Location: Garhwal Himalayas (Uttaranchal)
Area: 87.5 sq. Kms.
Altitude: Between 3,658m to 3,962 m
Best Season: Mid April To Mid August
The Valley of Flowers is a beautiful meadow located at an altitude of about eleven thousand feet. It is the valley of the stream Pushpavati, a tributary of Alaknanda. Frank Smythe discovered 'The Valley of Flowers' in 1931 on his way back after a successful expedition to Mt. Kamet. Ferns, dwarf iris, dwarf larkspur, dwarf rhododendrons, primula, blue poppies, fritillaria, asters, potentillas, inula grandifloras and hundreds of other species grow wild in the |
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valley.
The Valley of Flowers is a riot of color in August/September. Well over a thousand varieties of flowers, shrubs, orchids and plants in myriad hues, differing textures and colors paint the valley in a gorgeous display. The valley is a natural plantation surrounded by the dazzling snow clad Himalayas, a feast for the botanist and amateur alike.
Deep in the heart of the Himalayas, is this spectacular 'Valley of Flowers'. Many varieties of Himalayan wild flowers bloom here. Post Monsoons, the floor of the valley is covered with a carpet of myriad colours ! It is an awesome sight of colours with a contrasting back drop of majestic peaks.
The scope for trekking in Garhwal and Kumaon is immense. From short walks to arduous ascents to mountaineering expeditions, the diversity is staggering.
Legends associate this valley of Garhwal Himalayas with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected "Sanjeevani" herbs to revive Lakshmana, the younger brother of Ramaji. Hanumanji had to visit far-flung areas in his search for the "Sanjeevani" life - saving herbs.
In 1939, Miss Margaret Legge, a botanist deputed by the botanical gardens of Edinburgh arrived at the valley of flowers for further studies, While she slipped off and was lost for ever in the garden of the gods. Her sister later visited the valley of flowers and erected a memorial on the spot where she was buried by the locals. The thoughtful memorial is still there.
Valley of Flowers Trekking:-
Tour Highlights - Haridwar & Rishikesh : The two holy towns of the Hindu's- centres of ' Vedic' learning and Yoga & Meditation. HEMKUND SAHIB: The pilgrim centre of the Sikh's high in the Himalayas. The Hemkund lake is dominated by the colossal Hathi Parbat (peak). AULI: A popular winter Ski resort, Auli offers spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas. PAURI : A small hill station with serene surroundings. Enjoy the hospitality of a local village here.
Day01: Delhi-Haridwar
Early morning arrival at Delhi. 0700 hrs departure by train to Haridwar. Day at leisure to explore this holy town. Visit the 'Aarti' (holy ceremony) performance at the river 'Ghat' at sunset. Overnight in Hotel.
Day02: Haridwar-Auli
A long day’s drive along the Alakhnanda river valley brings you to the high altitude grassland of Auli (2500 m – 3050 m). Overnight in Tourist Hut.
Day03: Auli
Day at leisure.
Day04: Auli-Ghanghria
Drive to Govindghat (1828 m), and thereon trek to Ghanghria (3048 m). Overnight in Tents. ( 14 Kms trek; 6-8 hrs walking ) you will reach Ghangharia, the base camp for treks to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Since camping and overnight stay is not allowed in the Valley of Flowers, Ghangharia is the logical base camp for the trek.
Day05: Ghanghria-Hemkund
A steep climb through picturesque landscape brings you to the holy shrine of the Sikhs- Hemkund Sahib (4329 m). The Guru Govind Singh Gurudwara at Hemkund is also a major attraction. According to the verses in Guru Govind Saheb (the holy book of the Sikhs) Guru Govind Singh meditated hare. Sikhs, Hindus and others revere Guru Govind Singh and so Hemkund has acquired international renown. The crystal clear serene waters of the holy lake encircled by 7 snow capped peaks and their associated glaciers, paint a picture hard to forget. There is also a small temple dedicated to Laxman- a hero of the epic 'Ramayana'. Camp overnight by the lake side. ( 6 Kms; 4-5 hrs walking )
Day06: Hemkund-Ghanghria
Return to Ghanghria. ( 3-4 hrs of walking ) |
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Day07: Valley of Flowers
Trek to one of the most beautiful location in the Garhwal region –‘The Valley of Flowers’(3658 –3962 m). This valley with its myriad variety of rare wild flowers never fails to impress a visitor. Spend the day in the valley. Return to Ghanghria by evening. Overnight in Tents. ( 4 + 4 Kms; 5-6 hrs walking)
Day08: Ghanghria-Auli
Trek down to Govindghat and thereon drive back to Auli. Evening at leisure. Campfire dinner at night. Overnight in Tourist Hut. ( 4-5 hrs walking)
Day09: Auli - Day to relax and explore the surroundings.
Day10: Auli-Pauri
Drive down along the river upto Srinagar from where you take the diversion to Pauri. Overnight in village house.
Day11: Pauri
Day for short walks through the forests. Campfire dinner along with local drums and Bagpipe music. Overnight in village house.
Day12: Pauri-Delhi
Morning departure by road to Haridwar. Enroute stop over at Rishikesh for lunch. Explore the town before proceeding to Haridwar to board the evening train to Delhi. 2230 hrs arrival at Delhi; transfer to Airport for flight back home.
