at a Glance

The Valley of Flowers trek is well-known in the world for its flowers. Sandhya UC, Co-founder and CTO, Indiahikes also loves the trek for its flowers. She says, "A narrow path in between the flowers beckons you to go deeper. You now start seeing a variety of flowers. Not only in colours but in shapes, sizes, textures and smells. A few tens of steps bring you to a new variety of flowers. You wonder who got them here. What made the variety change? It was also interesting to see the big fauna change along with the changing flora.

I stood by the flowers, sat down beside them, and lay down on the small exposed trail trying to immerse myself and feel a part of the multitude of flowers in the valley. The cool mountain breeze coming from the glacial end of the valley brought with it scents that I had never known before."

This video takes you through some of the flowers from the valley.

Expert Speak

Sandhya UC, Co-Founder, COO

Sandhya UC, Co-Founder, COO

Valley Of Flowers was my first Himalayan trek. Not did I love the trek but I also fell in love with trekking in the Himalayas because of it. After Valley Of Flowers, I went on to do a lot more Himalayan treks, but the Valley of Flowers stays very close to my heart! A lot of people tend to discredit the trek thinking there is not much to it. That would be a mistake. A lot is going on the trek.

What I Like and Don’t Like About Valley of Flowers Trek

What I Like About Valley of Flowers Trek

Sandhya UC, Co-Founder, COO

Valley Of Flowers was my first Himalayan trek. Not did I love the trek but I also fell in love with trekking in the Himalayas because of it. After Valley Of Flowers, I went on to do a lot more Himalayan treks, but the Valley of Flowers stays very close to my heart! A lot of people tend to discredit the trek thinking there is not much to it. That would be a mistake. A lot is going on the trek.

1. The Valley of Flowers

The biggest reason for me to love and remember the trek is the beautiful valley itself. When you stand at the entry of the valley you see ahead of you a colourful carpet laid out.  The valley is at least a couple of kilometres wide and more than 10 kilometres long. In front of me was the carpet with waves of pinks, blues and yellow flowing along with the breadth and width.

A narrow path in between the flowers beckons you to go deeper. You now start seeing a variety of flowers. Not only in colours but in shapes, sizes, textures and smells. A few tens of steps bring you to a new variety of flowers. You wonder who got them here. What made the variety change? It was also interesting to see the big fauna change along with the changing flora.

I stood by the flowers, sat down beside them, and lay down on the small exposed trail trying to immerse myself and feel a part of the multitude of flowers in the valley. The cool mountain breeze coming from the glacial end of the valley brought with it scents that I had never known before.

Picture by Kavya PS

2. The climb and Hemkund Sahib

Valley Of Flowers is a moderate trek but the climb to Hemkund challenges you to the next level. In 6 km you gain almost 4,000 ft. This not only introduces a new challenge but also takes you to a scenic zone that you did not expect.

I loved the entry into the alpine zone while climbing up to Hemkund. You almost get a drone or helicopter view of Ghangaria and the Valley of flowers while on the way up. You can see where you came from and where you went the previous day. A bird’s-eye view puts so much perspective even on landscape scenery.

As you climb up steeply you go through varied experiences. Leaving the tree line, entering alpine meadows, feeling the thin air and looking up to the pure alpine cliffs.

Once at Hemkund Sahib, the quietness of the lake and the surrounding mountains stun you. The majestic lake reflecting its surroundings – the mountains and the Gurudwara makes you reflect in gratitude about your entire journey. For many, it is a moment of quiet reflection on their entire lives.

Picture by Krishna singh

3. The cultural experience

Valley Of Flowers is not just a trek. Along with a trek to the beautiful valley, it shows you an incredible journey of faith undertaken by humans. You see youngsters, middle-aged, elderly, children, and toddlers on this incredible climb to the lake at 14,000 ft. Many take the support of ponies or even porters but quite a few of them climb on their might.

It was heartwarming to see volunteers sweeping every section of the trail to keep it clean and working at Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara in freezing temperatures. It was a wonderful feeling to wake up in Ghangaria at dawn to the parade calls of the Sikh Gurudwara. The trek shows you a world you would hardly see otherwise.

Picture by Huzefa Studiowala

What I Don't Like About Valley of FLowers Trek

1. The fact that I cannot camp

Camping is an intrinsic part of a great trekking experience for me. Unfortunately, the Vally Of Flowers trek does not offer that experience. Ghangaria being on the pilgrim trail to Hemkund needs to house hundreds of people and thereby modern infrastructure of lodging is indispensable.  Camping is not allowed by the authorities.

The Valley of Flowers is a very ecologically sensitive area. Nobody is allowed to stay in the valley at night. No animals are allowed to enter the valley either. Given these restrictions, it is not practical to camp anywhere on the trek.

2. The innumerable shops selling packaged goods

All along the trail to Hemkund Sahib we see innumerable dhabas and shops selling food and packaged goods. While we may say that the huge footfall necessitates the supply, I wish the shops were more regulated. I also wish there was better regulation on what could be sold in an eco-sensitive zone like this.

Packaged goods freely available everywhere only means prolific litter everywhere. Perhaps time to question how we solve our needs for food and drink on a high traffic trail like this. Would you have any suggestions?

Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder

Trekking transforms lives. It has completely changed my life. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible. 

I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences. 

I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.

In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.  

Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine. 

Hemkund Sahib is the highest Gurudwara in the world. The trek to Hemkund Sahib is a steep ascent but has a serene religious feel to it. You see people of all ages praying. It's a surreal feeling. Bonus: You get to eat halwa if you reach before lunch!

Picture by: Akshay Kevin

Hemkund Sahib

Know Your Trek

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Valley of Flowers trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Getting to base camp, Karchi

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Drive Duration: 11 hours drive to Karchi. Pick up from Live Free Hotel, Rishikesh as the pickup at 5:00 am | Drive Distance: 255 km

The base camp for Valley of Flowers is located at Karchi. The drive from Rishikesh to Karchi is a beautiful one. The route is along the tributaries of Ganga. The road goes along hugging the mountainside and you see the forests and valleys of Garhwal below you.

After you cross the village of Pipalkoti, the entire scenery changes. You suddenly see a stark difference in the landscape when approaching closer to the Greater Himalayan Range.

Watch out for the big mountain of Mt. Drongiri from the base camp. This peak will be your company for the entire trek duration.

Karchi has a few interesting things that you need to know. If you are reaching a day in advance or have time post your trek, these are the things to look out for - The Hotsprings, the first sight of Mt. Dronagiri peak welcoming you and the region of Lata, Reini where the Chipko movement started in India.

The base camp for Valley of Flowers is located at Karchi. The drive from Rishikesh to Karchi is a beautiful one. The route is along the tributaries of Ganga. The road goes along hugging the mountainside and you see the forests and valleys of Garhwal below you.

After you cross the village of Pipalkoti, the entire scenery changes. You suddenly see a stark difference in the landscape when approaching closer to the Greater Himalayan Range.

Watch out for the big mountain of Mt. Drongiri from the base camp. This peak will be your company for the entire trek duration.

Karchi has a few interesting things that you need to know. If you are reaching a day in advance or have time post your trek, these are the things to look out for - The Hotsprings, the first sight of Mt. Dronagiri peak welcoming you and the region of Lata, Reini where the Chipko movement started in India.

Day 2: Karchi to Ghangaria via Poolna

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Drive Duration: 1.5 hour | Drive Distance: 38 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Trek Distance: 9km

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Altitude gain: 7,785 ft to 10,520 ft via 6,720 ft

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Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Gradual ascent throughout on a well- defined trail

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Water sources: Carry 2 litres of water. You can refill your water bottles from streams that you will find along the way.

There is now a motorable road to Poolna. This reduces the distance trekked today to 9 km from the earlier 13 km. Start with a 4 km cab ride to Poolna. The trail is well-defined. It is usually full of Sikh pilgrims walking up and down. Notice the cleanliness on the trail despite hundreds treading upon it every day. It’s a heartening and motivating sight. All thanks to volunteers who sweep the trail every day.

The 9 km trek from Poolna to Ghangaria goes all the way along the river. Stop by any roadside dhaba for a drink or a bite to eat. The trail is alternately sunny and shaded. At around the midpoint of the day’s trek, you cross the river and go to the other bank. After this, you no longer trek alongside the river.

The trek takes 5-6 hours and you approach a tabular land. This is when you know you are close to Ghangaria. Ghangaria has a helipad and some space for camping. Half a kilometre from the helipad is the one-street village of Ghangaria, lined with hotels, restaurants and a Gurudwara. The Gurudwara offers free accommodation and food to all.

There is now a motorable road to Poolna. This reduces the distance trekked today to 9 km from the earlier 13 km. Start with a 4 km cab ride to Poolna. The trail is well-defined. It is usually full of Sikh pilgrims walking up and down. Notice the cleanliness on the trail despite hundreds treading upon it every day. It’s a heartening and motivating sight. All thanks to volunteers who sweep the trail every day.

The 9 km trek from Poolna to Ghangaria goes all the way along the river. Stop by any roadside dhaba for a drink or a bite to eat. The trail is alternately sunny and shaded. At around the midpoint of the day’s trek, you cross the river and go to the other bank. After this, you no longer trek alongside the river.

The trek takes 5-6 hours and you approach a tabular land. This is when you know you are close to Ghangaria. Ghangaria has a helipad and some space for camping. Half a kilometre from the helipad is the one-street village of Ghangaria, lined with hotels, restaurants and a Gurudwara. The Gurudwara offers free accommodation and food to all.

Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back

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Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Trek Distance: 3.7 km each way

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Altitude gain: 10,520 ft to 11,550 ft and back

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Difficulty: Easy. Flat walk in the valley

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Water sources: Carry 2 litres of water. You can refill your water bottles from streams that you will find in the Valley, after a couple of hours of trekking.

Leave Ghangaria early to give yourself the whole day to spend at Valley of Flowers. The trail splits in less than a kilometre. There is a gate to buy entry tickets to the valley. Walk inside and notice the small flowering plants springing up on either side. A kilometre into the gate, there is a scenic bridge across a stream gushing below.

Tall rocky mountains rise before you.  Notice that the well-laid-out trail has now become a small footway along the side of the valley. The stream flows below you and there are small, hard snow patches by the side. On the trek inside Valley of Flowers, you see very few people around you. This may come across as a big and welcome contrast to the previous day’s trek, where there were hundreds. The scenery has also taken a drastic turn for the better and any direction you turn to looks picture-perfect. Trek along for a couple of kilometres on the flat path and to your right opens up the valley. Cross another rickety bridge and collect water to drink from below.

The entire valley is generally a carpet of colours – green, yellow, red, blue. It is surrounded by mountains with trees at lower levels, brown and grey soil in the middle and bright snow at the top. A bright sunny day will ensure deep blue skies completing the picture and taking it beyond your imagination. The valley is a botanist’s dreamland! One can find flowers, leaves, and buds of various shapes, sizes, and colours, all growing together. Notice various types of bees and insects hovering on these strange flowers.

Walk further into the valley and you will be engulfed with an amazing scent, which unfortunately cannot be captured but can only be felt. The valley stretches 5-7 km further until it ends with a glacier visible at a distance.  The stream flows through the valley. Take off your shoes and dip your feet into them to experience the icy cold water.

Prominent flowers that you will see in July-August include Meadow Geranium, Snake Foil, Hooked Stick Seed, Himalayan Rose, Blue Poppy, River Anemone, White Leaf Hog Foot and Dog Flower. Carry packed lunch from Ghangaria on the Valley of Flowers trek day. There is no food available in the valley. Overnight camping isn’t allowed either. Plan your return along the same path by early afternoon. The afternoon sun falling on the valley from a different direction gives a whole new perspective to the same place you saw in the morning.

Leave Ghangaria early to give yourself the whole day to spend at Valley of Flowers. The trail splits in less than a kilometre. There is a gate to buy entry tickets to the valley. Walk inside and notice the small flowering plants springing up on either side. A kilometre into the gate, there is a scenic bridge across a stream gushing below.

Tall rocky mountains rise before you.  Notice that the well-laid-out trail has now become a small footway along the side of the valley. The stream flows below you and there are small, hard snow patches by the side. On the trek inside Valley of Flowers, you see very few people around you. This may come across as a big and welcome contrast to the previous day’s trek, where there were hundreds. The scenery has also taken a drastic turn for the better and any direction you turn to looks picture-perfect. Trek along for a couple of kilometres on the flat path and to your right opens up the valley. Cross another rickety bridge and collect water to drink from below.

The entire valley is generally a carpet of colours – green, yellow, red, blue. It is surrounded by mountains with trees at lower levels, brown and grey soil in the middle and bright snow at the top. A bright sunny day will ensure deep blue skies completing the picture and taking it beyond your imagination. The valley is a botanist’s dreamland! One can find flowers, leaves, and buds of various shapes, sizes, and colours, all growing together. Notice various types of bees and insects hovering on these strange flowers.

Walk further into the valley and you will be engulfed with an amazing scent, which unfortunately cannot be captured but can only be felt. The valley stretches 5-7 km further until it ends with a glacier visible at a distance.  The stream flows through the valley. Take off your shoes and dip your feet into them to experience the icy cold water.

Prominent flowers that you will see in July-August include Meadow Geranium, Snake Foil, Hooked Stick Seed, Himalayan Rose, Blue Poppy, River Anemone, White Leaf Hog Foot and Dog Flower. Carry packed lunch from Ghangaria on the Valley of Flowers trek day. There is no food available in the valley. Overnight camping isn’t allowed either. Plan your return along the same path by early afternoon. The afternoon sun falling on the valley from a different direction gives a whole new perspective to the same place you saw in the morning.

Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back

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Trek Duration: 9-10 hours | Trek Distance: 6 km each way

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Altitude gain: 10,520 ft to 14,107 ft and back

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Difficulty: Moderate-difficult. Steep ascent for about 4 hours to reach Hemkund Sahib and steep descent back.

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Water sources: Carry 2 litres of water. You can refill your water bottles from streams that you will find along the way.

Start your day early. The weather can be impulsive in the afternoon and sudden cloud cover and rain can get you stranded if you do not get down on time.  The thought of getting up before 5.00 am can be daunting but the Gurudwara makes it easy. Their day starts at 4.00 am with the singing of bhajans.

By 5.00 am, you hear people outside the gate of the Gurudwara chanting in the chorus and the horses being readied to go up to Hemkund Sahib. Get up and grab a hot drink of chai. A poncho (light raincoat) and a trekking pole can be handy on the trek to Hemkund. Pass the deviation to Valley of Flowers. Continue to trek up the steep path slowly but steadily. Spot a pretty waterfall on your right falling through the rock walls on the right. After about 2 hours of walking, you are higher than the tree line and the views begin to get better. Mark the route to Valley of Flowers on the mountain in front of the river gorge. After another hour of slow walking with numerous breaks, you begin to feel reduced oxygen levels in the air. A melting glacier lies on the way. Take generous breaks while climbing up the steep path. These breaks are important as going up very fast could only mean inviting altitude sickness. Do not sit down during these breaks. Sitting down causes your muscles to relax and getting back on track can be very difficult. An hour of stiff climbing brings you to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. The lake lies just behind it. The Hemkund Sahib lake remains frozen for six months. Warm yourself in the Gurudwara and have generous helpings of hot tea and khichdi.

Walk around to the other side of Hemkund Lake. It exudes an aura of peace and serenity. It’s crystal clear, undisturbed and reflects the mountains surrounding it. The lake and the Gurudwara in this setting are a sight to watch. Around Hemkund, the Himalayan flower, Brahma Kamal grows abundantly. This flower grows only at heights of 10,000 ft to 15,000 ft. Leave Hemkund by early afternoon. The walk down can be strenuous on the knees and toes.  It takes 4- 5 hours to walk down the 6 km.

Start your day early. The weather can be impulsive in the afternoon and sudden cloud cover and rain can get you stranded if you do not get down on time.  The thought of getting up before 5.00 am can be daunting but the Gurudwara makes it easy. Their day starts at 4.00 am with the singing of bhajans.

By 5.00 am, you hear people outside the gate of the Gurudwara chanting in the chorus and the horses being readied to go up to Hemkund Sahib. Get up and grab a hot drink of chai. A poncho (light raincoat) and a trekking pole can be handy on the trek to Hemkund. Pass the deviation to Valley of Flowers. Continue to trek up the steep path slowly but steadily. Spot a pretty waterfall on your right falling through the rock walls on the right. After about 2 hours of walking, you are higher than the tree line and the views begin to get better. Mark the route to Valley of Flowers on the mountain in front of the river gorge. After another hour of slow walking with numerous breaks, you begin to feel reduced oxygen levels in the air. A melting glacier lies on the way. Take generous breaks while climbing up the steep path. These breaks are important as going up very fast could only mean inviting altitude sickness. Do not sit down during these breaks. Sitting down causes your muscles to relax and getting back on track can be very difficult. An hour of stiff climbing brings you to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. The lake lies just behind it. The Hemkund Sahib lake remains frozen for six months. Warm yourself in the Gurudwara and have generous helpings of hot tea and khichdi.

Walk around to the other side of Hemkund Lake. It exudes an aura of peace and serenity. It’s crystal clear, undisturbed and reflects the mountains surrounding it. The lake and the Gurudwara in this setting are a sight to watch. Around Hemkund, the Himalayan flower, Brahma Kamal grows abundantly. This flower grows only at heights of 10,000 ft to 15,000 ft. Leave Hemkund by early afternoon. The walk down can be strenuous on the knees and toes.  It takes 4- 5 hours to walk down the 6 km.

Day 5: Ghangaria to Dhak via Poolna

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Drive Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes | Drive Distance: 35 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Trek Distance: 9km

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Altitude loss: 10,520 ft to 6,215 ft via 6,720 ft

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Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Gradual ascent throughout on a well- defined trail

The trail back to Poolna is on the same path that you took on Day 1. Drive from Poolna to Govind Ghat. Start after breakfast and reach Govind Ghat by 2.00 pm.

The trail back to Poolna is on the same path that you took on Day 1. Drive from Poolna to Govind Ghat. Start after breakfast and reach Govind Ghat by 2.00 pm.

Day 6: Dhak to Rishikesh

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Drive Duration: 9-10 hours | Drive Distance: 252 km

Drive down to Rishikesh.

Important note: Since Valley of Flowers is a monsoon trek, there are possibilities of roadblocks due to landslides. Account for this by adding a buffer day to your travel plan.

Drive down to Rishikesh.

Important note: Since Valley of Flowers is a monsoon trek, there are possibilities of roadblocks due to landslides. Account for this by adding a buffer day to your travel plan.

Moderate | Level 2

Suitable for Fit Beginners

At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include, altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.

To be honest, the Valley Of Flowers trek, which climbs to 14,107 ft, is not difficult. It is rated as 'moderate level 2'. That too only because trekking days are slightly long. 

A moderate rating refers to marginally longer trekking days with a few steep climbs (example: climb from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib). This makes it a notch more difficult than the easy-moderate treks like Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal.

To give you a perspective, the Valley of Flowers trek is 38 km long. And you cover this distance in 4 days. Every day you gain an altitude of approximately 2000 ft, and on some days even more. For your body to handle this trekking distance and altitude gain, you need to have good fitness levels.

And here’s a yardstick for that – before the trek begins, you should be able to comfortably run 5 km in under 40 minutes. Click here for the fitness schedule to achieve that goal.

But the trek has easy exits and there are no technical sections.

To make it easier for you to take note, here’s a list of difficult and tricky sections on the Valley Of Flowers Trek:

Safety on the Valley of Flowers Trek

Yes. Valley of Flowers trek is safe because it is one of the most well-known treks in the Indian Himalayas and has well-laid trails frequented by pilgrims. Yet, you would need to be careful on slippery sections on the trail especially when it is raining.

The altitude gain while trekking from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is also something that you need to be mindful of since AMS can hit trekkers at this altitude.

At this point, it is important to look at the details of the trek from the perspective of safety. It helps in being mentally prepared for the trek. That is as important as being physically prepared to stay safe. For this, it is crucial to have a clear mental picture of the trek. Quickly, here it is:

| Trek in a nutshell: On the Valley Of Flowers trek you go up to an altitude of 14,107 ft over a trek of 38 km. This is spread over four days where you trek for around 6 hours and gain 2000 ft on an average every day. It is possible that you could be hit by AMS on any of these days, especially while on your way to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. At Indiahikes, we believe that as long as you are well-informed and well-prepared, you can easily survive at high altitudes.

To do this effectively, let’s break down and examine various aspects of the Valley Of Flowers trek from the perspective of safety:

When it comes to terrain, the Valley of Flowers can be considered highly safe.

  • The entire route is marked with well-marked trails
  • Well trodden routes
  • Most ascents are gradual except for the climb to Hemkund Sahib.
  • Well placed campsites (important when considering AMS)
  • Easy exit points

There are hardly any sections that are challenging and require technical assistance. The only challenging section is the climb to Hemkund Sahib. However, even this section does not require technical assistance.

As discussed in the above section, you are exposed to the risk of AMS during the stiff climb from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib. Stay alert for any signs of altitude sickness.

Attend to your uneasiness and take curative measures. Check oxygen levels, go on a curative course of Diamox, drink water and rest. If you do not feel normal after a few hours or overnight, do not proceed further on the trek.

To help you understand AMS better, we've put together a complete guide about it. This is a series of videos you must watch before you get onto any high altitude trek:

  1. What Is Altitude sickness? A Quick Look At AMS, HAPE And HACE
  2. How To Treat Altitude Sickness – AMS, HAPE, & HACE
  3. How To Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), HAPE and HACE
  4. 3 Life Saving Drugs You MUST Have To Tackle Altitude Sickness – AMS, HAPE and HACE

If you experience any symptoms of AMS, even in the slightest, start taking steps to treat the sickness.

At Indiahikes, our trek leaders are trained and equipped to take care of any emergencies related to AMS.

The trek is safe throughout the monsoon season. It may get slippery in parts due to rains. Good trekking shoes can take care of it. So, choose your trekking shoes wisely.
Apart from that, keep an eye out for the strong river currents while crossing bridges on the trek (view the difficulty section for details). To be safe, trek in the first half of the day when rains aren't heavy.
Also, as the Valley of Flowers trek is in monsoon, there are high chances of heavy rains. So keep a look out on the weather updates and be mentally prepared for the trek.

Valley of Flowers, is a pilgrim's trail, is well laid out and has easy exits from Ghangaria.

Closest Hospital To Valley of Flower

For mild medical issues, the closest medical assistance can be found in Joshimath which is an hour's drive from Ghangria.  This includes simple fracture, sprain, etc:

Joshimath

2009 Field Hospital
Joshimath, Chamoli – 246443
Ph: 8765949852

Chamoli 

District Hospital
Gopeshwar, Chamoli – 246424

However, for major medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Srinagar or Dehradun — which is almost 8-9 hours away from the base camp of the trek.

For mild medical issues, the closest medical assistance can be found in Joshimath which is an hour's drive from Ghangria.  This includes simple fracture, sprain, etc:

Joshimath

2009 Field Hospital
Joshimath, Chamoli – 246443
Ph: 8765949852

Chamoli 

District Hospital
Gopeshwar, Chamoli – 246424

However, for major medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Srinagar or Dehradun — which is almost 8-9 hours away from the base camp of the trek.

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Valley Of Flowers Trek In July-August-September:

img Day Time Temperature: Between 10 °C to 18 °C, based on precipitation and cloud cover | Night Time Temperature: At night, the temperature drops to almost 3 °C to 5 °C

img The Valley of Flowers trek is not timed for its snow experience but early in the season you do get to walk on snow bridges and snow patches. The trail to the valley of flowers has snow bridges formed over the river and at many places, you walk right beside the snow bridges. On the trail to Hemkund too, you get a handful of snow patches to cross early in the season. Expect to see melting snow flowing into Hemkund Sahib early in July. Most of the snow is gone once the rains set in by August.

img Number of warm layers recommended: 3 warm layers. You will be staying in lodges and will be provided warm blankets.

The gates to Valley Of Flowers open at the beginning of June. But the best time to visit is between July and September. You can extend it to the end of September.

Even in the best months between July and September, the trek is not the same every month.

July

It is lush green. The flowers are just beginning to bloom. Peak flowering season starts after mid-July. There are a few old snow bridges and some melting snow patches. Expect a riot of colours. Rains pick up after mid-July. The valley is least crowded in July.

August

The first 15 days of August see a huge number of flowers Though there’s a good amount of rain at Govindghat. But at higher altitudes, it’s not always heavy. It's crowded around weekends. But on weekdays you don’t have to worry about crowds.

September

Flowers have wilted by now and the valley is swelling with a crowd of pilgrims.

Valley Of Flowers In July

In July expect a lot of greenery. You will also find a bit of snow till rains begin in full swing. But there won’t be many flowers until mid-July. Since the trek climbs to such a high altitude (~14,000 ft), it retains snow even in July. Only later in July, does the rain wash off the snow.

Monsoon also starts setting in in July. But it doesn’t rain much in the first half. Monsoon gains momentum in the second half of July. Snow too starts getting washed off by then.

Valley Of Flowers In August

In August, monsoon clouds hang low and wash over the entire valley. Maximum flowers in the valley bloom during this period. While you get a good amount of rain at Govindghat during this time, at the higher altitudes it turns into a drizzle.

Tip: Watch out for the precious Brahmakamal as you climb to Hemkund Sahib. This beautiful flower only grows around the altitude of 14,000 feet so is a rare sighting.

Even the crowds aren’t heavy during the initial days of August. This makes it a perfect time to explore the valley blooming with flowers.

Valley Of Flowers In September

Flowers begin wilting by the second half of August and by September very few flowers are left. But there’s a different kind of beauty to this month of retreating monsoon. Skies start clearing up and you witness some clear mountain views.

But September is also the time when the crowd in the valley starts thickening, During this month, pilgrims flock to visit the Gurudwara of Hemkund Sahib.

| Note: During peak monsoon, make it a point to visit the Valley of Flowers in the first half of the day and be back by 2 pm. Post that, the intensity of the rain increases. And that makes it risky to cross the rickety bridges over Lakshman Ganga.

It is great to see you going to the Valley of Flowers. While it is a great trek to do, you need to get your travel plan worked out perfectly. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do next. Use this guide and nothing else to plan your travel.  

1. Here’s a quick view of how to plan your travel:

Day 0: Book your air/train ticket to Delhi or Dehradun. If Dehradun, proceed to Rishikesh. If Delhi, book a night bus to Rishikesh. For those who have registered with Indiahikes, the pick-up will be from Live Free Hostel on Laxman Jhula Road in Rishikesh. 

Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Rishikesh to Karchi where you stay for the night. It is a 9-10 hour drive from Rishikesh. Karchi is the base camp for your trek. 

Day 2: Drive from Karchi to Poolna. Trek begins from Poolna to Ghangria (9600);  5-6 hours, 9 km Trek

Day 3: Trek Ghangria (10,520 ft) Valley of Flowers (11,550 ft) and back; 3-4 hours each, 3.7 km each way

Day 4: Trek Ghangria (10,520 ft)  to Hemkund Sahib (14,107 ft) and back; 4-5 hours each, 6km Trek each way

Day 5: Trek from Ghangra  (10,520 ft) to Poolna and drive back to Dhak; 5-6 hours, 9km Trek

Day 6 (Drive-back Day): Drive from Dhak to Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh.

Note:

  1. While getting to Govidghat, we recommend you arrive a day earlier and stay at Rishikesh (Day Minus One). Staying at Rishikesh gives you a well-deserved rest for the night. Plus some bonus sightseeing.

2. Planning your onward flight/train booking

If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your air tickets for Day Minus One, which is the day before Day 1 on the itinerary. If your trek start day is 25 August, book your air tickets for 24 August to either Delhi/Dehradun. 

There are two options for your flight booking.

Option 1: Fly directly to Dehradun. 

We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Rishikesh. Most metros are directly connected to Dehradun. However, if the cost of the flight ticket to Dehradun is too high, book to Delhi and connect to Rishikesh by bus.

Tip: Dehradun Airport is Jolly Grant is closer to Rishikesh than Dehradun. It is 20 km from Rishikesh and 35 km from Dehradun.  

The Dehradun airport is somewhat inconvenient when it comes to city connectivity (either to Rishikesh or Dehradun). Airport buses that ply between Rishikesh to Dehradun via the airport run every hour. In our experience, the hour can stretch to even 1½ hours. 

Taxis are available from the airport (plenty). Prepaid taxis are available (look for the pre-paid taxi counter just out of the conveyor belt at the arrivals). You can also flag down a taxi (bargain a bit) with taxis outside the airport. Airport taxis are exorbitant. They usually charge between Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 to Rishikesh. 

Usually, most passengers take taxis from the airport. Try to hook up with co-passengers on the flight for your taxi ride to Rishikesh or Dehradun. 

Pro Tip: If you want to save real money try to catch an auto just outside the airport terminal complex. They usually come there to drop passengers off. Autos are not allowed to enter the airport complex. They charge approximately Rs 300 to Rishikesh. 

If autos are not available, walk for a further 1.5 km to get to the Rishikesh Dehradun highway. From the highway, you can flag down regular town buses or shared autos (shared autos are called Vikram's). Bus fare is about Rs 30 to Rishikesh. Shared autos charge about Rs 20. 

Option 2: Flying to Delhi.

Flying to Delhi may be a lot cheaper than getting to Dehradun. Make sure to book a flight that reaches Delhi by 8.00 pm. You must arrive in Delhi on Day Zero and not on Day 1.

Note: If you notice the difference in air ticket prices between Delhi and Dehradun is less than Rs 1000 then book directly to Dehradun. The rest and shorter travel time are worth the difference.  

Next, book yourself on a UPSRTC bus to Rishikesh. They are fully AC Volvo buses that leave between 21.00 to 23.00 hrs from ISBT Kashmiri Gate and get to Rishikesh between 3:00 to 5:00 am. 

At Rishikesh, wait for Indiahikes pick up at 6.00 am. Contact your driver by 5:30 am. The number of your transport coordinator will be shared with you a week before your departure.

3. Planning your return flight/train booking

Next, if your onward flight departs from Delhi, then book flight tickets for Day 7 or Day 8. Depending on the day you leave Rishikesh. 

Sometimes trekkers worry if they can book an early morning flight out of Delhi on Day 7. Yes, you can. But book flights that depart only after 8 am. Do not book any flight between 6.00 and 8 am. You may not reach Delhi in time. 

How to get to Delhi on time for an early morning flight

If your flight is early, say between 8.00 and 9.00 am, then there are two options. 

Train: Take the Nanda Devi Express from Haridwar (12402) that leaves Haridwar slightly past midnight (00.17 hrs) to get to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station at 4.50 in the morning. From Hazrat Nizamuddin, you get airport buses from outside the station as well as taxis. For the Metro train walk down to the Hazrat Nizamuddin metro station, take a metro to Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus, get off and connect to the Dhaula Kuan Airport line metro station (there are convenient traveller belts over a skywalk). From Dhaula Kuan you get the metro train to the airport. 

NoteEarlier Nanda Devi express would arrive at the New Delhi railway station. From 26 August 2019, it has been extended up to Kota. It no longer goes to the New Delhi railway station. Instead, it goes to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stationThe train number has changed from 12206 to 12402.    

Bus: The other option is to take a bus from Rishikesh. It is about a 5½ – 6 hrs journey to Delhi. From Rishikesh add another hour to the journey. So if you take a bus that leaves around 9.00 pm, then expect to reach Delhi at around 3.00 am (ISBT Kashmiri Gate). A bus that leaves at 10 pm will reach Delhi around 4.00 am. AC Volvo buses are the fastest, so opt for them. Non AC buses can take up to 7-8 hrs for the journey. 

From Kashmiri Gate ISBT you get Airport buses or taxis.

Note: Metro trains in Delhi do not start before 5.00 am.  

If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun

If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun then book yourself on Day 7. Most metros are now well connected by Dehradun by flight.

4. Planning your hotel/stay

Hotel options at Rishikesh

➤ Hostel Live Free

Hostel Live Free is situated on the prominent Laxman Jhula Road in Rishikesh. It offers decent accommodation options in dorms and also in private rooms. 

Contact number: 099990 20248
Book online: Book online through Booking.com or Trip Advisor
Location:
 https://goo.gl/maps/9H8Xakmt8p2TpYFS6

➤ Shiv Shakti Hostel is another good, decent option at a similar price range to Zostel. This is a hostel like Zostel. They also have rooms.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qLs5wAThyyP8cmfR8

Hotel options at Haridwar

Bedhubs are a good bunk bed stay in Haridwar — which is rare amongst the Dharamshalas and Ashrams of Haridwar. It is quite close to the heart of the action at Haridwar, approximately 500 m from Har Ki Pauri, Ram Ghat. Charges are around Rs 800 -1,000.
Phone: 01334 224 567.
Location: https://g.page/bedhubs?share

Hotel Radiant near the Haridwar railway station has decent spacious rooms. Room rates are around Rs 750 for a non AC room and Rs 1,050 for an AC room.
Contact person – Nitin Sharma – 9557155557.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1AdiMiTtnAeGfF4Y8

Hotel Rahi, a government-owned GMVN property is fairly decent. Spacious but old building. Almost opposite the Haridwar railway station, just past the bus stop. Prices start at around Rs 700 for a room.
Phone: +91-135-2431793
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bH25Zp8Di9SE3p757

Hotel options at Dehradun

Hotel Drona, which is a government property owned by the GMVN is decent. It is old, but a large and spacious property. It is about 1.5 km from Dehradun railway station. Rooms start at Rs 750. Phone: +91-135-2746847. Book online http://gmvnl.in/newgmvn/online_reservation/ Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sjWSkGhe5LfAN8wDA

MyRoom252 is a new backpacker facility in Dehradun. Modern, colourful and clean. Bunk beds start at Rs 300. Rooms are available too. It is not too far from the Dehradun Railway station. Shared autos (which are called Vikrams) can get you there.
For online booking: http://www.myroom252.com/.
Phone: 086308 81083. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/p5xkbMyUF4X5VHwx9

Nomads House is another new backpacker hostel in Dehradun. The atmosphere is good. The place is neat and clean. Indiahikes trek leaders love Nomads House. It is about 10 mins from the Dehradun railway station. Bunk beds start at Rs 400, rooms start at Rs 800. Shared autos are easily available to get to Nomads House. Phone: 9760596464
Location: https://g.page/NomadsHouse?share

These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.

  1. Original and photocopy of identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.  
  2. 1 passport size photograph. This is required to obtain the trekking permits
  3. Medical and Disclaimer certificate. There are two sections to this. One is to be filled by a practicing doctor and the second is filled by you. The disclaimer certificate is a legal requirement.
    Download the PDF, read carefully, print it back to back, and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during the registration at the base camp. This is a requirement by both the forest department and Indiahikes – Download the PDF
  4. Treadmill Test: If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration.

Note: Please carry the above document with you. The document needs to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed, and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp. Please print these back-to-back on two sheets. Do not print separately and help in reducing paper usage.

PRO TIPS

Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.  

1. Trekking Shoes

Valley Of Flowers requires sturdy trekking shoes, good grip, ankle support and can handle snow. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.

| Buying Tip: The Trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.

| Rental: We have the Trek series and the MH series by Decathlon available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are already broken into and in good condition. Rental shoes are not dirty or unhygienic. This is how they are kept clean. Rent here.

2. Backpack

For a trek like Valley Of Flowers, you need a 50-60 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.

| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from. 

| Rental: The 48-litre backpack by Adventure Worx is available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Rent them if you don’t have a backpack. Rent here.

3. Clothes

Wearing layers is the mantra in the mountains. Layers give you maximum protection from all elements. And when the weather changes in the mountains (as it happens every few hours), you take off or put on layers as required. 

Base Layer: 3 T-shirts

Wear one T-shirt and carry two. Carry full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared). These prevent your arms and neck from getting sunburnt. In the rarified air on the trek, especially at high altitudes, UV rays can burn you in no time.

Dry-fit T-shirts quickly dry your sweat, they are easy to wash and in case of a rainy day, they dry quicker. Round neck T-shirts are ok, but collared ones are better.

| Cotton or Synthetic? As Indians, we love cotton. Down in the plains when the heat is blistering 40°C it makes sense to wear cotton. But it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet. In the mountains, where it is cooler, synthetic is what you wear. They wick sweat rapidly and keep you dry. (But they do tend to smell quickly, so carry a roll-on deodorant with you.)

| Buying Tip: You can get dry-fit T-shirts from Decathlon. Also, stores like Reliance Trends and Max have dry-fit T-shirts. They don’t usually cost much.

| Pro Tip: If you are extra susceptible to cold, you could get a set of thermal inners. In our experience, wearing two T-shirts over another works as a better thermal. And they save you weight and space since you’re already carrying them. 

3 Insulation Layers in Monsoon

The Valley Of Flowers trek is primarily a monsoon trek. If you’re going any time between July and September, you will need at least 3 warm layers.

You will need 1 pair of inner thermals, 2 light fleece layers, 1  light sweater and 1  padded jacket. Do not get your grandma stitched sweaters, which can be very heavy. You need sweaters and fleece jackets that can fold into compact rolls.

For your outer layer, a padded jacket serves the purpose here. You don’t need a water-resistant material. But you need an outer padded jacket that keeps the wind and cold out. Ensure your padded jacket has a hood as well.

| Do you need a down/feather jacket? Not really. A regular padded/shell jacket will do. This video here will help you to learn more about the difference.

| Note: Down/feather jackets are not available these days. Many jackets masquerade as down/feather jackets. They are essentially fine polyester-filled jackets. They mimic the function of a down jacket but are usually expensive.  

| Rental: Padded jackets made by Fort Collins are available for rent at the Indiahikes store. They are custom made for Indiahikes and trekkers find them terrific, even in winter. Rent here.

Trek Pants

A minimum of one pair and a maximum of two pairs of trek pants should suffice for this trek. Wear one pair and carry one just in case it rains/snows. Trek pants with zippered cut-offs at the thighs are very suitable for treks. Also, choose quick-dry pants over cotton. They dry up soon even in the cold climate.

| Buying Tip: Go for pants with zippered pockets. They come in handy to keep your phone, handkerchief or pocket snacks.

| Track pants or trek pants? Stretchable track pants make a good backup and can double up as your thermal bottoms. But track pants are not trekking pants — so don’t use them as your main outerwear. Keep them only as a backup. 

Mandatory Accessories, without these too you won’t be able to do the trek.

These accessories are mandatory. Don’t go to Valley Of Flowers without them. Trekkers generally put off purchasing / borrowing the accessories for the last minute. We suggest the opposite. Start gathering these accessories first. 

1. Sunglasses (Optional)

| Wearing tip: Wear sunglasses if the trekking day is bright and sunny (on open sections, meadows).

| Buying Tip: Try getting sunglasses that wrap around instead of those that have openings on the side. Even peripheral UV ray exposure is not a good idea.  

| If you wear spectacles: If you wear spectacles, you can get oversized sunglasses that you wear over your regular glasses (available at Decathlon). If that is cumbersome, photochromic lenses work equally well. Here’s a quick guide on managing sunglasses with spectacles.

| Contact lens users: If you use contact lenses, you can use them on the trek too. The lens solution will not freeze. You will also not face any problems in changing your lens in your tent. Just carry enough cleaning solution with you to clean your fingers well. Wear your sunglasses over your contact lens. Read this article for more guidance on managing contact lenses on treks.

 2. Suncap

A sun cap is mandatory. Trekking without a sun cap can lead to headaches, sunstrokes, quick dehydration and a sharp drop in trekking performance. 

| Tip: In the mountains, the general rule is to keep your head covered at all times. During the day a sun cap protects you from the harsh rays of the sun (it is doubly stronger with naked UV rays). A sun cap keeps your body temperature in balance. In the evening/early morning, the reverse is true. Your head loses your body heat quickly. A woollen cap prevents heat from dissipating from your head.

| Pro Tip: Sun caps with flaps are a blessing for trekkers. They cut out almost all UV leaks. They prevent sunburns in every possible way. They are a lot more effective than sunscreen lotion. A wide-brimmed sports hat also helps to prevent sunburn in a big way. 

3. Synthetic Hand Gloves

On a trek like Valley Of Flowers, you are going to be handling snow quite a bit. You’ll need gloves to grip something or to steady yourself in snow. You also want the gloves to keep you warm. Get synthetic hand gloves that have waterproofing on the outside and a padded lining on the inside. If you find the combination difficult to get (not likely), wear a tight-fitting fleece hand glove inside a synthetic hand glove. Hand gloves are mandatory on this trek.   

4. Woollen Cap or Balaclava

Ensure these cover your head. In the cold mountains, you lose maximum heat from your head, not from your hands, feet or the rest of your body. This is why you need to keep your head protected, especially when the sun is down. Early mornings, late evenings, and a cold trekking day are when you must use your woollen cap.

Your ears are sensitive too, so a woollen head cap that covers your ears is essential. A balaclava is a modern version of the woollen cap. It covers your ears, neck and parts of your face as well. If you get a woollen cap that only covers your head, you will need a neck warmer or a woollen scarf.

5. Socks (4 pairs)

Apart from three to four pairs of sports socks, take a pair of woollen socks. Sports socks give you cushioning plus warmth. Again the mantra is to wear synthetic socks or at least a synthetic blend. Cotton socks soak in water and sweat. They are very hard to dry.

As for woollen socks, they help you to keep warm and snug at the night. If you cannot get woollen socks, wearing two sports socks serves the purpose as well. 

6. Headlamp

Trekkers are often confused about whether they need to get a headlamp or a handheld torch. You need to get a headlamp because it leaves your hands free to do other activities. On the Valley Of Flowers trek, you’ll need your hands free to wash dishes, pitch tents and hold your trek poles. 

| Buying tip: Ensure your headlamp covers a wider area and is not too focused as a single beam. On a trek, your headlamp must help you see around you as much as ahead of you.

| Rental: Headlamps are available for rent at the Indiahikes store. Rent here.

7. Trekking Poles (a pair)

Trekking poles give you stability and balance. They reduce your energy consumption by almost 40%. On the Valley Of Flowers trek, there are steep ascents and descents. A pair of trekking poles will make the difference between a comfortable and a strenuous trek. In India, we tend to use a single trekking pole. However, two trekking poles give you greater stability and balance. They also increase your walking pace.

| Rental: Imported side-locking trekking poles are available for rent at the Indiahikes store. Rent here.

8. Rainwear

On a trek, the weather can change quickly. A bright sunny day can turn into a downpour in a matter of minutes. Carry a poncho or a rain jacket to tackle this. A poncho is a big rain cover with openings for your arms and your head. It is extremely effective because it covers both you and (partially) your backpack. It is extremely light and weighs next to nothing. 

| Pro tip: Rain jackets are more streamlined and less cumbersome but weigh more. Rain pants are not required. Dry fit trek pants dry quickly even if soaking wet.  

| Rental: High-grade ponchos are available for rent at the Indiahikes store. Rent here.

9. Rain cover for your backpack

Backpacks are your life. You carry all your dry clothes and your warm gear in your backpack. Your backpack must stay dry at all times. Modern backpacks usually come with built-in rain-covers. If your backpack does not have a rain cover, ensure you get a rain cover by either (a) buying a rain cover or (b) or cutting a large plastic sheet to the size of your backpack. You can roll the plastic sheet around your backpack and keep it in place with a string or elastic.  

| Pro tip: It’s good practice to compartmentalise your clothes, accessories and other things in plastic covers inside your backpack. That way, even if it rains and your backpack gets wet, your things are water-proof inside the backpack.

10. Daypack (20-30 ltrs)

Daypack is mandatory for the Valley of Flowers trek. You need it for the days you are going to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.

Other Mandatory Requirements

1. A toilet kit

Keep your toilet kit light. Carry just the basics — toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, toilet tissue roll, a small moisturiser, lip balm, and a roll-on deodorant. You will not be able to have a bath on the trek, so don’t overload on soaps and shampoos.

| Pro Tip: Carry miniature-sized items. You will not need more than that. If you’re travelling in a group, share one toothpaste for all.

| Pro Tip: Avoid getting large toilet rolls. The smallest size roll is more than enough for a trek like Valley Of Flowers. 

| For Women: If you are likely to have your periods on your trek date, don’t worry about it. You can use your pads, tampons or menstrual cups on the trek. There will be toilet tents where you can get changed. Make sure you carry ziplock bags to bring back your menstrual waste. Don’t leave behind any waste in the mountains. Watch this video to learn how to dispose of your sanitary waste.

2. Cutlery

Carry a lunch box, a mug and a spoon. Your lunch box must be leakproof. You are expected to wash your cutlery. Trekkers often expect Indiahikes to wash their cutlery. When you allow Indiahikes to wash your cutlery, your cutlery becomes part of a mass washing system. You immediately invite germs, and bacteria to settle on your cutlery. The incidence of stomach disorders rises exponentially.  

| Pro Tip: Carry stainless steel cutlery. Avoid fancy high-grade plastic cutlery. Stainless steel cutlery is infinitely easier to wash in cold water. Grease is easier to remove and hygiene is at its highest. 

| Two 1 litre bottles or a 2-litre hydration pack: Valley Of Flowers has many hours of trekking every day (approximately 6 hours). You need to carry two one-litre water bottles to keep yourself hydrated over the distance. If you are used to a hydration pack, then that is ok too. If one among the two bottles is a lightweight thermos, then that helps you to store warm water on a really cold day or for late evenings and early mornings.   

| Rental: You could rent lightweight thermos flasks from the Indiahikes store. Rent here.

3. Plastic Covers

Carry 3-4 old plastic covers to keep your used clothes. You could use them even for wet clothes. Re-use old plastic bags for this and do not buy new ones.

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader

  1. Diamox (1 Strip): Diamox helps you in case of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Carry it with you and your trek leader can take a call on whether to take it.  
  2. Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
  3. Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
  4. Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol. 
  5. Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS. 
  6. ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking.  Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
  7. Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.

    Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
    | Pro tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.   

Yes, the Valley of Flowers trek is a good first-time trek. You get to experience high-altitude trekking. Be sure to work on your fitness before the trek.

The Valley of Flowers Trek is 38 km long. And you cover this distance in 4 days where you trek approximately for 6 hours every day. You also need to keep two days for travelling to and from the base camp of the Valley of Flowers trek.

The trek begins from Govindghat, which is an 11-hour drive from Rishikesh. From Govindghat, you trek to Ghangria. This will be yours on trek base. Each day you will trek for about 6 hours, and return to Ghangria.

During the trek, you will witness a wide array of things – from blooming flowers, gushing rivers, tall mountainscapes in front of you, delicate bridges, stone paths, lakes, and much more.

A Himalayan trek like Valley of Flowers requires a good fitness level. It has long high altitude climbs and walks daily. As a measure of your fitness, we need you to:

Run at least 5 km in 35 minutes before your trek. Consistency of your workout also matters, so aim to jog 20 km a week or 80 km in a month. It's a minimum mandatory requirement if you wish to trek with us

OR

Alternatively, cycle for at least 22 km in 60 minutes. Aim to cycle 110 km a week or 440 km in a month. However, running is better suited for your trek preparation.

Once you get confirmed for your trek, we will diligently follow up on your fitness routine. Our team will also assist in putting you through a fitness plan. It will ultimately help you have a safe trek experience.

How to Get Fit for Your Trek

Yes you can!

If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration. Apart from this, you should also be able to jog 5 km in 45 minutes.

Valley of Flowers is not a city, but a National Park located in the North Chamoli district of Uttarakhand around the Pushpavati river. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 for its rich biodiversity. Later it became a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere. 

The main attraction of the Valley Of Flowers is its flowers. There are more than 500 varieties of flowers that bloom during the monsoon season. These even include the rare Himalayan Brahmakamal.

On the Valley of Flowers trek, we usually take around 20- 23 trekkers in total.

Joshimath is the last town en route to Govidghat where you’ll find ATMs to make some cash withdrawals. All major private and public sector banks have their ATMs and some even have branches in Joshimath. However, cash runs quickly at the Joshimath ATMs. Hence, Rishikesh is your best bet to make last-minute cash withdrawals.

We advise you to carry around Rs 4-5k in cash to pay for your transport to the basecamp, for rental gear deposit and personal expenses en route to the basecamp. If you are planning to visit Badrinath after the trek, we advise you to carry more. 

If you’re an Indiahikes trekker,  there is no major need for cash as once you arrive at the base camp. All meals, accommodations, permits, and related expenses are taken care of by Indiahikes.

Being a UNESCO World heritage site, Valley of Flower is a popular trek not only in India but also the world. We advise you to book this trek 3-4 months in advance.

Having more footprint through porters or mules on any trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. This is why, at Indiahikes, we do not encourage offloading. A trekker carries his/her own backpack in the true spirit of trekking.

But if — due to a medical condition — you are unable to carry your own backpack, you may offload your backpack. 

The cost of offloading on Valley of Flowers is Rs 400 per day.

Find details about the offloading process here.

We have specially designed a fitness schedule for our seniors. We recommend you follow a fitness routine 5 times a week (combination of walks, stair climbing and stretching).

By the time your trek starts, you should be able to walk 5 km between 50-60 minutes comfortably. Ideally, closer to 50 minutes.

Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, your core, and your lower body.  To reach this fitness, there are just two things to work on - your cardiovascular endurance and your muscle strength. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe. Follow this simple schedule and you will be trek-fit:

Weeks 1 - 4:

  1. Walking

- Week 1: Keep the distance of your walk to just 2 km

- Week 2: Keep the distance of your walk to just 3 km

- Week 3: Keep the distance of your walk to just 4 km

- Week 4: Keep the distance of your walk to 5 km

  1. Stair Climbing: When you climb stairs, target for at least 10 floors (20 stairs per floor), and repeat it for 2 sets.
  2. Stretching: Keep stretching everyday. This video will help you with stretching: https://youtu.be/IDjWoSPV6ok

Take your rest days seriously, and rest. Your body recovers quickly when you rest.

Weeks 5 - 8:

- Once you can comfortably walk 5 km, the following weeks are focused on building speed.

- Everyday, walk 5 km with an intention to finish within 50-60 minutes. Do not worry if you are not there yet. You will get there by the end of Week 8.

- Once a week, go for 10 km walk at a stretch. This will help build your endurance. Do not worry about the time you take to cover this distance.

- Continue with stair climbing and stretching.

Important Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.

Three things happen when you are not fit:

  1. You do not enjoy the trek
  2. You struggle to be a part of the team
  3. You miss out on a deep transformative experience that trekking can offer

Good part is, it’s not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 45-60 days before the trek begins. 

We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience.

On Valley of Flowers, you stay in lodges on the trek. The rooms vary from 3 to 5 sharing. The accommodation is separate for men and women.

We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.

Fitness target: 

To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 5 km in under 35 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.

How to achieve this fitness? 
  • Start jogging at least 4 days a week 
  • If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
  • Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day. 
  • Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins.
  • You must be able to run 5 km in 35 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek. 

This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing. 

Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.

Strength training tips:

How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:

Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek. 

What to upload? 
  • A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling 
  • Monthly summary of your routine

Why fitness matters: 

Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek. 

At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking.

Leaving Mountains Better

Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of the waste left behind by others on trekking trails. Yet this is a small percentage of what we do. Green Trails dives into reducing the use of resources, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing about a change in the daily practices of our trekkers too.

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