Itinerary Description
Grade:
Easy
Location:
India
Maximum Altitude:
3789 mts
Duration:
6 Days
The Valley of Flowers Trek has become quite well-liked in recent years. Any admirer of nature may find it alluring to imagine a valley covered in flowers of different shapes, sizes, and colours. The local folklore of the area enhances this valley\'s charm. They go so far that occasionally the floral aroma might be so potent that the guests pass out. Although we haven\'t had a similar event, there is surely some validity to it.
The valley is home to some of the most vibrant, stunning, and pure flowers there are, making it one of the Himalayas\' most picturesque hikes across valleys. The flowers exhibit a distinctive assortment of hues and designs that vary according to the season and will wow you. In addition to being a UNESCO world historic site, it was established as a national park in 1982. You may hike to the spiritually significant Hemkund Sahib, a gurudwara perched at an incredible height of 14,000 feet, as part of the Valley of Flowers journey.
It is wonderful to have the option of including a spiritual and beautiful trip. The months of July and August are the greatest for visiting the Valley of Flowers since India\'s one of largest wildflower blooms are at their most vivid. We advise you to do the Valley of Flowers Trip yourself, without the assistance of a trek operator, since the logistics are quite straightforward and can be completed by any level of trekker.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 Dehradun - Govind Ghat
Day 2 Govind Ghat to Ghangria (13Kms)
Day 3 Ghangria to Valley of Flowers and back (10 Kms)
Day 4 Ghangria to Hemkund Sahib and back (10 kms )
Day 5 Ghangria to Govind Ghat (13 Kms)
Day 6 Departure day
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 Dehradun - Govind Ghat
It is best to reach Dehradun the previous night. There are plenty of state-run buses and shared taxis that will take you from Dehradun all the way to Govindghat. These buses/taxis leave from Dehradun between 5-8am. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi from Dehradun to Govindghat. Travel time from Dehradun to Govindghat is 12-14 Hours. Stay in Guest House/Hotel in Govindghat/Joshimath for the night.
Day 2
Day 2 Govind Ghat to Ghangria (13Kms)
The trek traditionally starts from Govindghat but these days there is a possibility to reach Pulna and save a 3 Km hike from Govindaghat. However, the movement of taxis till Pulna is restricted and permits are given to an only limited number of vehicles. If you have a permit, then you can start from Pulna else start from Goindghat. The route from Govindghat to Pulna is on the tarmac and the gradient is easy. From here, take the well-marked cemented trail after crossing the bridge on river Alakhnanda. Govindghat has a Gurudwara & few hotels where one can stay. The trail to Ghangaria is usually crowded with the pilgrims who are headed for Hemkund Sahib. There are trees of Apricot alongside the trail. The entire trail to Ghangaria winds along the river with cascading waterfalls & natural water springs which present a very refreshing sight. It takes about 6 hours to reach Ghangaria which is a small village lined with food joints & a Gurudwara. Stay overnight in Guest house/hotel in Ghangaria.
Day 3
Day 3 Ghangria to Valley of Flowers and back (10 Kms)
After breakfast trek to Valley of Flowers from Ghangaria. Start early to have more time at hand when you are in the Valley. After walking on the relatively flat trail till the bridge where we cross Pushpawati, the climb to the valley is steep. Fortunately, the climb is only around 1.5 Kms long before the valley dawns upon you. The valley is an enchanting sight with an impressive array of rare wildflowers. Some of the technical names of flowers found here are : Geranium, Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia, Thermo- psis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Strawberry, Epilobium, Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the flowers have medicinal values too. We will walk for about 10 Kms in the Valley. The valley is normally carpeted with flowers of an array of colors: Green, Blue, Yellow, Red. In the far distance, you can see snow clad peaks. One of the attractions of the valley is a refreshing stream named Pushpawati, into which several tiny streams and waterfalls merge. Since the trek is fairly easy you will have sufficient time to relax & absorb the beauty of this wonderful place. Soak your feet in the stream & enjoy the sight. Camping in the Valley is not permitted so you will have to trek back to Ghangaria retracing the same route. Stay overnight at your hotel in Ghangaria.
Day 4
Day 4 Ghangria to Hemkund Sahib and back (10 kms )
Today's trek is beautiful but the same time steep & arduous. The altitude is on the higher side & weather can be pretty unpredictable. The months when this trek is done are peak monsoon months and rains can get us stranded if you do not descend in time. It is advisable to start at 5 AM to have the advantage of time. It takes approx. 4 hours to reach Hemkund Sahib Lake. This lake remains frozen for 6 months. Perched at an elevation of 4,329 mts above sea level, Hemkund Sahib is the highest Gurudwara of Sikh community. Warm yourself inside Gurudwara and it is recommended to start descending before 2 PM.
Day 5
Day 5 Ghangria to Govind Ghat (13 Kms)
Start your trek by 6 am. It is an easy 13 km mostly downhill walk from Ghangria to Govind Ghat. At a consistent pace, you will reach Govind Ghat by 11 am. You may choose to leave to Dehradun immediately or stay overnight at Govind Ghat and depart to Dehradun the following morning.
Day 6
Day 6 Departure day
Depart from Govind Ghat to Dehradun in the morning.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- ●Veg/ Egg Meals during the trek - Starting evening snacks on Day 1 till Lunch on Day 8
- ●Forest Permits/Camping Charges/Permits, Trek Permit Fee/IMF Permission (Up to the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- ●Camping tents (Twin sharing), Temp rated sleeping bags, mattress
- ●Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- ●Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification & customized rescue course from NIM
- ●Experienced Local guide, cook, helpers
- ●Porters or mules for carrying common luggage
- ●Exhaustive First Aid kit including portable oxygen cylinder
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Are you eligible for this adventure?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to a height of 4,130M and is rated a moderate level trek for its long trekking distances. For its elevation and distances, it is recommended for trekkers with some prior experience in the high-altitudes.
Grade
Easy
Max Altitude
3789 mts
Distance
37 km
WIMRS Level Required
Terrain
Prerequisite Skills
Fitness Benchmark
WIMRS Level Required
WIMRS 3
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a level 4 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 3 on the WIMRS. The altitude, the terrain, and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of endurance and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of the high-altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of WIMRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
We will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
🟩 Trekking Gear
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
- . Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
- U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1*
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each*
🟩 Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle with water resistant trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Crocks/Sandals Qty -1
🟩 Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty – 2*
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
- Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
- Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
- Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
- Rain wear (Poncho/ Jacket & Pants) . Qty-1
- Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
- Woolen cap. Qty-1
- Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
🟩 Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 (Minimum SPF 30)
- Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
🟩 Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Here are a couple of tutorials on What & How to pack your rucksack for your upcoming trek from our experts:
Note-
- *For long trek please carry one spare sunglass
- *In winter trek please try to carry one hot water bottle
- * For long and winter trek to carry warm pent one pair
Frequently Asked Questions
This trek is ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers. For the novice, it is a great start to enter the world of trekking. It can get a bit rigorous for the first-timers. Therefore, it is recommended to the first timers to maintain good physical stamina and read extensively. Any trekker would love to go on this trek for the love of its views and trekking.
This trek is apt for the first-timers. Those coming for the first time should prepare and read extensively about the trek. Basic knowledge about trekking and mountain mannerisms will come in handy.
1. Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and
2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
1.?How to choose a right rucksack:?It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don?t make these?common mistakes?while buying a rucksack.
2.?How to pack a rucksack:?Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders.
The Valley of Flowers trek, a UNESCO world heritage site, is ideal for watching a valley flooded with flowers of all variety and colors can be tempting for any nature lover. The local folklore also complements the aura of this valley. It is the perfect trek for beginners and can be easily trekked to on our own without the need of any tour operator.
Valley of Flowers is not connected by any motorable road. The nearest place is Govindghat (near Joshimath) which is approximately 17 km from Valley of Flowers. This distance can be covered by trekking. Reaching Joshimath is not a tough task as it is well connected to Dehradun and New Delhi.
By Road:?There are frequent buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi to Dehradun, followed by taking a shared taxi or a local bus to Joshimath or Govindghat. The journey from Dehradun to Joshimath takes approximately 8 hours. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Dehradun to Joshimath or Govindghat.
By Rail:?There is no direct rail connectivity to the Valley of Flowers. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to the same, 272 km away from the Valley. Regular buses ply between Rishikesh and Govindghat.
By Air:?There is no direct flight connectivity to the Valley of Flowers. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest commercial airport. You can hire a cab from the airport which will take you directly to Govindghat.
BSNL network is available till Ghangria.
Around 14kms from the Valley is the beautiful hamlet of Govindghat, a favorite among pilgrims. Some 30kms away, nestled in the mountains of Chamoli, lies the town of Joshimath which is a gateway to the sacred town of Badrinath, one of the four dominant Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. Approx. 40km away is the quaint village of Mana, the last Indian village from the border of India and Tibet in the Himalayas. It?s been designated as a ?Tourism Village? by the Uttarakhand government. Another popular destination for any tourist is the hill station of Auli.
The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
There are plenty of guesthouses/hotels on the trail. Accommodation will not be a problem at all. However, during peak season the rooms will get sold out soon. So, plan accordingly.
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward, provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
You will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
Monsoon, from mid-July to end of August, is the best season to visit the valley. Days remain pleasant, with highs of 17 degrees Celsius, while the nights are cool, with a minimum temperature of 7 degrees celsius.
There will be snow only in the winter months of November to April during which the valley cannot be accessed.
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
It is not mandatory but it is more convenient with the pole. If you don?t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Yes, there are stores and shops in Joshimath from where you can buy necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
We will pick you up from ISBT Dehradun. Drop off point remains the same.
No mandatory documents are required for the trek.
Why Wanderin Man?
(SET- Safety, Expertise & Trust )
Safety
- ●Small Group Size in the ratio of 6:1 (participant to leader)
- ●No compromise on safety and sustainability promise
- ●Experienced and Certified Mountaineering Professional Leaders
- ●Region Mapped with Emergency Evacuation Plan
- ●Certified Standard Equipment by UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation certification) & other Similar Bodies
- ●Minimized Risk Management Standard Operating Procedure are applied for every Trek and tour
- ●Certified First Aid Support and Doctors* with constant availability of Safety Equipments like Medical Kit, Rescue Kit
- ●Constant communication is aided with the help of Communication Devices
- ●Certified and registered Transporter for transportation purpose
Expertise
- ●Founders of the company have extensive experience of 15 years having organized 8k+ peak expeditions.
- ●Under the umbrella of Wanderin’ Man Adventures 15+ adventure activities Programs have been organized
- ●Founders have mountaineering certifications from the esteemed mountaineering institutes of India.
- ●Team is composed of experienced mountaineers and trek leaders with thorough understanding of norms and procedures.
Trust
- ●Trust has been the hallmark of our company since its inception be it any program on the list.
- ●Special emphasis is laid on the use of standard procedures and equipments as per the mountaineering norms
- ●95% of our clients have availed our service on repeat basis.
- ●Our business has expanded primarily based on the “word of mouth” from our existing clients to new ones
What Our Customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Cancellations made up to 45 days before the departure date
Cancellations made up to 31 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 30 and 21 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 20 and 11 days before the departure date
Cancellations made less than 11 days before the departure date are not eligible for a cash refund.
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