Introduction
From Brahma Kamal, the King of Himalayas, to Himalayan Marsh Orchids native to the region, from Blue Poppy to Himalayan Rose, there is a symphony of colors in the alpine valleys of Uttarakhand. Regarded as a World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers Trek, at an altitude of 3868 meters, offers stunning vistas of a landscape which appears to be covered by a naturally woven carpet of flowers. Additionally, the surrounding mountain peaks, the verdant coniferous trees and the azure waters of the majestic rivers together paint a picture straight out of a fairytale. If you are looking forward to adding a vibrant touch to your travel diaries, this is the place for you to visit.
Travel Tips:
The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is during the month of August, after the July rains. Most of the exotic flowers bloom after the showers and you will be able to make the most out of your trip during this period. Do not visit during winters because some of the areas experience heavy snowfall and are inaccessible. The nearest airport to reach Govind Ghat, the base for the Trip, is the Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun while the Rishikesh Railway Station is for the train passengers. Ensure that you carry sufficient water and emergency supplies because the bus journey from these places takes about 10 hours to complete. Furthermore, since the Hemkund Gurudwara Trek is included in this trip, you will have to build a certain level of endurance and stamina because the climb is steep and hectic.
Travel Itinerary
On day 1, you will arrive at Govind Ghat, a sacred pilgrimage site, which is the gateway to the Valley of flowers. Since it is close to Joshimath, travelers also stop here on their way to Badrinath. The colossal peak of Nanda Devi and the Garhwal Himalayas in the background and the alpine woodlands consisting of Rhododendrons and Pine trees in the front are a treat for the sore eyes. Once you reach Devprayag, the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi forming the holy River Ganges, is a sight to behold. This is a tiring journey as it will take approximately 10 hours to reach your next destination so rest well in the cozy lodging facilities.
On the second day, you will be heading towards Ghangaria Village via Poolna, which is the point up to which you can drive. From here, a 4 kilometer trek to the alpine village commences. With the glistening Laxman Ganga river on one side and the lush forests on the other, savour the beauty of the Neelkanth and Hathi Parbat peaks as you head towards the village. Enjoy the hospitality of the local populace and feel the warmth of the place.
Day 3 begins with a beautiful sunrise and excitement in your heart as you prepare for a trek to the Valley of Flowers. Ensure that your camera is all set up because not only will you get an opportunity to capture the picturesque Pushpavati Valley but also the blooming flowers which have made this National Park into a World Heritage Site. If you are lucky enough you might be able to visit the place during the blooming season of the Brahma Kamal and the indigenous Orchids. After a 6 hour trip and walking for so long, the fragrant air and the burst of colors make it worth all the effort. This place is serene and ushers in a sense of tranquility as you watch the pristine streams flowing under wooden bridges and cutting across the terrain of the valley.
Once you head back to Ghangaria, ensure that you rest well because you will be requiring every ounce of your energy for the trek to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara on day 4 . Perched at an altitude of 4300 meters, this religious site holds significant meanings for the Sikh Pilgrims as Guru Gobind Singh was believed to have meditated here for years. The glistening lake and the snow-capped peaks surrounding the shrine lend a mystical aura to the place. Travel for another 6 kilometers as you make your way to Ghangaria and then leave for the religious town of Haridwar for the last day of your trip.
Haridwar: The Gateway to God
Known for its religious bearings, as a traveling enthusiast, you must experience the amalgamation of culture and religion that this place offers. If you are in town, you should attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, take a dip in the holy waters of Kushavarta Ghat and visit the sacred temples across the town such as Chandi Devi Temple and Vaishno Devi Temple. Apart from the religious sites, you must indulge in the local vegetarian delicacies such as Kachoris and Aloo puri while shopping to your heart’s content at Bara Bazaar and Moti Bazaar. If you are in the mood for some adventure then do go for river rafting and a jungle Safari at Rajaji National Park
Conclusion
Witness the perfect blend of tradition and natural beauty when you visit these places in Uttarakhand. Whether you are a pilgrim or a botanical enthusiast or simply on the lookout for a relaxing getaway from the bustling cities, this wonderland has something in store for everyone.
