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Writer's pictureVignettebyurmi

Planning a Trek to the Valley of Flowers

Updated: Sep 30

Hello travelers!

Staying at one place is not my thing.. so here I am planning a trek again. My family says, I have a travel disorder.. and they are right!… I have come to realize that the good news is that I actually do! 🙂

I am extremely excited and decided to start early when it comes to preparation. So, this post is a first hand experience of how to prepare for this very special trek.

To start with, let me introduce you to this place, for anyone who wants to ask me “where is it?” Have a look at the picture below…..

Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, located in West Himalaya, in the state of Uttarakhand and is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora.

The valley of flowers is a world heritage site and is part of the famous Nanda Devi Biosphere. This national park in the far interiors of Garhwal Himalayas (Uttarakhand) is spread over 87.5 sq. Kms. This hidden jewel is a truly unique habitat, home to many endemic varieties of alpine flowers and plants. This valley is at an altitude of 3250 m and above. Over the years many nature lovers from across the globe have been visiting the valley only to be left spell bound by its beauty.

History of Valley of flowers

The place was little known to outside world due its inaccessibility. In 1931, Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton and R.L. Holdsworth, all British mountaineers, lost their way while returning from a successful expedition to Mt.Kamet and happened upon the valley, which was full of flowers. They were attracted to the beauty of the area and named it the “Valley of Flowers.” Frank Smythe later authored a book of the same name.

I still have one month to go for this trek and the time just does not want to pass…. somebody do something….. Magic maybe?

Best time to visit

The best time to visit valley of flowers depends upon your liking as the valley is always beautiful. If you want to see maximum number of flowers July and August is a good time, if you want to see lot of glaciers you should visit in June, to see Brahamkamal flowers at Hemkund August and September is a good time.

Anyways, the preparation has started with two major things, ensuring that I have all the trek essentials and also following a proper trek workout routine to ensure fitness.

The following is what I have been recommended to take, and is a guideline of what to bring.

  1. One Good quality preferably Reebok/Adidas windcheater or lightweight jacket. or A good thermal (polypropylene) layer consisting of long johns and pullover. Temperature is very low especially at night and mornings even in June.

  2. Two pairs of lightweight trousers or pants, one for trekking and one to wear at night

  3. One pair of shorts.

  4. Two light weight fleeces or wool jumpers.

  5. A light weight umbrella.

  6. A woollen hat to wear in the mornings and evenings.

  7. A pair of gloves. (optional)

  8. A camera.

  9. A note book and/or writing paper and pen.

  10. Duffel bag or large rucksack to carry to gear while trekking. We recommend you use something strong and sturdy.

  11. Daypack: This is a small rucksack to carry the gear you will need while trekking. Camera, spare jacket, waterproof jacket, water bottle, pack lunch etc.

  12. Water bottle.

  13. Small towel .

  14. Toiletries, N.B as little as possible, if you are traveling with friends try to share toiletries.

  15. Small torch with spare batteries. (Important). There will be no electricity after 9 pm. You will need it.

  16. Walking boots / trekking shoes. If you are buying new boots for this trip please ensure they are well used beforehand. Few things will make you more miserable during the trek than blisters. You need to cross some shallow rivers using them (Some time jumping over round stones in shallow rivers). It is better to have shoes which do not get wet easily. (Avoid shoes made of foam and cloth kind of stuff).

  17. Medicines like muscle relaxant, some antibiotics, one crape bandage, if you are prone to vomiting then some medicine for that.

  18. Some dry fruits like Fig, Cashew nut and Almonds. Also some chocolates can be bought, idea is to have high energy low weight food items while trekking. Food quality available in Ghangaria is not so good. So take some fruits / biscuits for your breakfast and lunch for at least two days

I am sure you will be thinking that is quite a lot… I think so too.. but believe me , even collecting all these things is an enjoyment in itself…

Detailed Itenerary

Day 1 : Haridwar – Auli (2450m) Drive/280 kms/8-9 hrs

Day 2 : Auli (2450m) – Govindghat – Ghangaria (3050m) Drive/1 hr & Trek/4-5 hrs Day 3 : Ghangaria (3050m) – Valley of Flowers (3600m) – Ghangaria (3050 m) Trek/4-5 hrs Day 4 : Ghangaria (3050m) – Hemkund Sahib (4329m) – Ghangaria (3050m) Trek/6-7 hrs Day 5 : Ghangaria – Govindghat – Badrinath – Auli Trek/3-4 hrs & Drive/4 hrs Day 6 : Auli – Haridwar Drive/280 kms/8-9 hrs

What can you expect to see?

Valley Of Flowers


Dev Prayag


Auli


Badrinath Temple


Hemkund Sahib


Hope this article helps you in case you are on the same road as I am…. Keep smiling and keep travelling..

Let the travel enlighten your life! Stay tuned for more updates on this trek.

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