Summers are the ideal time for trekking, and the Valley of Flowers is one of the best treks to head over to. From July to September, the limited window to head over to ‘valley of flowers’ opens up. The Valley of Flowers trek with Hemkund Sahib is the best trek for anyone who wants a beautiful trail without any steep ascent or descent.
Also, with this trek, you get to witness the stunning Hemkund Sahib, the highest gurudwara in India known for its spirituality. If you want to know more about this trek, here is a simple but informative guide for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Valley of Flowers trek with Hemkund Sahib is one of the best treks and is open for a limited time period only
- It is possible to do just the valley of flowers and not head to Hemkund Sahib, but you should
Valley of Flowers: An Overview
The valley of flowers, at a height of 3600 meters is a beautiful trek in eastern Uttarakhand. Nestled amidst the beautiful Nanda Devi mountain range in the upper Himalayan region, the Valley of Flowers with Hemkund Sahib is known for its rich biodiversity and flowers in a variety of 200 flowers. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and is known for being a popular trekking route.
Hemkund Sahib: An Overview
Valley of Flowers with Hemkund Sahib is a famous trek, especially because of Hemkund Sahib, the highest Gurudwara located at a height of 4500 meters (you will be climbing half of Mount Everest). If you are looking for a trek which is spiritual and adventurous, then Hemkund Sahib needs to be on your list.
When to Trek to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib
The trek starts in May; during this time, the winter snow melts away, clearing the path for trekking. However, the monsoon is just around the corner and brings new issues like flash floods and landslides. Therefore, you only get 2-3 months to do this trek, and that is between July and September.
During this time, you will find many flowers blooming, and it is the best time to see flowers. The light rain from July end can make the trek a beautiful adventure.
Reasons for Doing Valley of Flower Trek with Hemkund Sahib
It is possible to do just the valley of flowers and not head to Hemkund Sahib, but you should. The reason is simple! The starting point for both the treks is one-Govindghat, and the best reason is that VOF without Hemkund Sahib is just incomplete. The experience is different, and the peace you experience here is worth the climb.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath
- The Valley of Flowers trek starts in Rishikesh with you traveling in a temperature with other travelers.
- After 9 km, you will enjoy a delicious lunch in the outskirts.
- From here, you will start a slow ascent through Eastern Uttarakhand. It passes through towns like Chopta, Chamoli, and Srinagar.
- The beautiful views of verdant valleys, streams, waterfalls, and more will make your car journey a beautiful ride.
- By evening, you will reach Joshimath and have a beautiful day ahead.
- For anyone trekking VOF alone, use public transport to reach Auli and then hitchhike or take a taxi to Govindghat.
Day 2: Joshimath to Govindghat to Beyond
- From Joshimath/Auli, it is a 2-hour drive to Pulna—officially the trek’s starting point.
- Visit the ‘Vishnu Prayag,’ the confluence of Dhauli Ganga and Alaknanda rivers.
- Do a health test and register here for the trek.
- After this, you will start a 9-kilometer trek towards Ghangaria. It is the last point before the valley splits into Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
- It is a long trek, covered in 7 hours, so take rest and be physically and mentally prepared.
- After reaching Ghangaria, you will stay here overnight. You will find small lodges, shops, and restaurants ideal for overnight stays and stocking up.
Day 3: Start of the Valley of Flowers Trek
- From Ghangharia, it is an easy 4.5km trek to the valley of flowers. You can do it alone or trek up to Hemkund Sahib if the weather is with you.
- Otherwise, do Hemukund Sahib the next day,
- Valley of Flowers will require you to purchase a ticket. Then, as you walk the rickety bridges to cross past curtain-like waterfalls and ice-cold streams, you will feel like you have entered a magical realm.
- After enjoying the sight of beautiful varieties of flowers in VOF, you will head back to Ghangaria and stay there overnight.
Day 4: Trek starts to Hemkund Sahib
- On day 4, you go on a 6 km long trek to Hemkund Sahib. It is like a walk amidst a broad and well-defined path. You will need to put in some effort, but as you keep climbing, the spiritual awakening you feel gives you the courage to keep moving forward.
- Once you reach the Gurudwara, enjoy a warm lunch at the langar and seek blessings at the temple.
- After that, you start your descent back to Ghangaria.
Day 5 to Day 6: Trek to Pulna
- It is time to retrace your steps as you trek back to Pulna. If you want, you can head to Badrinath too to view one of the cathedrals.
- If you do, you will be trekking or taking a cab back to Joshimath.
Day 7: Driving Back to Rishikesh
- Trail back to Rishikesh amidst the beautiful valley, endless mountains, and more. After you reach Rishikesh, spend a day or two exploring the sacred city of India.
- Or you can head back to your destination with the memories of the Valley of Flowers trek with Hemkund Sahib.
FAQs
Is the Valley of Flowers trek with Hemkund Sahib difficult?
It is an easy to moderate-grade trake. VOF is easy, but trekking to Hemkund Sahib can be a bit difficult. However, it depends on your fitness level. If you have the stamina, you will be able to endure it.
Why is the Valley of Flowers with Hemkund Sahib Trek a unique experience?
Well, it is a unique experience because VOF allows you to experience more than 500 species of flowers. While the Hemkund Sahib trek takes you to the highest Gurudwara in the world. Combining the two is definitely a beautiful adventure.
Is it possible to do VOF alone?
Yes, trekking to the valley of flowers alone is possible. Just ensure you make prior bookings in Ghangaria, as there are limited lodges.
Will I find mobile signal on the trek?
No! At a few places, you might, but treks are off the routes, so finding networks is a bit impossible.
Final Word
The Valley of Flowers trek with Hemkund Sahib in India is one of the best treks and is open for a limited time period only. So, book your trek with a reputable agency and enjoy this beautiful trek while enjoying the spirituality you will feel by visiting Hemkund Sahib.
