The Valley of Flowers Trek
Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand
August 2016
Youth Hostels Association of India
(Factual Blog, keeping my overpowering emotions for this place in check)
Day 1
A. Travel: Rishikesh to Joshimath (by bus)
Distance: 280 kms
Duration: 10 hours
Road: Crooked, Curvy, Crazy
Travel Tips: If you are the 'throwing up' types, make sure you take an Avomine. If you want to fight it, get involved in a game of Antakshari or some playful banter with your fellow bus-mates
B. Stay: Overnight stay at Joshimath in Hotel Brahmakamal
Review: Comfortable accommodation. Budget stay. No running hot water. (You might be successful in coaxing the hotel manager to give you a bucket of hot water for some extra cash)
View: Surrounded by the Himalayas. Sudden euphoria!
TIP for the evening in Joshimath: Visit Auli, the most happening skiing destination in India. There is a ropeway cable to take you to the top. The to and fro cost is INR 750 per person. The last cable ride to return to Joshimath is at 6.15 PM.
Day 2
A. Travel: Joshimath to Govindghat (By bus)
Distance: 20 kms
Duration: 1 hour (Leave as early as possible from Joshimath. Latest by 7 AM)
Road: Crooked, Curvy, Crazy.
Breathtaking views! Do not miss the road signs along this road. Excellent creativity at work.
~ Be gentle on my curves ~
B. Trek: Govindghat to Ghangria
Distance: 16 KMs
Duration: Forever.
Ok, fine. Anything between 6 - 8 hours.
Road: Uphill, uphill and more uphill.
Trekking tips: This will be the single most difficult day of this trip. The road originally 13 kms has become longer due to a new bridge. If you think these 3 extra kms wouldn't make much of a difference, wait till you actually attempt this beast.
You have an option of taking a cab for the first 4 KMs. If you think 16 kms is too much, don't be shy. Just cab those 4 kms.
VERY VERY IMPORTANT: Do not try to carry your own bags. Unless you are a seasoned trekker and have attempted the same earlier. There is a porter available who will charge you anything between Rs. 150 - Rs. 200 per bag and drop your bag safely to your hotel. Trust this guy and get rid of your luggage. You can treat him to some hot chai or soup when you reach the top. Do carry a small backpack with you. This bag should hold all your essentials - water, medicines, cap, windcheater/poncho.
Coming back to the trek. The first 8 kms will feel like a breeze. You will happily walk along the Lakshman Ganga river. Click selfies and stare at the majestic mountains.
There are innumerable stalls on the way, serving hot maggi and cold drinks.
PERSONAL TREKKING TIP: Do not sit down when you take a break. You can stand or lean against a rock for 2 minutes. But for the love of yourself, do not sit. Once the body is at rest, it prefers being at rest. Sitting will tire you out quickly.
You can sit while you have lunch though. But have a light one :)
The real challenge is the last 4 kms of the trek (once you cross the bridge over the river). This stretch is really uphill. The weather deteriorates after 1PM and you will be blasted by the rain and the wind.
(For people like me, who wear a sweater in Mumbai winters - tough times ahead)
The climbing will keep you warm, but it will get colder as you climb higher.
Shout and dance a little when you first sight the tents which lead up to Ghangria!
When you finally reach your hotel, get into some dry clothes. Drink some hot soup/chai. Now sit down :) But not in your room!
Sit in the open air, let your body get acclimatized to the weather. But do not fret, your body knows how to take care of itself.
BSNL and IDEA are the only networks which have a chance of working. But I would suggest that you put your phone on the airplane mode. Let the mountains engulf you completely. You can use the satellite phone in your hotel to call home.
9.30 PM - Bed time after a hot dinner.
Day 3
Trek: Ghangria to Valley of Flowers (lovingly called by the locals as Phulon ki Ghati)
Distance: 4 kms till the valley. 4 kms inside the valley (optional)
Time: 3 - 5 hours (depending on your fitness level bro)
Road: Mostly uphill till the valley
Trekking tips: Start as early as possible. Be there at the checkpoint not later than 8 AM. The first 2 kms after the checkpoint are land slide prone. So be careful, look around but don't stop. Avoid selfies in this stretch. Earphones are strictly prohibited.
Companion! :)
After climbing the first 4 kms, you will be blessed with the first glimpses of the valley. Be prepared to be stunned by this beauty. Be prepared for your jaw to drop and touch the floor. Hold on to a nearby rock just so that you don't lose your balance while admiring the stunning beauty of the valley.
My shoes :)
Now, keep walking my friend!
Another 2 kms to the rock edifice which provides shelter. Many prefer to rest here and have lunch.
But I would suggest you keep walking. There will be sufficient time to have an enjoyable lunch later. Keep walking till you reach the tombstone of 'Joan Margaret Legge' - a botanist who loved the valley and passed away in the valley.
The tombstone is a 2 km walk from the rock edifice.Observe the change in the flowers as well as the other trees and landscapes. You will cross many streams on the way which may or may not have a make shift bridge across it.
The tombstone is beautifully built with a backdrop of the valley and surrounded by flowers. You will also find two benches where you can rest.
Rest a while on one of those benches, you deserve it!
Let this be your moment. Reflect, introspect, let the beauty of the valley slowly seep into you. Be amazed by nature. Be amazed by yourself.
You will find yourself at peace here.
Start back from the tombstone towards the rock edifice. The water levels increase substantially in the afternoon. Its imperative to start your return journey by 1 PM.
Look closer at the flowers surrounding you. The prettiest flowers are jumping from the ground and craving for your attention.
Your return journey will be easier. If it rains, let it! Put on that poncho. Enjoy the mist, the rain drops and the valley shining and gleaming because of the showers.
You should be back in Ghangria by 4 PM. Now grab that hot soup/chai and enjoy the evening.
Day 4
Trek: Ghangria to Hemkund Saheb
Distance: 6 kms till the top
Time: 4+ hours
Road: Steep. Will pull your lungs out steep, But not so treacherous. Friendly steep.
Trekking tips: Start early. Very very early. Start before you can see the sun. Don't climb too fast as oxygen levels decrease. The 6 kms climb amounts to a 5000 feet increase in height.
You will see many inspiring people on your way and chants of 'Waheh Guru' will boost your morale. Once at the top, stop to see the blooming Brahmakamals.
'Ten thousand saw I at a glance. Tossing their heads in sprightly dance' ~ William Wordsworth
Now make your way to the natural lake behind the Gurudwara. Wash your hands and feet and splash some cold water on your face.
If you are a braveheart, take a dip!
Let me warn you, the water is freezing.
Sit inside the Gurudwara and listen to the Ardaas. You can enjoy the prayer and meditate. You can spend some time doing 'Seva' at the Langar. They always need people to help out.
Proceed to the Langar and have a hot bowl of Khichadi and some piping hot tea.
Start your return journey latest by 1PM. The weather deteriorates rapidly. The way back will be slippery. The climb down shouldn't take more than 3 hours.
Back to the hotel and some hot soup/chai.
P.S: The Gurudwara offers warm blankets to anyone who wants to get a little warmer :)
Day 5
Trek: Ghangria to Govindghat
Distance: 16 kms
Road: Run down! Let the wind blow through your hair. Cheer and clap for the ones climbing up.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Trekking tips: You know the road now. It feels like home already. Be prepared for a teary goodbye to Ghangria.
Do give your bags to the porter while climbing down as well.
Travel: Govindghat to Badrinath
Distance: 25 kms
Duration: 1.5 hours
Trekking tips: Duh, you are travelling by bus.
Important: Reaching Badrinath is subject to the road being open. It frequently shuts down due to landslides. So safety first!
Day 6
Stay in Badrinath.
If you make it to Badrinath, visit the Manna village by bus (4 kms) and have tea at the 'last chai-wala of India'.
If you aren't tired, trek up to Vasudhara falls (5 kms one way)
Visit the temple and have some prasad :)
Day 7:
Travel: Badrinath to Rishikesh
Distance: 325 kms
Duration: 12 hours
Road: You know how it's going to be!
'I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. From whench cometh my help.' ~ Joan Margaret Legge
Other things:
1. Buy yourself a poncho. Either in Rishikesh or Ghangria. Won't cost you more than 50 bucks. The poncho will tear by the end of the trip but it will one of the most useful things you carry. They are extremely light.
2. How many clothes to carry: Carry 4 track pants and 3 t-shirts. Carry adequate pairs of socks and inners. Carry thermals and a warm jacket. Clothes do not dry!
3. Carry a pair of slippers/floaters. You won't feel like wearing your shoes when you reach the camp after trekking for the entire day.
4. Carry gloves and a monkey cap.
5. Multiple stay options available at Ghangria. Pre book it. We stayed at the Hotel Sri Nand Lokpal. Decent stay and they provide hot water for 50 bucks and a wonderful leg massage at 100 bucks.
6. Stay options in Rishikesh - Zostel Rishikesh. Great beds and hot running water. Budget stay.
7. Shoes: Action trekking shoes. INR 800. Great buy!
8. If at any moment you feel you can't climb/trek any further, you have an option of taking a pony. The pony is available for the trek to Ghangria and to Hemkund Saheb. The Valley demands to be explored by foot :)
More flowers:
Photo credits also go to my friend Kartik Bhatt.
Most pictures clicked on my Moto X Play.
Feel free to ask questions or queries about the trek.
Happy trekking!
August 2016
Youth Hostels Association of India
(Factual Blog, keeping my overpowering emotions for this place in check)
Day 1
A. Travel: Rishikesh to Joshimath (by bus)
Distance: 280 kms
Duration: 10 hours
Road: Crooked, Curvy, Crazy
Travel Tips: If you are the 'throwing up' types, make sure you take an Avomine. If you want to fight it, get involved in a game of Antakshari or some playful banter with your fellow bus-mates
B. Stay: Overnight stay at Joshimath in Hotel Brahmakamal
Review: Comfortable accommodation. Budget stay. No running hot water. (You might be successful in coaxing the hotel manager to give you a bucket of hot water for some extra cash)
View: Surrounded by the Himalayas. Sudden euphoria!
TIP for the evening in Joshimath: Visit Auli, the most happening skiing destination in India. There is a ropeway cable to take you to the top. The to and fro cost is INR 750 per person. The last cable ride to return to Joshimath is at 6.15 PM.
Day 2
A. Travel: Joshimath to Govindghat (By bus)
Distance: 20 kms
Duration: 1 hour (Leave as early as possible from Joshimath. Latest by 7 AM)
Road: Crooked, Curvy, Crazy.
Breathtaking views! Do not miss the road signs along this road. Excellent creativity at work.
~ Be gentle on my curves ~
B. Trek: Govindghat to Ghangria
Distance: 16 KMs
Duration: Forever.
Ok, fine. Anything between 6 - 8 hours.
Road: Uphill, uphill and more uphill.
Trekking tips: This will be the single most difficult day of this trip. The road originally 13 kms has become longer due to a new bridge. If you think these 3 extra kms wouldn't make much of a difference, wait till you actually attempt this beast.
You have an option of taking a cab for the first 4 KMs. If you think 16 kms is too much, don't be shy. Just cab those 4 kms.
VERY VERY IMPORTANT: Do not try to carry your own bags. Unless you are a seasoned trekker and have attempted the same earlier. There is a porter available who will charge you anything between Rs. 150 - Rs. 200 per bag and drop your bag safely to your hotel. Trust this guy and get rid of your luggage. You can treat him to some hot chai or soup when you reach the top. Do carry a small backpack with you. This bag should hold all your essentials - water, medicines, cap, windcheater/poncho.
Coming back to the trek. The first 8 kms will feel like a breeze. You will happily walk along the Lakshman Ganga river. Click selfies and stare at the majestic mountains.
There are innumerable stalls on the way, serving hot maggi and cold drinks.
PERSONAL TREKKING TIP: Do not sit down when you take a break. You can stand or lean against a rock for 2 minutes. But for the love of yourself, do not sit. Once the body is at rest, it prefers being at rest. Sitting will tire you out quickly.
You can sit while you have lunch though. But have a light one :)
The real challenge is the last 4 kms of the trek (once you cross the bridge over the river). This stretch is really uphill. The weather deteriorates after 1PM and you will be blasted by the rain and the wind.
(For people like me, who wear a sweater in Mumbai winters - tough times ahead)
The climbing will keep you warm, but it will get colder as you climb higher.
Shout and dance a little when you first sight the tents which lead up to Ghangria!
When you finally reach your hotel, get into some dry clothes. Drink some hot soup/chai. Now sit down :) But not in your room!
Sit in the open air, let your body get acclimatized to the weather. But do not fret, your body knows how to take care of itself.
BSNL and IDEA are the only networks which have a chance of working. But I would suggest that you put your phone on the airplane mode. Let the mountains engulf you completely. You can use the satellite phone in your hotel to call home.
9.30 PM - Bed time after a hot dinner.
Day 3
Trek: Ghangria to Valley of Flowers (lovingly called by the locals as Phulon ki Ghati)
Distance: 4 kms till the valley. 4 kms inside the valley (optional)
Time: 3 - 5 hours (depending on your fitness level bro)
Road: Mostly uphill till the valley
Trekking tips: Start as early as possible. Be there at the checkpoint not later than 8 AM. The first 2 kms after the checkpoint are land slide prone. So be careful, look around but don't stop. Avoid selfies in this stretch. Earphones are strictly prohibited.
Companion! :)
After climbing the first 4 kms, you will be blessed with the first glimpses of the valley. Be prepared to be stunned by this beauty. Be prepared for your jaw to drop and touch the floor. Hold on to a nearby rock just so that you don't lose your balance while admiring the stunning beauty of the valley.
My shoes :)
Now, keep walking my friend!
Another 2 kms to the rock edifice which provides shelter. Many prefer to rest here and have lunch.
But I would suggest you keep walking. There will be sufficient time to have an enjoyable lunch later. Keep walking till you reach the tombstone of 'Joan Margaret Legge' - a botanist who loved the valley and passed away in the valley.
The tombstone is a 2 km walk from the rock edifice.Observe the change in the flowers as well as the other trees and landscapes. You will cross many streams on the way which may or may not have a make shift bridge across it.
The tombstone is beautifully built with a backdrop of the valley and surrounded by flowers. You will also find two benches where you can rest.
Rest a while on one of those benches, you deserve it!
Let this be your moment. Reflect, introspect, let the beauty of the valley slowly seep into you. Be amazed by nature. Be amazed by yourself.
You will find yourself at peace here.
Start back from the tombstone towards the rock edifice. The water levels increase substantially in the afternoon. Its imperative to start your return journey by 1 PM.
Look closer at the flowers surrounding you. The prettiest flowers are jumping from the ground and craving for your attention.
Your return journey will be easier. If it rains, let it! Put on that poncho. Enjoy the mist, the rain drops and the valley shining and gleaming because of the showers.
You should be back in Ghangria by 4 PM. Now grab that hot soup/chai and enjoy the evening.
Day 4
Trek: Ghangria to Hemkund Saheb
Distance: 6 kms till the top
Time: 4+ hours
Road: Steep. Will pull your lungs out steep, But not so treacherous. Friendly steep.
Trekking tips: Start early. Very very early. Start before you can see the sun. Don't climb too fast as oxygen levels decrease. The 6 kms climb amounts to a 5000 feet increase in height.
You will see many inspiring people on your way and chants of 'Waheh Guru' will boost your morale. Once at the top, stop to see the blooming Brahmakamals.
'Ten thousand saw I at a glance. Tossing their heads in sprightly dance' ~ William Wordsworth
Now make your way to the natural lake behind the Gurudwara. Wash your hands and feet and splash some cold water on your face.
If you are a braveheart, take a dip!
Let me warn you, the water is freezing.
Sit inside the Gurudwara and listen to the Ardaas. You can enjoy the prayer and meditate. You can spend some time doing 'Seva' at the Langar. They always need people to help out.
Proceed to the Langar and have a hot bowl of Khichadi and some piping hot tea.
Start your return journey latest by 1PM. The weather deteriorates rapidly. The way back will be slippery. The climb down shouldn't take more than 3 hours.
Back to the hotel and some hot soup/chai.
P.S: The Gurudwara offers warm blankets to anyone who wants to get a little warmer :)
Day 5
Trek: Ghangria to Govindghat
Distance: 16 kms
Road: Run down! Let the wind blow through your hair. Cheer and clap for the ones climbing up.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Trekking tips: You know the road now. It feels like home already. Be prepared for a teary goodbye to Ghangria.
Do give your bags to the porter while climbing down as well.
Travel: Govindghat to Badrinath
Distance: 25 kms
Duration: 1.5 hours
Trekking tips: Duh, you are travelling by bus.
Important: Reaching Badrinath is subject to the road being open. It frequently shuts down due to landslides. So safety first!
Day 6
Stay in Badrinath.
If you make it to Badrinath, visit the Manna village by bus (4 kms) and have tea at the 'last chai-wala of India'.
If you aren't tired, trek up to Vasudhara falls (5 kms one way)
Visit the temple and have some prasad :)
Day 7:
Travel: Badrinath to Rishikesh
Distance: 325 kms
Duration: 12 hours
Road: You know how it's going to be!
'I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. From whench cometh my help.' ~ Joan Margaret Legge
Other things:
1. Buy yourself a poncho. Either in Rishikesh or Ghangria. Won't cost you more than 50 bucks. The poncho will tear by the end of the trip but it will one of the most useful things you carry. They are extremely light.
2. How many clothes to carry: Carry 4 track pants and 3 t-shirts. Carry adequate pairs of socks and inners. Carry thermals and a warm jacket. Clothes do not dry!
3. Carry a pair of slippers/floaters. You won't feel like wearing your shoes when you reach the camp after trekking for the entire day.
4. Carry gloves and a monkey cap.
5. Multiple stay options available at Ghangria. Pre book it. We stayed at the Hotel Sri Nand Lokpal. Decent stay and they provide hot water for 50 bucks and a wonderful leg massage at 100 bucks.
6. Stay options in Rishikesh - Zostel Rishikesh. Great beds and hot running water. Budget stay.
7. Shoes: Action trekking shoes. INR 800. Great buy!
8. If at any moment you feel you can't climb/trek any further, you have an option of taking a pony. The pony is available for the trek to Ghangria and to Hemkund Saheb. The Valley demands to be explored by foot :)
More flowers:
Photo credits also go to my friend Kartik Bhatt.
Most pictures clicked on my Moto X Play.
Feel free to ask questions or queries about the trek.
Happy trekking!
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