Valley of Flowers Trek
Maximum Altitude : 4329 Mtrs
Best Time to visit : July – End September
Grade : Moderate Trek
Duration : (8 days/7 nights)
High
in the Himalayan ranges of Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand lies an
enchanted valley. Here flower fully pastures with clear running
streams are set against silver birches and shining snow peak.
Dew lies thick on the flowers, birds sing in the surrounding
forest and the air is pure and charged with floral smells.
Hidden from the probing eyes of civilization, this valley
had been known to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar Valley, the
playground of fairies and nymphs.
Legends associate this valley with the area from where Hanumanji
of Ramayana collected. 'Sanjeevani' herbs to revive Lakshmana,
the younger brother of Rama. Hanuman had to visit far-flung
areas in his search for the life-saving herbs, some named after
him."
The Present-
Way back in 1931, English mountaineer Frank Smith, on his way
back from an expedition to Mt Kamet, literally stumbled across
the paradise Bhyundar Valley, an 8-km long glacial corridor in
Chamoli Garhwal. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and
carpeted with flowers- some 500 species, including the elusive
Brahma kamal, the cobra lily, the Himalayan edelweiss and the
ethereal Himalayan blue poppy- the Valley forms one of India's
most unusual protected areas. Declared a National Park in 1982,
the Valley of Flowers stretches over an expanse of 87.50 sq km-
an area that has steadily gained in popularity, not just among
nature lovers, but also among eager-beaver trekkers over the
past few years.
Mr. Frank S, Smith - mountaineer, explorer, botanist camped here
for several weeks in the monsoon of 1937 and did valuable
exploratory work. He authored a book called "The Valley of Flowers"
which unveiled the beauty and floral splendors of the valley and
thus threw open the doors of this verdant jewel to
nature-enthusiasts all over the world.
This part of Uttarakhand, in the upper reaches of Garhwal, is
inaccessible through much of the year. But when the snows melt
and the monsoon arrives, the earth comes to life- all along the
Bhyundar Ganga River. For miles on end, flowers- orchids,
poppies, primulas, calendulas, daisies and anemones among them-
in every conceivable colour, carpet the ground. Alpine forests
of birch and rhododendron cover a part of the area, and are home
to tahr, snow leopard, musk deer, red fox, common langur,
bharal, serow, and Himalayan black bear. They're elusive,
though, and a trek through the Valley may not result in actually
seeing much wildlife other than the myriad butterflies that
flutter over the blossoms.
The local villagers say that the Valley of Flowers is inhabited
by fairies who carry off anyone who ventures too far into their
domain; and that there bloom, in the valley, flowers with a
fragrance so potent that it can make you faint. Another story
would have you believe that this valley- known in Hindu
mythology as `Nandankanan'- was created when the gods showered
flowers down on earth.
Accommodation
Visitors are not allowed to stay
overnight at the Valley of Flowers; in consequence, there are no
facilities for accommodation within the park. Places nearby,
however, have a fairly respectable range of accommodation
facilities- none of them too luxurious, but usually adequate.
The Trek
The
trek towards the Valley begins at Govind Ghat, after crossing
the Alaknada River on a hanging bridge. The zig zag mule track
straightens through an ascending valley of terraced fields and
vegetation. In the midst, Laxman Ganga tumbles down in a haste
to join the Alaknanda. 3 kms further is the small, pretty
hamlet, Pulna. Beyond this, the swifter, and between the green,
rocky mountains, you can catch a glimpse of snow - clad peaks.
The 7 kms. trail from Pulna to Bhyundar village is full of
nature's scenic splendours including cascading water falls and
cold water springs. Shrubs and wild roses grow abundantly and
rhododendrons colour the area with pink and dark red. Small
wayside tea stalls run all across the route and young and
enthusiastic tourist guides can be engaged at Bhyundar village.
After resting awhile here, the trek on the right bank of the
Laxman Ganga continues through the rich vegetation till a log
bridge, from where the trail becomes, steeper and harder .From
here, you will reach Ghangharia, the base camp for treks to
Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Since camping and overnight
stay is not allowed in the Valley of Flowers, Ghangharia is the
logical base camp for the trek.
Travel beyond Ghangharia is on foot at nature's pace since the
entry of ponies is prohibited. The trek is subject to strict
ecological discipline and the trekker is expected to be
concerned about the ecosystem of the region.
After crossing a log bridge over the Laxman Gangea, 3 Kms. from
Ghanghria, the route of the Valley of Flowers separates from
that going to Hemkund Sahib. The Laxman Ganga joins the
Pushpawati river 400 mtrs. downstream. The trek continues along
Pushpawati. A couple of kilometres ahead, the river is crossed
over to its right bank on another bridge and this trail goes up
to the Valley of Flowers. Snow bridges can be seen spanning the
river but their strength should be properly judged if they are
to be used to cross the river.
The Guru Govind Singh Gurudwara at Hemkund is also a major
attraction. According to the verses in Guru Govind Saheb (the
holy book of the Sikhs) Guru Govind Singh meditated here. Sikhs,
Hindus and others revere Guru Govind Singh and so Hemkund has
acquired international renown.
Topography
The
Valley of Flowers is flanked on either side by majestic peaks,
many capped with snow. The Pushpawati River, emerging from the
glacial deposits around Rataban and Nilgiri ranges, cuts through
the Valley and divides it into two sectors. The major portion of
the Valley is on its right bank and is a paradise for trekkers.
Many streams flowing from glacial deposits in and around the
Valley irrigate it and merge finally into the Pushpawati River.
While exploring the Valley, wading across can easily cross the
smaller streams but the larger ones need to be crossed on log
bridges. In case those have not been put up in time, thick
glacial bridges across the streams also serve the purpose.
There are no sidetracks for viewing colonies of flowers away
from the main track so you can either try to wade through
knee-deep flowers and foliage, crushing some on the way or stay
on the single track running through the length of the valley
without seeing the best. You may however stand on a raised
vantage point to get a better view of the flowers all around.
Within the main Valley, there are many smaller valleys cared out
by streams of melting glaciers. On the banks of these valleys,
you can encounter the most exciting pattern of flowers. One such
Valley exists along the Donagair Garh, the last of many streams.
Every moist place holds its quota of glorious flowers that grace
the still air with their subtle fragrance.
On the left bank of the Pushpawati, are several shunks of flat
land. One of them is called Nag Tal, literally the place of the
venomous serpent - the Nag. It is believed to be infested with
poisonous flowers. These Flowers are bound to cause harm when
plucked, crushed or smelt. Therefore it is advised that visitors
should not pluck flowers.
Day 01- Delhi – Haridwar – 210 Kms( Drive 5-6
Hrs)
Arrive
Haridwar. Local sightseeing and evening Arti at Har Ki Pauri.
Overnight at The Haveli Hari Ganga- A Heritage Hotel.
Day 02–Haridwar – Joshimath via Rudraprayag. 274
Kms. (8 – 9 hrs)
After breakfast leave for Joshimath
via Devprayag and Rudraprayag. Lunch (packed) Tea / Coffee en
route at Srinagar. Proceed on to reach Joshimath in the late
afternoon. Arrive at The Char Dham Camp Joshimath by late
afternoon. Evening free in Joshimath. Dinner and OVERNIGHT at
The Chardham Camp, Joshimath.
Day 03 : Joshimath - Govindghat - Ghangria (3048 Mtrs)
Early morning we drive to Govindghat (22 km), starting point of
our trek. From here we will trek 14 km to reach Ghangria taking
about 4-5 hrs. Overnight in tents.
Day 04 : Ghangria - Valley Of Flowers (3658 Mtrs) -Ghangria
We will trek 5 km one way to reach the enchanting valley. Spend
time here and return to Ghangria in the evening. Total trekking
time would be about 5-6 hrs. The valley is an enchanting sight
with an impressive array of rare wildflowers like Geranium,
Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium,
Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham kamal, Campanula,
Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia,
Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia, Thermo- psis, Trollius,
Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Str- awberry, Epilobium,
Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the flowers have
medicinal values too. The valley is 10 kms long, 2 kms wide, and
is divided by the Pushpawati stream, into which several tiny
streams and waterfalls merge. Overnight in tents.
Day 05 : Ghangria - Hemkund Sahib (4329 M / 14200 Ft) –
Ghangria
Today's
climb of 6 km to Hemkund Sahib is steep at places and will take
about 4 hrs. Return trek will take about a couple of hours.
Overnight in tents.
Day 06 : Ghangria - Govindghat - Joshimath
On this day
we will trek for about 3 hrs to reach Govindghat and from here
drive to Joshimath. Overnight at The Chardham Camp, Joshimath.
Day 07 : Joshimath - Haridwar. 274kms. (Drive 9 – 10
hrs)
After breakfast leave for Haridwar and on the way
take lunch at Srinagar. Restart and if time permits visit
Devprayag (The confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, to
becomes The Ganga). Reach Haridwar & overnight at The Haveli
Hari Ganga.
Day 08- Haridwar- Delhi
Post Breakfast leave for
onward journey
