Are you planning a trip to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib and wondering how to put together a detailed day-by-day itinerary? You are in the right place. This article will walk you through the most common 7-day itinerary, a shorter 5-day plan for experienced trekkers, updated 2026 costs, permits, best time to visit, and everything else you need to plan this trek properly.
The Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib trek is one of the most rewarding Himalayan experiences you can have in Uttarakhand. I have been getting queries about this trek for years now, and this itinerary was originally shared by one of our core DwD Community members, Preet Kamal Singh. The information he shared on our community thread was so valuable that I turned it into a detailed blog article so it reaches more like-minded travelers. Let me break down the complete plan for you.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Are Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib?
The Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It sits at an altitude of 3,700 to 4,000 meters in the western Himalayas and forms the second core zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The valley covers about 87.50 sq km and is home to nearly 600 species of flowering plants, including several rare and endangered varieties. It was first discovered by British mountaineer Frank Smyth in 1931.
Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji is one of the holiest Sikh pilgrimage sites, devoted to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Located at a staggering altitude of 4,632 meters (15,197 feet), amidst seven mountain peaks with a glacial lake in the middle, it is the highest Gurudwara in the world. The trek to both these destinations starts from Govindghat, which is the second last station on the Rishikesh – Badrinath highway.
How Much Does the Valley of Flowers Trek Cost in 2026?
Before diving into the itinerary, let me give you a quick budget breakdown so you can plan your finances. The total cost depends heavily on whether you are trekking independently or with a group, and whether you use ponies or porters. Here is a realistic per-person budget estimate for an independent trek.
| Expense | Budget (INR) | Mid-Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Rishikesh (bus/train) | 400 – 600 | 800 – 1,200 |
| Rishikesh to Govindghat (bus/shared taxi) | 600 – 800 | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Govindghat to Pulna (shared jeep) | 50 | 50 |
| Valley of Flowers entry permit (Indian) | 150 (3 days) | 150 (3 days) |
| Accommodation per night (Govindghat/Ghangaria) | 300 – 500 | 800 – 1,500 |
| Food per day | 300 – 500 | 600 – 1,000 |
| Porter/Pony (per day, optional) | 1,000 – 1,500 | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Helicopter Govindghat-Ghangaria (one way, optional) | 3,500 – 4,000 | 3,500 – 4,000 |
| Total for 7 days (without pony/heli) | 5,500 – 8,000 | 10,000 – 15,000 |
Keep in mind, if you stay at the Gurudwara Sahib at Govindghat or Ghangaria, accommodation is free (langar is also available). This can bring your budget down significantly. Also, foreign nationals pay Rs 600 for a 3-day Valley of Flowers entry permit, with Rs 250 for each extra day.
What Is the Most Common 7-Day Itinerary for Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib?
This is the standard itinerary that works for most travelers, including first-timers. It gives you enough time to acclimatize, explore both destinations, and return comfortably. Let us look at this day-by-day plan.
Day 1: Delhi to Rishikesh / Haridwar (200 km, 4-5 hours)
Delhi to Rishikesh is about 200 km and takes approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic. The roads are mostly in good shape via the Delhi – Meerut Expressway, but traffic near Haridwar can slow things down. You can also reach Haridwar by train (Shatabdi Express from New Delhi takes about 4.5 hours) and then proceed to Rishikesh by road, which is just 25 km further. I suggest reaching by evening so you can rest well for the long drive ahead.
Travel Tip: Do not forget to carry these must-have things when going on a trekking or hiking trip. Proper trekking shoes, rain gear, and layered clothing are non-negotiable for this trek.
Day 2: Rishikesh / Haridwar to Govindghat (275 km, 10-12 hours)
This is the longest and most tiring day of the trip. You need to start very early, ideally by 4:30 to 5 AM. If you are taking a bus from Haridwar, the first one leaves around 4:30 AM and picks up passengers at Rishikesh by 5 to 5:30 AM. Shared cabs are also available from near the bus stand at both Haridwar and Rishikesh, starting around the same time.
If you are driving, try to start early in the morning as you have to cover about 275 km in a day with time for jams and landslides taken into account. Your route will take you through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli, and Joshimath. This stretch through Garhwal Himalayas is scenic but can be slow due to road widening work and occasional landslides, especially during monsoon. You should reach Govindghat by 5 to 6 PM.
There are plenty of budget hotels in Govindghat (Rs 300 to 800 per night), and you can also get free accommodation at the Gurudwara Sahib. I would recommend staying at Govindghat and getting a good night’s rest before the trek begins the next morning.
Day 3: Govindghat to Ghangaria via Pulna (13 km trek, 5-7 hours)
An important update for 2026: the motorable road now extends up to Pulna village, which is about 4 km from Govindghat. You can take a shared jeep from Govindghat to Pulna for about Rs 50 per person. The actual trek starts from Pulna, bringing the walking distance down to about 10 km to reach Ghangaria (also called Govind Dham).
You have to start early on this day as the trek is of moderate difficulty and can be tiring for first-timers. Ponies and porters are available at Pulna for Rs 1,000 to 1,500 depending on the season and demand. You will pass through Bhyundar village, and there are small shops along the way selling tea, Maggi, and snacks, so you will not go hungry.
Helicopter service is also available from Govindghat to Ghangaria (about Rs 3,500 to 4,000 per person one way) if you prefer to skip the trek. However, keep in mind that helicopter services operate only in good weather and availability depends on bookings.
Day 4: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and Back (8 km round trip, 5-7 hours)
This is the day you have been waiting for. Start early by 7 AM (the park opens at 7 AM and closes at 5 PM). You will see a beautiful waterfall on your right side just before the Valley of Flowers checkpoint gate. After collecting your entry permit, you will enter the valley and it is absolutely worth every step of the trek.
The trek from Ghangaria to the valley floor is about 4 km one way. Once inside, you can explore the valley for 3 to 4 hours. Carry your food and water as nothing is available inside the park once you cross the gate. I suggest starting back by 2 PM so that you can reach Ghangaria comfortably before it gets dark.
Entry fee for Valley of Flowers (as of 2025): Rs 150 for Indian nationals for a 3-day permit, with Rs 50 for each additional day. For foreign nationals, it is Rs 600 for 3 days with Rs 250 for each additional day. You can register at the forest check post in Ghangaria or apply online through the Uttarakhand Tourism portal.
Day 5: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and Back (12 km round trip, 7-8 hours)
The trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is about 6 km one way and involves a steep ascent of about 1,200 meters. This is the toughest day of the entire trip. Start early by 5 to 6 AM, and keep your pace steady. The trail is well-marked but can be slippery during monsoon.
Once you reach the top, the sight of the Gurudwara beside the glacial lake at 15,197 feet is something that stays with you. Take darshan, have langar (free community meal), and rest for a while before beginning the descent. The return trek to Ghangaria takes about 3 to 4 hours. Ponies are available for this stretch as well (around Rs 1,500 to 2,000 one way).
Important safety note: At 4,632 meters, Hemkund Sahib is at a serious altitude. If you are feeling symptoms of altitude sickness like headache, nausea, or dizziness, do not push yourself. Please take a sensible call for yourself and your loved ones waiting for your safe return. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
Day 6: Ghangaria to Govindghat to Joshimath / Pipalkoti (13 km trek + 25-50 km drive)
The descent from Ghangaria to Govindghat takes about 3 to 4 hours. From Govindghat, you have a few options. You can stay another night at Govindghat, or you can proceed to Joshimath (25 km) or Pipalkoti (50 km) where there are better accommodation options. If you have time, you can also visit Auli from Joshimath, which is just 16 km away and offers stunning views of the Nanda Devi range.
Alternatively, if you want to visit Badrinath Temple, it is only 25 km from Govindghat and you can cover it as a side trip on this day. Many travelers combine the Valley of Flowers trek with a visit to Badrinath, which makes perfect sense since you are already in the area.
Day 7: Return to Rishikesh / Haridwar (275 km, 10-12 hours)
Start early in the morning by 5 to 6 AM. You can take a shared taxi from Govindghat or Joshimath, or the GMOU/GMVN bus that starts at 6 AM. The drive back to Rishikesh takes 10 to 12 hours, and from there you can proceed to Delhi the same night or stay in Rishikesh and head back the next morning.
You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂
Is There a Shorter Itinerary for Experienced Trekkers?
Yes, if you are an experienced trekker with good stamina, you can cover Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib in 5 days. However, I will strongly advise against this unless you have done similar high-altitude treks before. This short itinerary skips acclimatization time and requires long, exhausting days.
- Day 1: Night bus from Delhi to Rishikesh (200 km, 4 hours), then Rishikesh to Govindghat (275 km, 10-12 hours)
- Day 2: Govindghat to Pulna (shared jeep) to Ghangaria (10 km trek, 5-7 hours)
- Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back (8 km round trip, 5-7 hours)
- Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back, then trek down to Govindghat (27 km total, 12-14 hours). This is extremely grueling.
- Day 5: Govindghat to Rishikesh to Delhi (275 km + 200 km)
Please note, attempt this only if you are absolutely sure about your stamina to undergo this hectic schedule. The Day 4 stretch of 27 km with both the Hemkund Sahib ascent and full descent to Govindghat is brutal on the knees.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib?
The Valley of Flowers opens around 1st June and closes by early October every year. Hemkund Sahib typically opens a few weeks later (late May to early June) and closes by mid-October, depending on weather. Here is a month-by-month breakdown to help you decide.
- June: The valley has just opened. Snow may still be present at higher elevations. Flowers are limited, mostly white and yellow varieties. Weather is relatively clear with fewer crowds. Good for those who want solitude.
- July: The monsoon arrives and flowers start blooming in full force. Expect rain every day, but the valley turns blue and purple with primulas and orchids. Landslides on the road to Govindghat are common. Carry good rain gear.
- August: Peak bloom month. The valley is at its most spectacular with nearly all 600 species in bloom. Pink, red, and yellow flowers dominate. However, this is also peak monsoon, so landslides and road blockages are frequent.
- September: The last good month for flowers. Rainfall reduces, skies clear up, and the valley transitions to autumn colors. This is arguably the best balance between flowers and weather.
- October: The park closes by early October. Few flowers remain, but the weather is clear and the Himalayan peaks are visible. Only recommended if you are more interested in the trek than the flowers.
My suggestion: If you want the best flower display, visit in the second half of July or August. If you want better weather and fewer crowds, September is your best bet. Keep in mind that monsoon makes the road to Govindghat unpredictable, so always keep buffer days in your plan.
How Do You Reach Govindghat for the Trek?
Govindghat is the base point for both the Valley of Flowers trek and the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage. Here are your options to reach there.
- By Bus: State transport buses (GMOU) run from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Joshimath and Badrinath, passing through Govindghat. The first bus from Haridwar leaves around 4:30 AM. Fare is approximately Rs 500 to 600.
- By Shared Taxi / Cab: Shared cabs are available from Rishikesh and Haridwar to Joshimath. Fare is about Rs 600 to 800 per person. Private taxis cost Rs 6,000 to 8,000 one way.
- By Own Vehicle: You can drive your car to Govindghat. The road is a mix of good stretches and damaged sections. An SUV is preferable but sedans can manage with careful driving. Park your vehicle at Govindghat before starting the trek.
- By Bike / Motorcycle: Bikes can be hired from Rishikesh. The ride is scenic through the Garhwal Himalayas but can be tricky during monsoon.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 300 km from Govindghat). From there, take a taxi or bus to Rishikesh and then onward to Govindghat.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (275 km from Govindghat) or Haridwar (280 km).
What Should You Carry for the Valley of Flowers Trek?
Packing right can make or break this trek. Since the Valley of Flowers season coincides with monsoon, rain protection is your top priority. Here is a checklist of essentials.
- Good quality trekking shoes with ankle support and non-slip soles (this is non-negotiable)
- Rain jacket or poncho (not just an umbrella, you need hands free for the climb)
- Waterproof bag cover for your backpack
- Warm layers: fleece jacket, thermal inner wear (Ghangaria gets cold at night, around 5 to 8 degrees Celsius)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat (UV is strong at altitude)
- Basic first aid kit with Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor before taking)
- Energy bars, dry fruits, and electrolyte sachets
- Water bottle and water purification tablets
- Torch or headlamp with spare batteries
- Valid ID proof and photocopies (needed for permits and Gurudwara stay)
For a more detailed packing guide, check out our complete list of things to carry on a trip.
Do You Need a Guide for the Valley of Flowers Trek?
The trail from Govindghat to Ghangaria is well-marked and straightforward, but your experience level matters. Here is my honest recommendation.
- Experienced Trekkers: No guide needed. The trail is well-defined, and there are enough trekkers and locals on the route during season to help with directions.
- Beginners / First-Timers: I would highly recommend hiring a local guide, especially for the Hemkund Sahib stretch which is steep and can be disorienting in bad weather. A guide costs approximately Rs 1,500 to 2,000 per day.
- Solo Trekkers: You will find plenty of fellow trekkers on the route during July to September. Solo trekking is safe, but having a guide adds a layer of safety, especially during monsoon when trails can get slippery.
You should also check out our detailed beginner’s guide on trekking in the Himalayas which has lots of tips and tricks to help you prepare for such treks.
Where Can You Stay During the Trek?
Accommodation is available at three main points along the route. Here is what to expect at each stop.
Govindghat: Multiple budget hotels (Rs 300 to 800 per night), GMVN guest house, and free accommodation at Gurudwara Sahib with langar facility. This is where you stay before and after the trek.
Ghangaria: This is the base camp for both Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. You will find budget lodges (Rs 400 to 1,000 per night), GMVN tourist rest house, and a Gurudwara with free stay. During peak season (July-August), rooms can fill up fast, so try to arrive early or book in advance if possible. GMVN rooms can be booked through the GMVN official website.
Joshimath: If you are breaking the journey, Joshimath has a wider range of hotels from budget (Rs 500) to mid-range (Rs 1,500 to 2,500). The GMVN rest house here is also a good option.
What Else Can You Visit Nearby?
Since you are already in the Garhwal region, there are several places you can club with this trek if you have a few extra days.
- Badrinath Temple: Only 25 km from Govindghat. One of the Char Dhams. Absolutely worth a half-day visit.
- Auli: 16 km from Joshimath. Famous for skiing in winter, but the cable car ride and mountain views are stunning year-round.
- Harsil: A quiet village in the Bhagirathi valley, about 250 km from Govindghat via Uttarkashi.
- Mana Village: The last Indian village before the Tibet border, just 3 km past Badrinath. Free to visit and very interesting culturally.
- Gaumukh Glacier Trek: The source of the Ganges. For serious trekkers who want to extend their trip.
What Are the Important Safety Tips for This Trek?
The Valley of Flowers trek is classified as moderate difficulty, but the Hemkund Sahib portion is quite strenuous. Here are some safety guidelines you should keep in mind.
- Altitude Sickness: Ghangaria is at 3,049 meters and Hemkund Sahib is at 4,632 meters. If you experience headache, nausea, or breathlessness, descend immediately. Do not ignore these symptoms.
- Monsoon Precautions: The trek season overlaps with monsoon. Leeches, slippery trails, and landslides are common. Wear gaiters and carry salt or tobacco to deal with leeches.
- Start Early: Always start your day early (5 to 7 AM). Weather deteriorates by afternoon, and you do not want to be caught in rain on a steep trail.
- Mobile Network: BSNL has the best coverage in this region. Jio and Airtel work in Joshimath but signal drops after Govindghat. At Ghangaria, network is spotty.
- ATM/Cash: The last ATM is in Joshimath. Carry enough cash for the entire trek. Most shops and lodges in Ghangaria do not accept UPI or cards.
- Medical Facilities: Basic medical assistance is available at Ghangaria from the ITBP medical post during season. For anything serious, Joshimath is the nearest town with a hospital.
Quick Practical Information for Valley of Flowers Trek 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate (Hemkund Sahib section is strenuous) |
| Total Trek Distance | ~35 km round trip from Govindghat |
| Highest Point | Hemkund Sahib, 4,632 m (15,197 ft) |
| Base Camp | Ghangaria / Govind Dham, 3,049 m (10,003 ft) |
| Season | June to early October |
| Peak Bloom | Late July to early September |
| Entry Permit (Indian) | Rs 150 for 3 days, Rs 50 per extra day |
| Entry Permit (Foreign) | Rs 600 for 3 days, Rs 250 per extra day |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant, Dehradun (300 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Rishikesh (275 km) / Haridwar (280 km) |
| Last ATM | Joshimath |
| Mobile Network | BSNL works best, patchy after Govindghat |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners do the Valley of Flowers trek?
Yes, beginners can do this trek with proper preparation. The trail from Govindghat to Ghangaria and then to Valley of Flowers is classified as moderate difficulty. However, the Hemkund Sahib portion is strenuous. If you are a complete beginner, I suggest doing some physical conditioning for at least a month before the trek. You can also check our guide on easy treks in Uttarakhand for beginners to build experience first.
How many days are needed for the Valley of Flowers trek?
The standard itinerary from Delhi takes 7 days (6 nights). Experienced trekkers can do it in 5 days, but this is exhausting and not recommended for first-timers. If you want to add Badrinath or Auli, plan for 8 to 9 days total.
Is the Valley of Flowers trek open in June?
Yes, the park typically opens on June 1st. However, flower variety is limited in June as many species bloom later in July and August. If you want the best flower display, mid-July to August is ideal.
Can I do the Valley of Flowers trek without a guide?
Yes, the trail is well-marked and you can trek independently. During peak season (July to September), there are plenty of trekkers and locals on the trail. However, if this is your first Himalayan trek, I would recommend hiring a guide for safety, especially for the Hemkund Sahib section.
Is there phone network at Ghangaria?
BSNL has the most reliable coverage at Ghangaria, though it can be spotty. Jio and Airtel signals drop after Govindghat. Inform your family about limited connectivity before starting the trek.
Are ponies and porters available for the trek?
Yes, ponies and porters are available from Pulna to Ghangaria, and from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib. Expect to pay Rs 1,000 to 2,000 per stretch depending on the season and demand. During peak season, rates go up and availability can be tight, so book early in the morning.
Can I visit both Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib in one day?
No, I would not recommend it. They are in opposite directions from Ghangaria and each requires a full day of trekking. Plan separate days for each. Valley of Flowers is about 4 km from Ghangaria, while Hemkund Sahib is 6 km with a much steeper climb.
What is the total cost of the Valley of Flowers trek from Delhi?
On a tight budget, you can complete the 7-day trek for about Rs 5,500 to 8,000 per person (using buses, staying at Gurudwaras, and carrying your own food). A comfortable mid-range trip costs Rs 10,000 to 15,000 per person. If you add porter/pony services and helicopter transfers, budget Rs 18,000 to 25,000 per person.
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I hope this detailed itinerary helps you plan your trip to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. This is one of those treks that every nature lover and Himalayan enthusiast should experience at least once. The combination of alpine flowers, glacial lakes, and spiritual energy at Hemkund Sahib makes it truly special.
If you have any questions about planning this trek, feel free to ask in the comments section below. If you know someone who is planning a trip to Uttarakhand, do share this article with them. You can also check out our complete Valley of Flowers travel guide for even more details, and join the DwD Community for discussions, finding travel partners, and getting real-time updates from fellow trekkers 🙂 …
All the pictures in this article are from the amazing travel tale of Madhu bhai in the DoW community: Two old beauties, a promise, and The Valley of Flowers.
Last Updated: February 2026
46 Comments
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Hey dheeraj, i am planning visit Hemkunt sahib and Vof in the first week of july, i would be travelling from gurgaon with my cousins, we will probably take baleno(petrol) instead of train.i have no clue how to plan a itinerary for this trip so please guide me and what’s the least time to cover this trip and how much would it cost per person.
Jatin, you can plan the trip as mentioned in the article for the itinerary of it. Also, you can check our detailed guide on Valley of Flowers Trek – A Travel Guide
Regarding the cost, it should cost you around 8-9K types per person.
Hi Team, first of all, i had got great help from you guys in planning my Leh trip last year. Thanks a lot for that.
Now its VOF. I have a swift VDI and planning to self drive DEL to Govindghat. Is it practical to self drive in that monsoon season in such a landslide prone zone. If this is a real hassle, can do with hiring a taxi. We are a couple 37-38yrs.
Self drive is fine but in case of monsoon beware that any kind of drive self or in taxi is always dangerous and comes with risks in Garhwal
yes. But they say. July and August are the best times for VOF. Any Driver recommendations you know ??
Sorry on the driver front and yeah, unfortunately, if you want to see the beauty of it, you have to take the chance and make the trip during that time
That`s exactly the way, i did it 🙂
Nice article Sir 🙂
Good to know that bhai and thank you 🙂 .. I hope you doing great now a days 🙂
Hi,
I would like to visit Valley of flowers with my kid which is 1.5 years old. Please let me know if it is goo decision to take him. Pony is available there?
Regards,
Girish
I will suggest to avoid taking 1.5 yr old kid to valley of flowers.
Hello Dhiraj!
I was wondering if a foreign national requires a Protected Area Permit to go to the Valley of Flowers?
Not a permit but a fee is to be paid. For Indians I guess it is around Rs 200 and for foreigners around Rs 700
Hi Dheeraj,
Just one question, I know we can have accomodation at govindghat, but could you please tell whether accomodation is available at Ghagaria or not. We do not want to carry tents with us. We are a group of 8 people. Thanks in advance
Yes Rishab there are options of stays available at Ghangaria including a KMVN Rest House.
Thanks Dheeraj for your valuable inputs. Would you be able to suggest couple of more himalayan treks of Uttarnachal and Himachal which we can do on our own without any trek community/facilitator ?
Rishab, well, check this out: Top 6 Easy Winter Treks in Uttarakhand & Himachal
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning to Travel from Delhi to VOF on my Car (Maruti Ciaz)
I will be following Delhi > Haridwar> Rishikesh> Joshimath> Govind Ghat route.
Can you please let me know about the Road conditions of this route. It will really help me decide if I need to find an alternative vehicle in case the road conditions are bad.
Waiting for your response.
Many Thanks – Amit Dabas
Amit, as of now last week there was an update up to Rudraprayag that roads are in fine shape. Beyond that, I do not have any latest update on road conditions post monsoons. Sorry about that, but nothing major has been heard about.
Thanks Dheeraj, for your quick response and suggestion.
Can you also please suggest hotel at all the locations of your iternary.we Are planning from Aug 20 (delhi)-Aug 28 (delhi)Thank you!
Sorry about the hotels, we mostly book on the spot or majorly stay with KMVNs or GMVNs whenever we travel to Uttarakhand.
Sorry what I meant was accommodation only… (‘hotels’) unable to find any available now for this month. Just wanted to check.
Thank you!
Can you let me know where have you stayed at ghangariya
Check with Hotel Bhagat at Govind Ghat: 9412936360. He may help you out.
Thanks a lot 🙂 will contact the person.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am starting from Mumbai to VoF and Hemkund Sahib trek on 23rd and the following is my itinerary:
23/07 Flight from Mumbai to Delhi leaving at 02.50 hrs reaching Delhi at 5Am. Scramble from there to New Delhi Station to catch the Shatabdi train to Haridwar, take a rick to Rishikesh and halt for the night.
24/07 take the early Morning Bus to Govindghat and saty there for the night.
25/07 Leave for Ghangariya early morning by 7Am and start the trek( i want to walk rather than the mule/pony. (I am not an experienced trekker but high on enthusiasm n determination, I have done Mata Vaishno Devi trek, Kedarnathji trek, Yamunotri trek, Tirupati Balaji trek etc in the past few years. I found Keadrnathji trek very difficult but managed to do it in about 8-9 hrs. So how difficult is Ghanghariya trek in comparison, I am 52 yrs old)
26/07 Ghangariya to VoF
27/06 Ghangariya to VoF
28/07 Ghangariya to Hekund Sahin n back to Ghangariya
I would request your comments on the itinerary and inputs regarding the degree of difficulty of the trek, estimated time for a slow guy like me, how cold will be and what kind of warm clothing is needed?
Regards
Sudhakar
29th Ghangariya to Govindghat to Badrinathji to Joshimath.
Sir, the plan looks OK to me just that on 27 you should go to Hemkunt Sahib ji and return to Ghangariya and on 28 reach back to Govindghat which will ease out things. It is a moderate difficulty trek, so will suggest that you carry a porter or guide with you so that you only walk and he carry stuff for you. Plus a company of local is always more than helpful. Cold conditions are OK but do carry a pair of warm clothes and a jacket plus rain cut jacket with you. Raincoat may be necessary too I feel.
Thanks a lot for your guidance Dhiraj ji. It is just that i wanted to spend more time VoF to go deeper so i have given myself 2 days. You see i am not constrained for time 🙂
As suggested i shall hire the services of a porter or a guide. BTW what might be the cost for that person if i have to hire for all days that i am up there in the hills.
Regds
Sudhakar
Sudhakar ji, I do not think you are allowed to sleep in Valley of Flower and one has to come back, this is based on my own limited knowledge of the place. So, please check with locals before doing that. I am sorry, never got a porter but will check with few friends about the general rates of the porter and revert.
Hello Dheeraj,
I have planned to VOF on 2nd week of Aug.
I planned my itinerary as –
6 Aug Nagpur to Delhi
7 Aug Delhi to Rishikesh. Stay at Rishikesh
8 Aug Rishikesh to Joshimath or Govindghat. Stay.
9 Aug Govindghat to Ghangariya.
10 Aug Ghangariya to VOF
11 Aug Ghangariya to VOF
12 Aug Ghangariya to Hemkund Saheb return Ghangriya. Stay at Ghangriya
13 Aug Ghangariya to Govindghat/joshimath
14 Aug Joshimath to Haridwar
14 Aug Night Haridwar to Delhi
15 Aug Night Delhi to Nagpur
I have few questions-
Can I get Guide to VOF and Hemkund saheb.? how? (at least from Ghangariya to VOF)
Is it possible to go to Badrinath and Vasundhara falls once reach at Govinghat from Ghangariaya on the same day(on 13th Aug)?
Well, plan looks good to me. Regarding guides, yes you will be able to reach Badrinath from Ghangaria. Just leave a bit early always in the day. Regarding guide, the porters are available for sure but guide would be available too up there tough not sure if it will be guide or not. You can check the thread: List of Trekking Guides in Uttarakhand & Porters too
ok, that’s great. I will definitely check there at Ghangariya and at Govindghat. Thanks a lot.
Best wishes for trip 🙂
Hey Vyankatesh, Just curious to know if you are back from this trip. I had planned the trip for this week too but had to postpone it because everybody warned me of the rains and roads. How bad are things up there? Do you think I should wait till Sep?
I will suggest of postponing it to September.
Hi dheeraj,we planning to go to valley of flowers in month of July end.will it be safe to travel in the rainy season.little worried.please guide us.
Thanks.
Well, it is the time to travel unfortunately. Mostly you have to deal with rains during that time. do check the weather conditions before going ahead.
Hi Dheeraj
Quick question on VOF trek:
1. Can this trek be done with Quecha ARPENAZ Sandal 100L or its quechua forclaz 500 trekking shoes?
Regards
Avni
Well, sandals are prone to have bruised feet or cut feet on a simple slip. And you know when you are in no mans land, a small bleeding cut or bruised feet can make you trouble a lot. I never advice trekking in Himalayas in sandals or sleepers. Best is to wear shoes.
Hello Dheeraj,
Really appreciate the good work you are doing. I am really keen to become a member of DoW.
I am planning my trip (25th June to 3rd May) to Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, Badrinath, Deoria taal and Chandrashila peak. I planned my itinerary as –
24-Jun Delhi to Haridwar
25-Jun Haridwar to Joshimath
26-Jun Joshimath to Govind Ghat Govind Ghat to Ghangaria
27-Jun Ghangaria to Hemkunt Sahib & back
28-Jun Ghangaria to valley of flowers & back
29-Jun Ghangaria to Govind Ghat Govind Ghat to Badrinath Badrinath to Joshimath
30-Jun Joshimath to Saari Village Sari Village to Deoria Taal
01-Jul Deoria Taal to Sari Village Sari Village to Chopta Chopta to Tungnath to Chopta
02-Jul Chopta to Haridwar Haridwar to Delhi
It would be great if you can shed some light over following points :
a) First of all, What do you think of this itinerary? I must mention that I am trekking for first time. If you this this itinerary can be improved, please suggest.
b) We will be travelling in Honda City. Would it be ok to travel in Sedan?
c) Where would be ideal places to stay according to itinerary? (I must mention that we will be looking for decent but economic accommodation)
d) Do you have any inputs for blossoming of flowers around that time of the year, in valley of flowers?
e) Is there any one way road along the whole route?
Thanks a lot in advance for your help.
Ankit Gupta
Hi Dheeraj-Ji,
We are planning to visit VoF in July/Aug 2016.
It would be great if you can clarify my queries:
– How difficult is the trek ? This would be our first trek in North.
– Route from Dehradun ? We are planning to go to Dehradun from Pune. Which route you would suggest – Pune->Delhi or Pune-> Dehradun ?
– Any trek group/guide which we can join?
Thanks in advance!
Shilpa, it is of moderate difficulty trek. Route is suggested above along with complete plan.
oooffff …. just want to be there … but you have frightened me Dheeraj …
Any specific reason?? I hope the article was useful in planning not frightening anyone 😀
I have been there on the Month of August, 2015. what an immense beauty. I fall in Love. I have not seen heaven but i am prety sure that it will look like this. Thanks to God for this type of Gift he has given to us. #Shivaye
Happy New Year Dheeraj
Happy new year Vipin !! Yeah, indeed a god’s gift