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Valley of Flowers Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
A 6-day immersive expedition traversing diverse Himalayan landscapes and alpine altitudes.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
6 Days
Total Distance
16 KM
Max Altitude
14,107 FT
Trek Type
linear
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
National Park gate at Valley of Flowers entrance (Day 3). Paid per person per day of entry.
Documents
Aadhar Card or valid government ID
Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals pay ₹600 per day entry fee. Same documents required.
Foreigner Process
Permit issued at National Park gate; valid for 3 days.
Nearest Embassy Hub
Dehradun
Day by Day Breakdown
Camp Alt
6,000 ft
Day Gain
+4,780 ft
Drive: Haridwar / Rishikesh to Govindghat
Long drive along the Alaknanda river passing all five Prayags. Last ATM at Joshimath — withdraw cash here. Night halt at Govindghat. Acclimatisation day.
Key Landmarks
The drive follows the deep, narrow river gorge of the Alaknanda, transitioning from the lower foothills into the steep, rocky terrain of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Camp Alt
10,200 ft
Day Gain
+4,200 ft
Drive to Pulna & Trek to Ghangaria
5km shared jeep ride from Govindghat to Pulna is the actual trek start. Continuous ascent alongside the roaring Pushpawati river. Well-marked trail with tea shops and snack stalls throughout. Ghangaria is the base for all explorations — Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib both accessible from here. Helicopter service available from Govindghat to Ghangaria at extra cost (weather dependent).
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The vehicle road terminates at Pulna, where the route leads into a dense, wet forest environment following the steep river gorge.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
10,200 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Today's Objective
🏔 Summit Valley of flower
Entry ticket required at National Park gate — collected per person. Trail begins gently then becomes steep after the iron bridge over Pushpawati river. Valley stretches 8km long — you do not need to walk the entire length. Peak bloom mid-July to mid-August: blue poppy, brahma kamal, primulas, orchids, balsam, cobra lily. No food or camping allowed inside the valley. Ponies NOT permitted inside — only porters. Return to Ghangaria for night.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The steep, forested river gorge opens abruptly into a wide, flat glacial valley floor characterized by dense alpine flora and numerous tributary streams.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
10,200 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Today's Objective
💧 Reach Hemkund Sahib
Toughest day of the trek. Steep sustained climb from 10,200ft to 14,107ft. Start early — weather at Hemkund changes rapidly, clear mornings are common, afternoons often cloudy. Ponies and porters available on this day. Brahma Kamal flowers visible on approach. Glacial lake surrounded by seven peaks. Sikh pilgrimage site — free langar (community meal) available. Return to Ghangaria same evening.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The dense forest of Ghangaria is left behind entirely as the trail climbs sharply above the treeline into a barren, rocky Hemkund alpine basin surrounding the glacial lake.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
6,150 ft
Day Gain
-4,050 ft
Trek to Pulna & Drive to Joshimath
Descend the same trail back to Pulna. 4km shared jeep from Pulna to Govindghat. Drive to Joshimath or Pipalkoti for night halt. Some operators offer optional Badrinath visit from here.
Key Landmarks
The route descends from the high-altitude settlement through the dense river gorge forest, returning to the vehicle road at Pulna.
Camp Alt
1,050 ft
Day Gain
-5,100 ft
Drive: Joshimath / Pipalkoti to Haridwar / Rishikesh
Return drive. Reach Haridwar / Rishikesh by evening 6–7 PM. Book onward trains / buses after 8:30 PM to be safe.
Key Landmarks
The route descends through the deep river gorges of the Alaknanda, eventually returning to the urban environment of the plains.
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Badrinath Pilgrimage
+1 Day25km drive from Govindghat to the holy temple of Badrinath.
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