Valley Of Flowers

Valley Of Flowers at an altitude of 3,368 mt above the sea level, stretches over 87.50 sq km with infinite alpine flowers. Enjoy the route with several gushing     waterfalls to Valley of Flowers. The Valley of Flowers was declared as the “National Park” of India in the year 1982. This World Heritage Site with not much-explored beauty is a spellbinding valley that has always lured botanists, nature lovers, and adventure lovers.

ROUTING:

DAY 01:  DELHI – HARIDWAR                                    (BY TRAIN/FLIGHT/SURFACE)            ALT: 0294 M

                HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH                           (DRIVE: 25 Km / 01 Hr)                           ALT: 0360 M

DAY 02:  RISHIKESH – PIPALKOTI                             (DRIVE: 220 Km / 07 Hr)                        ALT: 1260 M

DAY 03:  PIPALKOTI – GOVINDGHAT                       (DRIVE: 55 Km / 02 Hr)                           ALT: 1828 M

                GOVINDGHAT – GHANGHARIA                           (TREK: 13 Km)                               ALT: 3028 M

DAY 04:  GHANGHARIA – VALLEY OF FLOWERS              (TREK: 05 Km)                             ALT: 3658 M

                VALLEY OF FLOWERS – GHANGHARIA              (TREK: 05 Km)                              ALT: 3028 M

DAY 05:  GHANGHARIA – HEMKUND SAHIB                     (TREK: 07 Km)                               ALT: 4329 M

                HEMKUND SAHIB – GHANGHARIA                     (TREK: 07 Km)                                ALT: 3028 M

DAY 06:  GHANGHARIA – GOVINDGHAT                           (TREK: 13 Km)                                 ALT: 1828 M

                GOVINDGHAT – RUDRAPRAYAG                        (DRIVE: 150 Km / 05 Hr)                  ALT: 0610 M

DAY 07:  RUDRAPRAYAG – RISHIKESH                              (DRIVE: 140 Km / 05 Hr)                 ALT: 0360 M

DAY 08:  RISHIKESH – DELHI                                              (BY TRAIN/FLIGHT/SURFACE)

DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY 01:          DELHI – HARIDWAR                          (SURFACE / TRAIN / FLIGHT)         ALT: 0294 M

                        HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH                   (DRIVE: 25 Km / 01 Hr)                     ALT: 0360 M   

Arrive at Haridwar railway station / Dehradun airport in the morning. Our representatives meet you there  and later drive to hotel in Haridwar. Arrive at hotel and check in.

 Freshen up and start your day at Haridwar.

Night halt will be at Rishikesh

 Haridwar literally translates to “The Abode of Lord Vishnu”. The city is a gateway to the Himalayas where the God resides. Also mentioned as Kapilsthana,      Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Mokshdwar in ancient scriptures and legends, the place is one of the seven holiest places (Sapta Puri) to Hindus.

It is here, where the Holy Ganga emerges from the Himalayas to make its way in the plains. While bustling through the roads, enjoy the blend of traditional Gurukul system of education to commercialized places like Hotels and Restaurants. The ashrams and Dharamshalas give the city its unique flavor and charm.

While in the City visit hilltop temple- Mansa Devi. You can take a cable car or walk to the hilltop. Chandi Devi temple on Neel Parvat and Mayapuri temple on the riverbank are also worth visiting.

In the evening get enchanted by the Holy Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri Ghat as the dusk descends. Get enchanted by the beauty of flames lit around.

HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH                          (DRIVE: 25 Km / 01 Hr)                  ALT: 0360 M   

Move ahead from Haridwar to Rishikesh. It is approximately an hour drive and if you leave while the sun is up you’ll get to see famous Lakshman Jhula on your way.

DAY 02:          RISHIKESH – PIPALKOTI                     (220 KM DRIVE / 07 HR)                   ALT: 1260 M

In the morning, drive to Pipalkoti. En route visits Devprayag - the confluence of Baghirathi & Alaknanda river.

Night halt at Pipalkoti.

DEVPRAYAG presents a beautiful blend of traditions, myths, and spirituality. This is the place where the holy rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda merge into one and take the name 'Ganga'.Thus making it a special pilgrimage.

The holy town is situated at an altitude of 618 m. It is bestowed with abundant natural beauty. As per beliefs, Lord Ram and his father King Dasharath did penance here. The main attraction of the town is the 'Raghunath Temple', dedicated to Lord Rama.

Scientifically structured different levels at the bathing ghats of the town are to accommodate water during monsoons. During winters the priests from Badrinath descend down to Devprayag. The place holds marvelous stories from ancient India. As the legends go, Lord Ram and Lakshman performed a yajna here in Treta-Yug to make an apology for killing Ravan, who was a Brahmin. With a 15-foot tall statue of Sri Ram (Sri Raghunath), the Raghunath Temple is one of the 108 most important temples in India. The statue of Garuda in front of the temple adds more to the attraction of the place. As you move slightly uphill from behind the temple you reach Vamana's cave and nearby is Lord Ram's stone throne.

After visiting Devprayag, start ahead to Pipalkoti. Upon arrival and check in at the hotel.

Pipalkoti is a small and scenic town located 17 Kms from Chamoli on NH58, which acts as a relaxation point for people traveling to Badrinath, Auli, Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers. Nestled amidst lush green mountains and terraced fields. Pipalkoti provides delightful views of the snow clad mountains and green hills all around.

DAY 03:   PIPALKOTI – GOVINDGHAT             (55 KM DRIVE / 02 HR)     ALT: 1828 M

                 GOVINDGHAT – GHANGHARIA     (13 KM TREK)                       ALT: 3028 M

Today, bit early in the morning drive to Govindghat. En-route visit Joshimath.

Night halt at Ghangharia.

JOSHIMATH is a popular a popular halt for pilgrims going to Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib or Valley of flowers. It is situated on the slopes above the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. The place with its religious significance as one of the four Maths established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century also boasts of having one of the oldest trees in India-Kalpavriksha, which ages to around 2400 years old. Auli near Joshimath is the famous Ski resort of India.

After visit continues your drive to Govindghat. Upon arrival in Govindghat, take a local jeep from Govindghat to Pulna village. From Pulna village start the trek to Ghangharia. Upon arrival at Ghangharia, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is to relax. Overnight is at hotel Ghangharia.

GHANGHARIA is the last human populated halt on our way to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers. This small yet beautiful village is situated at the confluence of Pushpawati and Hemganga river. Which once was popularly called Laxman Ganga.

DAY 04:  GHANGHARIA – VALLEY OF FLOWERS (05 KM TREK)          ALT: 3658 M

                VALLEY OF FLOWERS – GHANGHARIA (05 KM TREK)          ALT: 3028 M

Today morning trek from Ghangharia to Valley of flowers, one can go deeper into the valley to explore it more.

After visiting Valley return to Ghangharia.

Overnight is at hotel in Ghangharia.

VALLEY OF FLOWERS is situated in a very remarkable area. The delicate scene of the Valley of Flowers National Park balances the rough mountain wild of Nanda Devi National Park toward the east. Together, they infuse a one of a kind change zone between the mountainous geography of the Zanskar and Western and Eastern Himalayas.

Protected by snowy mountains of The Great Himalayas the place looks nothing less than a fairyland. Nature here plays its best by revealing magnificent mountain ranges and glittering glaciers.

Away and safe from human intervention the place sleeps under the covers of white snow during the colder seasons and blooms up afresh as the hotter months show up. In these months the valley welcomes the visitors with its myriad alluring flora. As further it receives drizzle the flowery face of the valley comes up and the regions turn to one of the exotic carpets of the fairy world.

In its full bloom the place looks no less than those from fairy tales. The tedious stroll does not seem tiring with such a place to explore. Along with colourful meadows awaits a few cascading waterfalls, and small streams to woo you with their uniqueness.

With the flamboyant paddocks, crystalline streams and majestic peaks, this baroque of flowers is a worthy watch spectacle.

DAY 05:  GHANGHARIA – HEMKUND SAHIB (07 KM TREK)               ALT: 4329 M

                 HEMKUND SAHIB – GHANGHARIA (07 KM TREK)               ALT: 3028 M

Morning start your steep trek to Hemkund Sahib.

After visiting Hemkund Sahib return to Ghangharia.

Overnight is at hotel in Ghangharia.

SHRI HEMKUND SAHIB is an important shrine for Hindus as well as Sikhs. The place gets its name from the Sanskrit word Hem meaning “Snow” and Kund meaning “Bowl”. Situated at an altitude of 4329 m from the sea level, the place is at 7 km trek from our halt. The place is an ideal place to revitalize yourself and enjoy the peace at the picturesque place.

It is documented in the holy Guru Granth Sahib that the tenth Guru, Guru Govind Singh meditated in the banks of the Lake, and at the place stands The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.

The place also finds the place in the Ramayana. It is believed the Lakshmana, younger brother of Lord Rama regained his health during Rama-Ravana war, by meditating at the banks of Hemkunt. A temple is built at the place where Lakshmana gained his health.

The place is enclosed by the seven snow-capped peaks and white glaciers. Nature reflects with all its sanctity in the crystal clear water here. The lake as mentioned earlier is fed by snow from glaciers from the marvelous Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi Peaks. The lake is also the origin place of a small stream known as Himganga.

DAY 06:   GHANGHARIA – GOVINDGHAT     (13 KM TREK)                  ALT: 1828 M

                  GOVINDGHAT – RUDRAPRAYAG   (150 KM / 05 HR)              ALT: 0610 M

Today, bit early in the morning start your trek down to Pulna Village.Further take a Jeep ride to Govindghat. From Govindghat, drive to Rudraprayag. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay is at hotel in Rudraprayag.

RUDRAPRAYAG - the town named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The place is 34 km from Srinagar (Garhwal). From here one can head to Kedarnath or Badrinath Dhams, since, the routes separate here. It has a special religious significance too. The place is believed to resemble two sisters embracing each other and adding uniqueness to the charisma of the place. Many visitors travel to the place to witness this beauty every year.

The main temples are the Jagdamaba Temple and the Shiva Temple. The town of Kedarnath which is an important pilgrimage center for many Hindus is located around 86 km from the town. The Koteshwar Temple can be seen on the banks of the Alaknanda River and this is also a popular site in the town.

DAY 07: RUDRAPRAYAG – RISHIKESH           (135 KM DRIVE / 05 HR)         ALT: 0360 M

Today morning after breakfast drive from Rudraprayag to Rishikesh. En-route visit Dhari Devi temple situated on the bank of Alaknanda River near Srinagar.

DHARI DEVI TEMPLE is a Hindu temple dedicated to Devi Kali Mata.  Dhari Devi Goddess is considered as the guardian deity of Uttarakhand. The temple is located in Kalyasaur along the Srinagar-Badrinath Highway on the banks of the Alaknanda River in the Garhwal Region.

After visiting the temple, continue your drive to Rishikesh. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Rishikesh is the base to Garhwal Himalayas, surrounded by Shivalik hills and bisected by the wide and sluggish Ganges, is often claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World'.

Rishikesh is an ideal destination not only for pilgrims but also for those who want to delve deeper into meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. Compared to Haridwar, Rishikesh is more tranquil and offers some of the best meditation spots. A number of Ashrams (hermitages) offer Yoga and meditation courses for those in quest of spiritual fulfillment. Some come to Rishikesh to learn the ways of the mystics while others come here to discover their inner selves. Rishikesh has recently developed to be an important center for treatment using the ancient methods of treatment nature and Ayurveda for difficult to treat ailments and stress-induced problems. The International Yoga Festival held here every year (1st-7th March) on the banks of river Ganga attracts participation from all across the globe.

Not only for pilgrims and people seeking spiritual knowledge but also for adventure sports lover the place is heaven. The city has a wide range of adventure sports like rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, fox flying and others to offer.

In the evening a brief visit to town followed by Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 08:          RISHIKESH – DELHI                             (SURFACE / TRAIN / FLIGHT)                      

Today in time, transfer to Haridwar Railway station or Dehradun airport to board your train / flight for onwards journey.

*** Holy Trip Concludes***

EXTENTION TOUR

BADRINATH EXTENTION - (01 Night / 02 Days)

DAY 06:  GHANGHARIA – GOVINDGHAT     (13 KM TREK)                  ALT: 1828 M

                 GOVINDGHAT – BADRINATH          (25 KM / 01 HR)               ALT: 3133 M    

Today, bit early in the morning start your trek down to Pulna Village, from here take a jeep to Govindghat, from Govindghat drive to Badrinath. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

BADRINATH: One of the most important places of pilgrimage in India also, One of the 'Four Dhams' is situated 3,133 meters above the sea levels. With Nar & Narayan mountain ranges on either side and the towering Neelkanth Peak, the grand backdrop makes the place more splendid. The adored spot was once overspread with wild berries. Thus the            place got the name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries

In the evening proceed to visit Mana Village which is the last village at Indo –China border. Also visit Bhimpul, Saraswati river, Vyas gufa, Ganesh Gufa and other important sites.

MANA VILLAGE is the last village at the Indo-China border. Situated at 03 km driveable distance from Badrinath the village is designated as “Tourism Village” by the Uttarakhand Government. The inhabitants here are Indo-Mongolian tribes called Bhotias. This is one of the best tourist destinations near Badrinath.

BHIM PUL is an enthralling and adventurous place dating back to the times of Mahabharata. It is believed that at this place Bheem threw a big massif rock to make a path joining two mountains so that Draupadi could walk easily on it. Saraswati River is coming from between the mountain with immense force to merge with the water of Alaknanda River, and the confluence is called “Keshav Prayag”

VYAS CAVE is too believed to date back to the times of Mahabharata. It is believed that it is the place from where sage Vyas dictated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha.

GANESH CAVE is a naturally formed cave in the Mana Village. As per Hindu beliefs, it is said that Ganesha penned Mahabharata in this cave as dictated by Rishi Vyas. This cave is close to Vyas Cave.

DAY 07:   BADRINATH – RUDRAPRAYAG        (160 KM DRIVE / 06 HR)        ALT: 0610 M

Today morning after Badrinath Temple Darshan, drive to Rudraprayag.

Rest of the program will remain the same as mentioned in the main itinerary.

TENTATIVE: OPENING & CLOSING DATES

Note: The above OPENING & CLOSING DATES are tentative. The exact dates will be updated as soon as finalized.

 ADVISORY:

• The Valley Of Flowers is a wildlife / trekking tour where the journey goes through remote locations of Himalayan region in Uttarakhand. Hence do not expect luxury arrangements due to lack of resources in the region and also make yourself physically and mentally prepared to undertake the tour. However, we provide best services and comfortable trip putting our best efforts in the given conditions.
• The Valley of Flowers begins from 1st week of June to 01st week of October each year. And the best time to visit Valley of Flowers is July and August months as during this period the valley shows its flowery face and the entire region glisten like a colourful carpet.
• July and August is monsoon season, hence make yourself physically and mentally prepared to undertake the tour with some extra days, as due to monsoon season, there are chances of landslides and road blocks, which may increase your length of stay.
• Due to altitude variation you need to carry both summer and winter clothes. (Provided in check list). Women are advised to avoid Sarees and opt for Salwar Kameez or trousers.
• Do consult with your doctor and make sure you do not have any health issues related to high altitudes. If you have ailment like acrophobia, high blood pressure, asthma or other heart problems, please do refrain from undertaking this journey.
• As Valley Of Flowers is a seasonal business for hotels, therefore in these locations hotels operate with limited power backup. Therefore, there might be some power interruptions.
• Due to mountain terrain - mobile networks varies place to place and may not be available at remote locations, hence keep your family & friends informed.
• ATMs (Automated teller machines) are available at many places during your travel (subject to cash availability at remote areas) but money exchange facility is available at Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun only.

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

ACCOMMODATION:

We have prepared the proposal on 2 categories hotels wherein:

• Category I hotels are economical basis neat and clean hotels in respective region with basic 2 star facilities except in Ghandharia where these are basic neat and clean hotel/guest houses.
• Category II hotels are best available hotels in respective region with basic 3 star facilities except in Ghandharia where these are basic neat and clean hotel/guest houses.

 TRANSPORTATION:

• We would recommend using AC Toyota Innova for clients from 01 – 04 person and AC Tempo Traveller from 05 – 08 person. Note: AC will not be operational during hill drives.

 ACCOMPANYING ESCORT (IF REQUIRED):

• Well-mannered knowledgeable accompanying English speaking escort OR local Naturalist will be provided.

 HELICOPTER SHUTTLE SERVICE:

• Daily helicopter shuttle service is operational between Govindghat-Ghangaria-Govindghat (Subject to weather and seat availability).

 Dos and Don’ts:

• Eat only what is cooked and drink either packaged or boiled water.
• Carry moderate & heavy woolen clothes during June-Aug as weather may change due to sudden rain. However for Sep-Oct carry heavy woolen clothes.
• Carry dry eatable stocks with you like biscuits, Sugar, Candies, Chocolates, milk powder, assorted dry fruits, honey, lemons and tinned foods and other items suiting your palates. 
• While visiting any religious site/shrine/temple, one should remove shoes and cover head with a piece of cloth before entering the Holy place.
• Prefer trekking on hill-side, avoid trekking or waiting at trench side as ponies (horses) coming from other end may push you down.
• Don’t overstrain on steep gradients. Move slowly and steadily to avoid hypothermia/dehydration/any other health issues. Repeated water intake is recommended during the trek.
• Only registered pony walla, porter, dandy man may be hired as they are available for prefixed tariffs.
• Do not take pictures if cameras are not allowed in any particular area. Do not play with the sentiments of any particular religion.
• Alcohol or non vegetarian food is not permitted during Valley Of Flowers Tour.
• Heavy jewellery should be avoided during journey.

 Check list: