Valley Of Flowers Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes & Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Valley of Flowers Trek is a highly regarded high-altitude walk in India, located in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This path sits around 12,000 feet high and is liked for its bright fields, tall plants, falling waters, and snow-topped peaks. The trek takes about 6 days, starting at Govindghat and going through Ghangaria to end in the pretty valley. From July to September, in the rain months, the valley fills with flowers, hosting over 600 types like blue poppies, cobra lilies, daisies, and Himalayan orchids. It spans 87 square kilometres and looks like a big, dream-like art piece. You also see big hills like Nilgiri Parbat and Hathi Parbat as you walk. This mid-level trek is good for new trekkers who are fit. The path has forest roads, wood bridges, and ice streams, all good for nature fans. Trekkers can also visit Hemkund Sahib, a holy Sikh place at 14,100 feet, adding a deep feel to the walk. This trek is known not just for its looks but the still and wild feel. The Valley of Flowers is more than a place; it’s a way to meet nature at its most real. Great for photo fans, plant lovers, and thrill-seekers, this trek mixes fun, natural beauty, and peace. For all looking for a magical stop in the Himalayas, this trek is one to think of.

History of the Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers has a rich and great story, full of myth, finds, and care for nature. Set in the Western Himalayas in Uttarakhand, this cool alpine valley was not known to the world until the early 20th century. But it has been a big part of Indian tales for a long time. In Hindu stories, the Valley of Flowers is seen as a sky place. It is thought to be where Hanuman took the healing herb for Lakshmana in the big fight in the Ramayana. This tale led to the idea that the valley can heal. Locals called it the "Pushpawati Valley," after the river in it, and long saw it as a holy, dreamy place. The valley became known to the world in 1931 when British climber and plant fan Frank Smythe and R.L. Holdsworth found it after a climb to Mount Kamet. Hit by its beauty and many flowers, Smythe wrote about it in his book "The Valley of Flowers," out in 1937. His clean tales and photos made this faraway Himalayan spot known far and wide. Smythe also took seeds and plants, some of which are now in gardens around the world.

After Smythe's find, many plant fans and scholars got into the area. A big name was Joan Margaret Legge, a plant fan from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Sadly, she died in the valley in 1939 after slipping off a slope while gathering plants. A stone in her memory still stands in the valley, showing the hard work of explorers to learn and keep its rich nature. Over time, the Valley of Flowers grew into a key spot for plant study because of its rare alpine plants. Seeing its worth, the Indian government made it a National Park in 1982, and in 2005, it joined the UNESCO list as part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The park is home to over 600 flower types and rare animals like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, and the Himalayan monal. Because it needs to stay pure, human acts are small, and walking is only allowed in the summer and rainy months. Today, the Valley of Flowers still pulls lovers of nature, walkers, and fans. It’s a fine tale, full of myth and science chases, making it a spot of great beauty but also one of history and deep sense. This magic valley shows how nature and humans need to find and keep the world’s pure spots can make it work together.

Nearby Places of the Valley of Flowers

• Hemkund Sahib: High up at 14,100 feet, Hemkund Sahib is a key Sikh holy place, about 6 km from Ghangaria. It sits among seven snowy peaks and is for Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Next to it, the clear Hemkund Lake adds to the holy feel. The hard climb from Ghangaria is worth it, both for those who come to pray and those who love tough hikes.

• Ghangaria Village: Ghangaria is the last place people live on the way to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. It's the start spot for the hikes and has simple rooms and food. Set by pine trees and rivers, it's a calm place to rest and get ready for higher climbs. It shows how life in the Himalayas is simple.

• Badrinath Temple: As one of the Char Dham holy spots, Badrinath Temple, about 25 km from Govindghat, is for Lord Vishnu. Each year, lots of people come to see it. With two mountain ranges around it, it mixes holy worth with great natural beauty. You should see it if you're nearby.

• Mana Village: Just 3 km from Badrinath, Mana is the last village before the Indo-Tibetan line. Full of old tales and past, it has spots like Vyas Gufa, where it's said Ved Vyas wrote the Mahabharata, and Bhim Pul, a natural stone bridge. Mana gives a real look at life in the Himalayan tribes.

• Joshimath: Joshimath is an important town in the Chamoli area and opens the way to many mountain hikes and holy trips. It's also where Lord Badrinath stays in winter. The town has nice views, temples, and fun stuff like skiing (in Auli) and cable car rides. It’s good for staying a bit before you start your hike.

Best Time to Visit the Valley of Flowers

• Mid-June to Mid-July: This starts the trek time, right after the valley opens in mid-June. The snow goes away, and the first alpine flowers bloom. The land is lush green, and the streams are full. There are fewer flowers, but the weather is nice, there are fewer people, and the mountains are clear.

• Mid-July to Mid-August: This is the best time to see the Valley of Flowers. Then, the valley fills with over 600 kinds of flowers. The rains wake up the land, covering every bit with rare and amazing plants like blue poppies and orchids. This time is great for plant fans and picture taking.

• Mid-August to Early September: By mid-August, the valley's flowers start to fade, but many kinds still show. The weather gets better with less rain, giving clear skies and nice mountain views. This time is great for hikers who like fewer people and dry paths, but still want to see a lot of flowers.

How to Visit the Valley of Flowers

• By Airport: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 290 km from Govindghat (where the trek starts). It links well to big places like Delhi and Mumbai. From Dehradun, you can take a cab or a bus to Govindghat through Rishikesh and Joshimath. The road trip shows the high mountain views and takes around 10–12 hours.

• By Railway Station: The closest big train stations are Rishikesh (273 km) and Haridwar (293 km). They link well to big cities with many trains. From there, you can go by road to Govindghat through Joshimath. It takes about 10 hours, best done by a private cab or shared ride.

• By Road: Govindghat starts the trek to the Valley of Flowers and can be reached by road from big towns in Uttarakhand. Regular buses and shared jeeps run from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Joshimath, from where Govindghat is just 20 km away. The drive goes through places like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag, along the Alaknanda River.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Valley of Flowers Trek and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.