Overview
Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 6 Days
Grade :- Easy To Moderate
Max Altitude :- 14,100 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 37 Kms.
The most beautiful of all Himalayan flowers, the blue Primula can be seen blooming in thousands in the valley. The best time to see the valley in full bloom is from mid-July to mid-August. To reach the valley one has to trek from Govind Ghat, on the route to Hemkund Sahib, up to Ghangaria, 12 km ahead. Few furlongs ahead of Ghangaria the trek route to the valley takes a detour towards left. The valley is about 5 km from Ghangaria. The high altitude serine lake, known as Hemkund ( 4300m/14,100ft) lies in heavenly environs. A steep trek from Ghangharia leads one to this spot in about four to six hours. It is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs, as well as for people from other faiths. There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake. Encircled by seven snow-clad peaks and their associated glaciers, it reflects its surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear serene waters. The glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks feed the lake and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this lake. As alluded to, in the holy Granth Sahib, Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikh faith had meditated on the bank of this lake in one of his earlier births. It is widely believed among Sikhs that Guru Govind Singh introduced the features now universally associated with Sikhism. On 15th April 1699, he started the new brotherhood called the Khalsa (meaning the pure, from the Persian word ‘Khales’) an inner core of the faithful, accepted by baptism (Amrit). The five K’s’ date from this period: kesh (uncut hair) kangha (comb), kirpan (dagger or short sword), Kara (steel bangle), and kachh (boxer shorts).
Brief Itinerary
Day 1- Haridwar to Joshimath
Distance- 275 km, Altitude 1,900m/6,200ft.
Pick up from Haridwar Railway Station parking at 6:00 AM
Driving Time-10-11 hrs.
Last ATM point available in Joshimath.
Market available in Joshimath.
Networks available all along the way.
Guest house stay (Shared Accommodation).
Route
Haridwar to Rishikesh
Rishikesh to Devprayag (confluence of Bhagirathi river and Alaknanda river)
Devprayag to Srinagar
Srinagar to Rudrapryag (confluence of Mandakini river and Alaknanda river)
Rudrapryag to Karnprayag (confluence of Pindar river and Alaknanda river)
Day 2- Drive Joshimath to Govindghat -Pulna and Trek to Ghangharia
40 km 20 minutes, Govindghat to Pulna (2,000m/6,800ft).
9 km 4 hours, Pulna to Ghangharia (2,290m/9,800ft).
Gradual ascent on a stone-paved path, all the way along the river.
Water is available along the route.
Packed lunch will be given.
Mule and porter facility is available from Pulna.
BSNL network available at Ghangaria.
Helicopter service available from Govind ghat to Ghangaria and fro only if weather allow (Not included).
Stay in guest house (Shared Accommodation).
Note worthy Site: Govinddham Gurduwara, Govindghat; Hemkund Gurduwara base, Ghangharia; Valley of Flowers Information Center; Ghangharia
Day 3- Ghangaria to Valley of Flower and back to Ghangaria
Altitude- 3,500m/11,500ft.
Distance- 4 km, each way.
Trek Time- 7 hours.
The Valley is 6-7 km long, ends with a glacier.
Mixed incline till the valley followed by level walk on grassland.
Can refill water bottles from streams on the way.
Packed lunch will be given, no food available in the valley.
Camping inside the valley is not allowed, can’t stay after sunset.
Night stay in Guest house (Shared Accommodation).
Prominent flowers:- Blue Poppy, Snake Foil, White Leaf Hog Foot, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Dog Flower, Hooked Stick Seed, and River Anemone.
Day 4- Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back to Ghangaria
Altitude- 4,300m/14,100 ft.
Distance- 5.5 km, each way.
Trek Time- 7 hours.
Gradual and steep mixed ascent on a stair welled stone-paved path.
Mule ride service is available till Hemkund Sahib.
Can refill water from road side dhabas.
Hot lunch at Gurduwara langar.
Brahma Kamal, Himalayan blue poppy can be seen on the way to Hemkund Sahib.
Night stay in Guest house.
Day 5- Ghangaria to Govindghat and Drive to Joshimath (Badrinath optional)
Distance to Govind Ghat- 13 km
Trek Time-5 hours
Driving Time- 20 mins
Packed lunch
Guest house stay
Note- GovindGhat to Badrinath is landslide prone area in monsoon time so if our leaders find that your safety is in risk due to weather condition/ landslide or road blockage then we shall skip Badrinath altogether and drive to Joshimath directly.
Day 6:- Joshimath to Haridwar
After Morning Tea/Coffee, Depart to home.
you’ll reach Haridwar between 6 -7:00 pm. You can book further travel any time after 8:00 pm.
Who Can Go
The first timer can apply, should have some interest in trekking and mountaineering
The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 45 minutes without a stress
The climber should be able to carry a 10 kg backpack
Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have the conditions mentioned above
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Haridwar to Joshimath
You will begin your journey with us from Haridwar. Starting the drive from Haridwar from the appointed pickup point (Haridwar railway station), we will take the fabled Badrinath Road. We will be crossing Rishikesh and conveniently arrange pickup from there too. Alternatively, you can arrange your stay at these awesome places on your way back after the trek as well.
The nine-hour drive to Joshimath will surely be long and arduous, but you are never going to run out of mesmerizing views. The great river running with us on parallel will get wilder and more fascinating as we trudge uphill. We will be passing by the 4 of the Panchprayag or the five holy confluence of Ganga—Devaprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandaprayag. So, keep your cameras ready and remain awake for most of the journey!
Day 02: Joshimath – Ghangaria Trek
From Joshimath to Govindghat the distance is 22km. En route, you can spot the final Vishnuprayag. We will start off on the drive in the morning after breakfast and reach Govindghat by 8 am and then 4 km drive to Pulna which is the starting point. It will be a 9 km uphill route along the river, Pushpawati. The entire trail will be crowded most of the time. Many snack shops selling the beverage, hot noodles, omelets with bread, paratha, and the like can be found on this trail. So, you will never go hungry. The trek will be on a clearly defined stone-paved path, conveniently built with stairs. After 5 km walk, you will arrive at Bhyundar village. This village marks an amazing viewpoint for clear Hathi Parvat sights. Enjoy the wonderful sights as much as you can, because the strainful steep ascent will commence henceforth. You will reach Gangharia before nightfall, attaining an altitude of 10, 000 feet. The stay will be at a guest-house.
Day 03: Ghangaria – Valley of Flower – Ghangaria.
The journey to Valley of Flowers is a distance of 4 km. The valley is 6-7 km long; the distance travelled in the valley depends on how the trekkers want to explore the valley. Another, factor to be considered is the stamina of the trekkers.
Right, when you start from Ghangaria in 30 minutes forest check post arrives. The check post might not be an attraction but right before check post, there is a gushing waterfall called Laxman waterfall. Another 20 minutes into the greenery and next furious attraction comes. At this point, the Pushpavati river flows furiously below a wooden bridge. It is quite a common yet a unique and mesmerizing capture. The trail is steep and stone paved like the previous day. You can find many bridges and landslide areas when you enter the valley.
The valley is thousand times stupendous than you might have imagined. It truly makes the Himalayan peaks lively and cherishing. Blue Poppy, Snake Foil, White Leaf Hog Foot, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Dog Flower, Hooked Stick Seed are the native flowers. These astounding colorful blossoms end after 5 km stretch at a glacier. If the weather is clear the mighty Himalayan peaks of Nilgiri Parvat, Bhyundar Khal, Rattaban, Gauri Parvat etc. in the background. Today’s journey will conclude with your coming back to Ghangaria before nightfall.
Day 04: Ghangaria – Hemkund – Ghangaria
Get readyearly in the morning to start trekking (6 Km) for “HEMKUND SAHIB”. One of the most revered of all Sikh Shrines, The Hemkund Sahib, the World’s Highest Gurudwara, is situated at an altitude of 4,329 meters. There will be porters and mules if you wish to offload your load. The trail today will be similar to previous days stone paved and continuous ascend. There will be shops on the way where you can energize yourself. Watch out for the rare flower Brahmakamal that will be spotted beside pathways.
The Gurudwara is placed magically beside the mirror like glacial lake Hemkund. During clear skies, one can witness the flawless reflections of the adjoining Saptrishi peaks. The lake is fed by melting glaciers of Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks. Religious Laxman temple is also found near the lake. In the afternoon trek down to reach Ghangariya for an overnight stay. The evening is free for rest & relaxation.
Day 5 : Ghangaria to Govindghat and drive to Joshimath
After your breakfast in the morning we descend to Govindghat and then drive to Joshimath. From this place Badrinath is 25 km away and take 1 hrs to reach. You can visit Badrinath only if road and weather condition permits us.
Note : Govindghat to Badrinath is landslide prone area in monsoon time so if our leaders find that your safety is in risk due to weather condition/landslide or road blockage we shall skip Badrinath altogether and drive to Joshimath directly.
On arrival, check into hotel. Overnight: Hotel
Day 06: Joshimath to Haridwar
The ride will commence at 6 am and you will reach Haridwar around 6 – 7 pm. Your Breakfast and Lunch will be on the way at a roadside inn, exclusive of charges, after having your morning tea/coffee you can leave for your next destination. We advise you to book further travel after 8 pm.
How to Reach
By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 48 km from the Haridwar. There is a daily flight from Delhi for Dehradun, reach Haridwar one day early if coming by flight.
By Train:-
An excellent rail network connects Haridwar to other important cities like Delhi, Mussoorie, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
From Delhi -DDN NZM AC EXPRESS (2205)
From Kolkata- Doon Express (13009)
From Mumbai- Dehradun Express (19019)
From Chennai- Dehradun express (12687)
By Bus:-
There are many regular bus services from Delhi to Haridwar, from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate. We would suggest taking only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Usually, buses drop you at Haridwar bus station. From there you have to come to Haridwar Railway Station
Cost Terms
Inclusions :-
1. Accommodation. (Guesthouse, Homestay,).
2. Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg) from Dinner on Day 1 to Dinner on Day 5.
3. All necessary entry fees and permits.
4. First Aid Medical Kits and Oxygen Cylinder.
5. Mountaineering qualified & professional Trek Leader, Guide, Cook and Support staff.
6. TTH Staff Insurance.
7. Porters/mules to carry central equipment.
8. Transport Haridwar to Govindghat and return.
Exclusions :-
1. Food during the transit.
2. Insurance.
3. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
4. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Price Includes.
5. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges
6.Any kind of personal expenses.
Note: Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 500/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 700/- if you inform us after reaching Joshimath
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
To book a Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.
Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee: The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
When to book: It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: –
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
Note:-
1)- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.
2)- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH.
3)- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.