Trekking Tourism - Valley of FlowersPosted by Mango Dolly on March 10th, 2019 The most beautiful of all Himalayan flowers, the blue Primula can be seen blooming in thousands in the valley. The best time to see the valley in full bloom is from mid-July to mid-August. To reach the valley one has to trek from Govind Ghat, on the route to Hemkund Sahib, up to Ghangaria, 12 km ahead. Few furlongs ahead of Ghangaria the trek route to the valley takes a detour towards left. The valley is about 5 km from Ghangaria. The high altitude serine lake, known as Hemkund ( 4300m/14,100ft) lies in heavenly environs. A steep trek from Ghangharia leads one to this spot in about four to six hours. It is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs, as well as for people from other faiths. There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake. Encircled by seven snow-clad peaks and their associated glaciers, it reflects its surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear serene waters. The glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks feed the lake and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this lake. As alluded to, in the holy Granth Sahib, Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikh faith had meditated on the bank of this lake in one of his earlier births. It is widely believed among Sikhs that Guru Govind Singh introduced the features now universally associated with Sikhism. On 15th April 1699, he started the new brotherhood called the Khalsa (meaning the pure, from the Persian word 'Khales') an inner core of the faithful, accepted by baptism (Amrit). The five K's' date from this period: kesh (uncut hair) kangha (comb), kirpan (dagger or short sword), Kara (steel bangle), and kachh (boxer shorts). Detailed ItineraryDay 01: Haridwar to Joshimath You will begin your journey with us from Haridwar. Starting the drive from Haridwar from the appointed pickup point (Haridwar railway station), we will take the fabled Badrinath Road. We will be crossing Rishikesh and conveniently arrange pickup from there too. Alternatively, you can arrange your stay at these awesome places on your way back after the trek as well. The nine hour drive to Joshimath will surely be long and arduous, but you are never going to run out of mesmerizing views. The great river running with us on parallel will get wilder and more fascinating as we trudge uphill. We will be passing by the panchprayag or the five holy confluences of Ganga—Devaprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag. So, keep your cameras on the ready and remain awake for most of the journey! Day 02: Joshimath - Ghangaria Trek From Joshimath to Govindghat the distance is 22km. We will start off on the drive in the morning after breakfast and reach Govindghat by 8 am and then 4 km drive to pulna which is trek starting point, the first stretch of the trek commences from here. It’s a 9 km uphill route of mixed ascents. Before crossing Govindghat, you can shop for essentials for the hike at the village bazaar and visit the subsidiary branch of the Hemkund Sahib Gurduwara situated here. The trek will be on a clearly defined stone-paved path, conveniently built with stairs. Many snack shops selling beverage, hot noodles, omelets with bread, paratha, and the like can be found on this trail. So, you will never go hungry. You will reach Gangharia before nightfall, attaining an altitude of 10, 000 feet. The stay will be at a guest-house. Day 03: Ghangaria - Valley of Flower - Ghangaria. The journey to Valley of Flowers covers a distance of 8-10 km to be covered within 6 hour. The path is of mixed incline level Walk on the grassy Valley. You will be crossing many picturesque streams, wooden bridges, and flower laden rough trails. Today, you will be given a packed lunch and no food stores could be found on the way. Today’s journey will conclude with your coming back to Ghangaria before nightfall. Day 04: Ghangaria - Hemkund - Ghangaria Early in the morning start trekking (5.5 Km) to reach "HEMKUND SAHIB". One of the most revered of all Sikh Shrines, The Hemkund Sahib, the World’s Highest Gurudwara, is situated at an altitude of 4,329 mts. In the afternoon trek down to reach Ghangariya for overnight stay. Evening is free for rest & relaxation. Overnight stay Day 5 : Ghangaria to Govindghat and drive to Joshimath After your breakfast in the morning we descend to Govindghat and then drive to Joshimath. From this place Badrinath is 25 km away and take 1 hrs to reach. You can visit Badrinath only if road and weather condition permits us. Note : Govindghat to Badrinath is landslide prone area in monsoon time so if our leaders find that your safety is in risk due to weather condition/ landslide or road blockage we shall skip Badrinath altogether and drive to Joshimath directly. On arrival, check into hotel. Overnight: Hotel Day 06: Joshimath to Haridwar Ride will commence at 6 am and you will reach Haridwar around 6 - 7 pm. Your Breakfast and Lunch will be on the way at a roadside inn, exclusive of charges, after having your morning tea/coffee you can leave for your next destination. We advise you to book further travel after 8 pm. How to ReachBy Air :- By Train:- By Bus:- Like it? Share it! |