Valley of Flower Itinerary
The Valley of Flowers is a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is renowned for its stunning alpine meadows, diverse floral species, and breathtaking vistas. Here's a suggested itinerary for a tour of the Valley of Flowers:
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Start your journey by arriving in Haridwar or Rishikesh, two major cities in Uttarakhand that are well-connected by road and rail.
- Check-in to your hotel or accommodation and relax after your journey.
Day 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Joshimath
- After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Joshimath, which serves as the base for the Valley of Flowers trek.
- The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes and offers glimpses of the Ganges River and the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at Devprayag.
- Arrive in Joshimath, check-in to your hotel or guesthouse, and spend the night.
Day 3: Joshimath to Govindghat and Ghangaria
- After an early breakfast, drive to Govindghat, which is the starting point of the Valley of Flowers trek.
- From Govindghat, embark on a trek to Ghangaria, a small settlement that serves as a base for treks to both Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers.
- The trek to Ghangaria is approximately 13 kilometers and takes around 5-6 hours.
- Check-in to a guesthouse or hotel in Ghangaria and rest for the night.
Day 4: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers
- Have an early breakfast and begin your trek to the Valley of Flowers.
- The Valley of Flowers trek is approximately 5 kilometers and takes about 3-4 hours one way.
- Spend your day exploring the valley, which is adorned with a stunning display of colorful wildflowers and a variety of flora.
- Take time to photograph the vibrant landscapes and enjoy the serene environment.
- Return to Ghangaria in the afternoon and spend another night there.
Day 5: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib
- After breakfast, start your trek to Hemkund Sahib, a sacred Sikh shrine located at a high altitude.
- The trek to Hemkund Sahib is approximately 6 kilometers and can take around 3-4 hours.
- Visit the gurdwara (Sikh temple) and the pristine Hemkund Lake.
- Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
- Return to Ghangaria in the afternoon and stay overnight.
Day 6: Ghangaria to Govindghat and Joshimath
- Trek back to Govindghat in the morning and then drive back to Joshimath.
- Upon reaching Joshimath, check-in to your accommodation and relax.
- Spend the evening exploring Joshimath or simply unwind.
Day 7: Return to Haridwar/Rishikesh
- After breakfast, drive back to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Arrive in the city and check-in to your hotel.
- Spend your evening exploring the spiritual and cultural attractions of Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Day 7: Departure
- Depending on your departure plans, you may have some free time for additional exploration or shopping.
- Depart for your onward journey or extend your stay to explore more of Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Please note that the Valley of Flowers is only accessible during a specific season, typically from June to September, when the wildflowers are in full bloom. It's essential to plan your trip during this period for the best experience. Additionally, this itinerary assumes you have the required permits for the Valley of Flowers trek, and it's essential to check the current trekking and permit regulations before your visit.