Garhwal
Valley of Flowers Trek
A UNESCO World Heritage valley of alpine flowers, with Hemkund Sahib on the way
About this trek
The Valley of Flowers is the most famous walk in Chamoli and, in July and August, the most colourful place in the Himalaya. The trek starts at Govindghat on the Badrinath road, follows the Pushpawati river to the village of Ghangaria, and from there enters the national park — a long, gentle valley floor under Rataban and Nilgiri Parbat, carpeted with primulas, potentillas, brahma kamal and hundreds of other species. A second day climbs to Hemkund Sahib, the lake and gurudwara at 4,300 m. Guides from the valley, permits arranged, and vehicle from Rishikesh included.
Day by day
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Day 1
Rishikesh to Govindghat
Rishikesh → Joshimath → Govindghat
Road day up the Alaknanda valley to Govindghat, the start of the trail.
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Day 2
Govindghat to Ghangaria
Govindghat → Pulna → Ghangaria
A short shared jeep to Pulna, then the stone-paved trail beside the Pushpawati river to Ghangaria, the base village for both the valley and Hemkund.
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Day 3
Valley of Flowers and back
Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers → Ghangaria
Through the park gate and up the valley floor as far as the Pushpawati crossing — the whole day among the flowers, with a packed lunch.
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Day 4
Hemkund Sahib and back
Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib → Ghangaria
The steep pilgrim path to the lake and gurudwara at Hemkund, brahma kamal blooming beside the trail in August.
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Day 5
Ghangaria to Govindghat, drive to Joshimath
Ghangaria → Pulna → Govindghat → Joshimath
The walk back down the valley and a short drive to Joshimath.
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Day 6
Joshimath to Rishikesh
Joshimath → Rishikesh
Drive out of the valley.
What is and is not included
Included
- Vehicle from Rishikesh to Govindghat and back
- Guesthouse stays at Joshimath / Govindghat and Ghangaria
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 6
- Local guide and national park permits
- First-aid kit and oxygen cylinder with the guide
Not included
- Personal trekking gear and rentals
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Backpack (40–60 L) with a rain cover
- Three warm layers and a padded jacket
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Sun cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Two one-litre water bottles
Rent what you are missing
Ask about this trek
Dates, difficulty, what to carry, a private group — send us a note and we will call or message you back. No account needed.
Also in the Garhwal
Other treks to consider
Satopanth Lake Trek
Walk past the last village on the Mana route to a triangular glacial lake ringed by Chaukhamba, Neelkanth and Balakun.
Ali Bedani Bugyal Trek
A rolling grassland trek above Lohajung, with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti standing directly over the campsite.
Brahmatal Trek
Snow underfoot from the first day, oak and rhododendron forest, and an open ridge that holds Trishul in view for hours.
