Trekking to the Valley of Flowers

TREKKING TO VALLEY OF FLOWERS - HEMKUND SAHIB & BADRINATH DHAM

Valley of Flowers is a fairy-land situated high in the Himalayas of the Uttaranchal, at an altitude of 3,600 meters above the sea-level, protected by snowy mountains. Unknown to humans, for centuries this enchanting valley lay frozen during the colder months, and burst into its youthful beauty every year, as the snow melted with the advent of summer. Every year, the valley was splashed with color as it bloomed with hundreds of kinds of flowers, taking on various shades of colors as months progressed. Finally one day, nature condescended to bless humans with this heavenly sight, when Frank Smith - mountaineer, explorer, botanist - chanced upon it in the monsoon of 1931. He authored a book called "The Valley of Flowers" which unveiled the beauty and floral splendours of the valley and made the world sit up and watch. It was declared a national park in 1982, and now it is a World Heritage Site. The locals, of course, always knew of the existence of the valley, and believed that it was inhabited by fairies.

The valley is home to many celebrated flowers like the Brahmakamal, the Blue Poppy and the Cobra Lily. It is a much sought after haunt for flower-lovers, botanists and of course trekkers, for whom a sufficient excuse to embark on a mission to reach a place, is that it exists!

This article is a travelogue aimed to guide newbies about how to reach Valley of Flowers, with a limited budget. It is for those who want to go there as a group of friends, and not part of an organised tour, which is an easier, but not so much fun way to go there.

Location: Garhwal (Uttaranchal), Base: Govind ghat, Max. Altitude: 4329 m above Sea

Altitude (M) : Joshimath 1875 Govindghat 1828, Pulna 1920, Bhyundhar 2239, Ghangharia 3048, Valley of Flowers 3658, Hemkund 4329

Valley of Flowers
It was in 1931 that Frank Smyth and Holdsworth stumbled on the valley while returning from their successful Kamet expedition. There were "at once transported from a region of solemn austerity to a fairyland of dainty flowers, most of them dwarf, but brilliant in colour". Bustling with beautiful, lively and vibrant colours, this park spread over an area of 87.5 sq. kms. has the largest collection of wild flower species.

As though created by nature itself, the beauty of the park is enhanced by the Pushpawati River flowing in the vicinity overlooked by towering Rataban peak in the background. More than 300 species of wild flowers bloom and swing with life during the monsoons. Also inhabiting the place is the amazing variety of Himalayan butterflies. Hidden from the probing eyes of civilization, this valley had been known to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar Valley, the playground of fairies and nymphs. Legends also associate this valley with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected "Sanjeevani" herbs to revive Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama. The valley can be visited only during the day, and overnight stay is prohibited.

RARE FLORA
Ranunculus Pedicularis Marsh Marigold Rhododendrons Brahmakamal
Corydalis Bistorta Epilobium Nomocharis Oxypetala Daisy
Sibbaldia Anaphalis Cypripedium Strawberry Arisaema Costatum Himalayan blue Poppy
Dianthus Calendula Yellow Anemones Lilium

STUDENTS MUST CARRY: Back packs or shoulder strap bags only, a comfortable sports shoe pair, 2 pairs of woolen socks, a pair of slippers, a medium torch, a woolen cap, heavy woolens (inner, Jacket and pullover), a water sack, toiletries, a towel, 3 pairs of comfortable and sturdy casual wear/under garments, a trek suit (if have), a swim suit (if have), a raincoat with cap, Vaseline/lip guard, light and nourishing snacks, personal medicine, cash/valuables at owner’s risk.

Cost Includes : Tent stay on multi sharing basis corresponding to size of room. Transport. Hygienic and sumptuous meals. First Aid Kit. Individual Insurance. Teachers to accompany the students on 12 : 1 ratio.

Price does not include:
A. Any increase in the govt taxes leading to an increase in the land arrangements which may come into effect prior to departure and or escalation of taxes as are applicable. B. Expenses and services of a personal nature – telephone calls, meals, refreshments and snacks not specified in camp, room service, insurance, laundry and porterage. C. Any service not mentioned under heading “Tour Cost Includes” and the itinerary.

No Show Deduction : 100 % in case of No Show.
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TREKKING TO VALLEY OF FLOWERS - HEMKUND SAHIB & BADRINATH DHAM

ITINERARY : Day 0 : Delhi – Haridwar by 4041 Mussoorie Express 20:45 Dep. /Arr. 05.15 hrs
09.30 pm : Reporting at New Delhi Rly. Stn. to board for an overnight journey.
10.45 pm : Board 4041 Mussoorie Exp for Haridwar.

DAY 1): RISHIKESH- KARNAPRAYAG -JOSHIMATH (Drive 290 Km)
Post early breakfast drive to reach Joshimath (275 Km/ 9 to 10 hrs) which is the winter abode of Lord Badrinath. Lunch enroute. Evening arrival at Joshimath. Check in hotel. Enjoy the vicinity on your own. Overnight stay.

DAY 2): JOSHIMATH-GOVINDGHAT-GHANGARIYA (Drive 22 Km/Trek 13 km)
Early morning drive to reach Govindghat (22Km). Hot breakfast upon arrival. Start trekking to reach Ghangaria (14 km Trek) with packed lunch. Ghangaria is also known as GOVIND DHAM, It is the base camp for visiting Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers. Dinner and Overnight stay.

DAY 3): GHANGARIYA- VALLEY OF FLOWERS (Trek 8 Km)
Nature walk to the Valley of Flowers with packed lunch. The whole valley is dotted with a varieties of exotic flowers and other flora. The valley starts after a short trek of 2 km and deepens up to 30 km approx. Return to Ghangria for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 4): GHANGARIA- HEMKUND-GHANGARIA (Trek 16 Km)
Early in the morning start trekking (7 Km) to reach "HEMKUND SAHIB" after early breakfast. One of the most revered of all Sikh Shrines, Hemkund Sahib is worlds highest gurudwara. Enjoy an auspicious ‘Lungar Chakhna’ here. In the afternoon trek down to reach Ghangariya for overnight stay. Evening is free for rest & relaxation.

DAY 5): GHANGARIA- GOVINDGHAT- BADRINATH (Trek 14 km/ 4 hrs. & Drive 22 km / 1hr).
Start return trek after breakfast to Govindghat. Drive 22 km ahead to the most revered Badrinath Dham (One of the Char Dhams in Uttarakhand). Check in hotel and lunch upon arrival. Hot spring bath in “Tapta Kund” (optional) and Darshan at Shrine. Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 6): BADRINATH – MANA – JOSHIMATH
Early morning drive 4 km to Village MANA: Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet. The women of the village offer Choli to the deity on closing day of the temple every year. Visit BHIM PUL on the other side of Mana village. It is a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati river. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers. Also visit VYAS GUFA (cave) where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.
Post late b/f departure for Haridwar. Lunch enroute. Arti-Darshan and Holi dip (Optional) at Hari-Ki-Peri. Post dinner departure for Haridwar Jn.
2300 hrs: Departure after dinner for Delhi by 4042 Mussoorie Exp.

DAY 7): 0700 hrs : Arrival Old Delhi Jn. and disbursal of tour.

PACKAGE COST

+
Tax 3.9 % for all documented payments.

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TREKKING TO VALLEY OF FLOWERS - HEMKUND SAHIB & BADRINATH DHAM

TERMS/PROVISIONS


Terms & Conditions
1. Tour is based on minimum strength of students corresponding to transport capacity.
2. The rates mentioned above are valid only till the month of December 2008.
3. These rates are applicable only for trek/trip mentioned in the itinerary.
4. Remittance of payment will be as per the schedule given in ‘Payment Schedule’.
5. All taxes applicable as on date for Cheque/DD or any formal taxable payment.
6. Organizers shall, in no way, be responsible for any mishap if so occurred during entire tour.
7. Any purchases/provisions during tour not inclusive in the package are payable in cash spontaneously.
8. The customer is requested to compulsorily carry a copy of the itinerary along during entire trip.

Payment Schedule
100 % of the tour cost shall be given on the acceptance and confirmation of all the services and signing of the confirmation letter. B. Remaining tour cost within seven working days of completion of trip.

Cancellation
1. If the client cancels the tour for what so ever reason, the cancellation must be intimated in writing.
2. When a cancellation is made clear 21 working days or more prior to the date of departure of the tour – Cancellation amount = 25% of the total tour cost.
3. When a cancellation is made clear 20-08 working days prior to the date of departure of the tour – Cancellation amount = 50% of the total tour cost.
4. When the cancellation is made less than clear 07 working days prior to the date of departure of the tour = 100% of the total tour cost.

Incase of postponement of the tour, the cancellation charges will be applicable as per actual cancellations levied by the suppliers and ground operators. A fresh quote, depending upon the new travel dates will be submitted. Payments received from the corporate will be adjusted against future travel after adjusting the cancellation charges.

For further details and information email us : treksinfo@gmail.com 

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