Valley of Flowers

Overview

The Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib trek is a highly popular and spiritually significant journey located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It’s a unique trek that combines the vibrant beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the serenity of a high-altitude Sikh pilgrimage site.

The trek typically starts from Govindghat, which is well-connected by road from major cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh. From Govindghat, a shared taxi takes you to Pulna, the actual trekking start point. The base for both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib treks is Ghangaria, a small village at approximately 3,050 meters (10,000 feet).

The entire trek, covering both destinations, usually spans 6 to 7 days. The total trekking distance from Pulna to Ghangaria and then to both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, and back, is approximately 37-45 km.

The difficulty level is generally considered easy to moderate. The trail from Pulna to Ghangaria is well-paved and relatively gradual, making it suitable for beginners and families. However, the trek to Hemkund Sahib is notably more challenging, involving a steep ascent of about 6 km from Ghangaria to an altitude of around 4,329 meters (14,200 feet). This section demands good stamina and can be testing due to the thin air at higher altitudes. The Valley of Flowers trek from Ghangaria is about 4 km one way, a relatively easy walk through the valley.

Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its breathtaking meadows carpeted with an incredible variety of alpine flowers (over 500 species). The valley constantly changes its colors as different flowers bloom throughout the season. It is also home to diverse fauna, including rare species like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer.

Hemkund Sahib is a revered Sikh Gurudwara and a sacred pilgrimage site, perched beside a pristine glacial lake surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks. Devotees often take a holy dip in the icy waters of the lake before entering the Gurudwara. There’s also a small Lakshman Temple nearby.

The best time to undertake this trek is from mid-June to early October. The Valley of Flowers is particularly spectacular during the monsoon months of July and August, when the flowers are in full bloom, painting the valley in vibrant hues. However, monsoon also means rainfall, so be prepared for wet and sometimes slippery trails. September offers clearer skies and crisp views, though the intensity of flower bloom might have reduced. The region remains covered in heavy snow during winter, making it inaccessible. Due to the high altitude, acclimatization is important, and carrying appropriate rain gear, warm clothing, and sturdy trekking shoes is essential.