Valley of Flowers Trek

A huge snowclad ridge encompasses the Valley of Flowers. The valley is approximately 1 km wide and 5 km long. The elevation ranges between 3200 m and 3600 m. The entire region is filled with alpine vegetation from June to October. Tipra Glacier and Rataban Peak indicates the frontier of the valley. The Valley of Flowers National Park is a dream of botanists, photographers, ornithologists, and hikers.

The valley is covered with white, pink, violet, and blue flowers during the monsoon season. Common examples include Anemone, Angelica, Balsam, Brahma Kamal, Forget Met Not, Blue Poppy, Marsh Marigold, Birch, and Cobra Lily.

Pushpawati River flowing through the Valley of Flowers and Laxman Ganga coming from Hemkund Sahib joins at Ghangaria. From here, the river is called Bhyundar Ganga, and it meets Alaknanda at Govindghat. The path between Govindghat and Ghangaria is a long one. Now a motorable road is built till the Pulna Village. You can rent a car or share the one with fellow trekkers. The last climb is to the Helipad from Bhyundar Village. From here, Ghangaria is only a kilometre walk.

Even though the walk to Ghangaria does not count for much, things change phenomenally after. The trail on the left side take you directly to the Valley of Flowers. The trail is spotless and there are no horses. You will visit the Hemkund Sahib next. If you do not wish to test your skills, please hire a horse. When you gain a tad altitude, you will see snow even in late July. At around 13000 feet, the terrain becomes rocky.

Nestled in the Himalayan peaks, the Valley of Flowers is known for its incomparable natural beauty and floral diversity. The biome has around five hundred species of vascular plants and a hundred species of birds, mammals, and insects.

You already know about the flowers in the Valley. Now it is time to focus on the fauna. The Valley of Flowers National Park along with the Nanda Devi National Park is perhaps the most bio-diversified region of the Himalayas. You may spot the snow leopards, Asiatic black bears, brown bears, musk deer, civet cats, and blue sheep. You may also observe colourful butterflies, bees, and moths. The birds include eagles, vultures, snowcocks, woodpeckers, magpies, robins, sunbirds, accentors, and rosefinches.

Best Time to Visit

The seasonal flowers begin to appear in the Valley in the month of June. Some flowers stay till September. You will come across a wide range of species when the monsoon sets in (July to August).  So, it is best to visit during this time.  Even if you take a trip in September, you can admire the green valley.

What to Expect from Valley of Flowers Trek

The Valley of Flowers Trek is suitable for beginners. Even though the whole trail length is longer than several easier treks, it is quite gentle, at least till the Bhyundar Village. The climb from the Bhyundar Village to Ghangaria is moderately steep. The climb to the Hemkund Sahib can be a bit challenging. You have to stay in lodges, which is considered convenient by most trekkers. You have to walk for 6-7 hours daily, so make sure to exercise and increase your physical stamina. If you do not wish to carry your backpack, offload it on the back of a horse.

Since the Valley of Flowers is a Himalayan trek, be prepared for risks and uncertainties. But there is nothing you cannot handle. The below section will help trekkers understand what they can expect if having an adventure tour in the Valley of Flowers in monsoon.

The Hemkund and Valley of Flowers are safe treks. The trail is manufactured from concrete – the type you get only in Pilgrim routes. During emergencies, you can opt for horse rides. Also, you can cover the trail on a helicopter. But helicopters will not fly during extreme weather. Monsoon brings lots of risks but flowers is why you travel in monsoon.

Delays, hindrances, and unexpected situations are part of all treks. For instance, minor landslides can block the road for many hours. Also, if it starts raining, you will not be allowed to enter the Valley. So, adding another buffer day makes sense. To conclude, even with all the risks, the Valley of Flowers is the safest trek.