Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers Highlights
Valley of Flowers Trek
Max Altitude: 14,100 Ft (Hemkund Sahib)
Trail Type: Forest, Meadows, River-side
Difficulty of Trek: Moderate
Base Village: Govindghat
Stays: Guest Houses & Tents
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Reporting in Delhi, Delhi to Rishikesh travel (Volvo/3rd AC Train)
Day 2: Rishikesh to Pipalkoti
Drive distance: 200KM, 9-10 hours
Day 3: Pipalkoti to Govind ghat, Trek from Pulna to Ghangaria
Drive distance: 52KM, 2 hours & Trek distance: 9KM, 4 hours
Day 4: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers & back to Ghangaria
Trek distance: 8KM, 8 hours
Day 5: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib & back to Ghangaria
Trek distance: 12KM, 9 hours
Day 6: Ghangaria to Govind ghat & drive to Pipalkoti (Badrinath optional)
Drive distance: Govind ghat to Badrinath 25KM, Badrinath to Pipalkoti 75KM, 4 hours
Day 7: Pipalkoti to Rishikesh, Stay in Rishikesh
Drive distance: 200Km, 7hours
Day 8: Arrival in Delhi
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSIONS
- Transportation: Pune/Mumbai to Delhi (3rd AC Train) & Delhi to Delhi travel will be in a comfortable (SUV/Tempo traveller) & 3rd AC Trains
- Accommodation: Homestays & Tent Stays from Day 2-6
- Meals: Day 2 & 7 (Breakfast, Dinner), Day 3-6 (Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Dinner)
- Permits & Taxes: Permits and Taxes at all National parks, any other taxes.
- Support Services: Primary first aid, Experienced tour operator, Local support & experienced drivers.
EXCLUSIONS
- Personal Expenses: Tips, medical expense, beverages, souvenirs & laundry
- Optional Services: Mules/porter & trekking services like Jackets, poles or backpacks
- Unforeseen costs: Expenses due to weather delay, roadblocks, or medical emergencies
- Insurance: No travel or health insurance is included
- Unlisted: Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Rishikesh to Pipalkoti
- Altitude: 1,340 m / 4,400 ft
- Drive Distance: 200 km
- Driving Time: 9-10 hrs
- Details: Depart from Rishikesh. This scenic 9-10 hour drive takes you through holy confluences, including Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Vishnuprayag. The views are breathtaking as the road winds along the rivers. The night stay is at a guest house with shared accommodation.
Day 2: Pipalkoti to Govindghat - Pulna and Trek to Ghangaria
- Altitude: Pulna: 2,100 m / 6,900 ft, Ghangaria: 3,000 m / 9,800 ft
- Drive Distance: Pipalkoti to Govindghat: 52 km, 2 hrs
- Trek Distance: Pulna to Ghangaria: 9 km, 4 hrs
- Details: The drive to Govindghat is followed by a 4 km drive to Pulna, the start of the trek. The stone-paved path leads you through lush greenery alongside the Pushpawati River. After passing through Bhyundar village, you’ll reach Ghangaria for an overnight stay at the guest house.
Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and Back to Ghangaria
- Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft
- Trek Distance: 9 km, 7 hrs
- Details: Start your trek from Ghangaria towards the Valley of Flowers. The trail includes a beautiful waterfall, Laxman Waterfall, and scenic views of the Pushpawati River. The valley is a paradise, with flowers like Blue Poppy, Himalayan Rose, and Meadow Geranium. After exploring the valley, return to Ghangaria by evening for your overnight stay.
Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and Back to Ghangaria
- Altitude: 4,300 m / 14,100 ft
- Trek Distance: 12 km each way, 8-9 hrs
- Details: Early morning, trek to Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine located beside a glacial lake. Along the way, you will witness rare flowers like Brahmakamal. The serene surroundings with reflections of the Saptrishi peaks in the lake make this experience unforgettable. After visiting the Gurudwara, descend back to Ghangaria for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat and Drive to Pipalkoti (Badrinath Optional)
- Trek Distance: Ghangaria to Pulna: 12 km, 4-5 hrs
- Drive Distance: Pulna to Govindghat: 4 km, 15 min; Govindghat to Badrinath: 25 km, 1 hr (optional); Badrinath to Pipalkoti: 75 km, 3-4 hrs
- Details: After breakfast, descend back to Pulna and drive to Govindghat. If road conditions are favourable, you can visit the Badrinath temple (only if the weather allows). Proceed to Pipalkoti for an overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 6: Pipalkoti to Rishikesh
- Drive Distance: 200 km, 9-10 hrs
- Details: After breakfast, drive back to Rishikesh. Expect to reach by late afternoon or evening. Breakfast and lunch will be on the way at roadside inns. Upon arrival, your Valley of Flowers trek concludes.
Day 7: Pipalkoti to Rishikesh, Stay in Rishikesh
- Drive Distance: 200 km, 7 hrs.
- Details: The drive will give you one last opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Uttarakhand. Upon arrival in Rishikesh, you will check into your accommodation for the night.
Day 8: Arrival in Delhi
- On the final day of your trip, you will travel from Rishikesh to Delhi, a journey of 6-7 hours. After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive in Delhi, marking the end of this unforgettable trek through the Valley of Flowers.
Packing List
Shoes and backpack
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Backpack with rain cover
Warm Layers and Clothes
- Warm layers
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket) - 3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
- 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sun cap, preferably with flaps
- Waterproof gloves
- Balaclava
- Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
- Headlamp
- Trekking pole
- Rain jacket + pants / poncho
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Moisturiser
- Light towel
- Lip balm or vaseline
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Cutlery:
- Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug
- Two water bottles or Hydration Pack
Must Know
Hampta Pass is a captivating crossover trek that offers trekkers the rare opportunity to witness two starkly different worlds of the Himalayas. Starting from the lush Kullu Valley near Manali, the trek winds through dense forests and flowering meadows before dramatically transforming into the barren landscape of Lahaul. This moderate-difficult trek has earned its reputation as one of the most diverse and beautiful treks in the Indian Himalayas.
What makes this trek truly special is its diverse terrain. Each day presents a new landscape, from verdant valleys and pristine rivers to snow-covered passes and rocky moraines. The dramatic transition from Kullu's green forests to Lahaul's desert-like terrain occurs within a single day of trekking, making it a unique experience that few other treks can offer.
The trek's highlight is the stunning Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake), whose crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding mountains, creating a mesmerizing sight at 14,100 feet. The crescent-shaped alpine lake, surrounded by barren mountains, serves as a perfect finale for this remarkable journey through the Himalayas.
The camping experience adds another dimension to the adventure, with each campsite offering unique views. From the meadows of Chika to the vast expanses of Balu ka Ghera, and the riverside camp at Shea Goru, every stop provides spectacular views of the Himalayas and star-filled night skies. Perfect for both experienced trekkers and fit beginners, Hampta Pass stands as one of India's most rewarding treks, combining challenging terrain with breathtaking natural beauty.