The Valley of Flowers is a beautiful meadow located at an
altitude of about eleven thousand feet. It is the valley of the stream
Pushpavati, a tributary of Alaknanda. Frank Smythe discovered 'The Valley
of Flowers' in 1931 on his way back after a successful expedition to Mt.
Kamet. Ferns, dwarf iris, dwarf larkspur, dwarf rhododendrons, primula,
blue poppies, fritillaria, asters, potentillas, inula grandifloras and
hundreds of other species grow wild in the valley.
The Valley of Flowers is a riot of color in August/September. Well over a
thousand varieties of flowers, shrubs, orchids and plants in myriad hues,
differing textures and colors paint the valley in a gorgeous display. The
valley is a natural plantation surrounded by the dazzling snow clad
Himalayas, a feast for the botanist and amateur alike.
In 1939, Miss Margaret Legge, a botanist deputed by the
botanical gardens of Edinburgh arrived at the valley of flowers for
further studies, While she slipped off and was lost for ever in the garden
of the gods. Her sister later visited the valley of flowers and erected a
memorial on the spot where she was buried by the locals. The thoughtful
memorial is still there.
Location: Garhwal Himalayas (Uttaranchal)
Area: 87.5 sq. Kms.
Altitude: Between 3,658m to 3,962 m
Best Season: Mid July To Mid
September
Valley of Flowers Trekking Tour
Haridwar & Rishikesh: The two holy
towns of the Hindu's- centres of ' Vedic' learning and Yoga & Meditation.
HEMKUND SAHIB: The pilgrim centre of the Sikh's high in the Himalayas. The
Hemkund lake is dominated by the colossal Hathi Parbat (peak). AULI: A
popular winter Ski resort, Auli offers spectacular panoramic view of the
Himalayas. PAURI : A small hill station with serene surroundings. Enjoy
the hospitality of a local village here.
Day01): New Delhi - Haridwar
(205 kms/5-6 hrs).
In the morning after breakfast drive to Haridwar. Lunch enroute. Upon
arrival at Haridwar transfer check into the hotel. In the evening visit "Har
Ki peri" for Aarti ceremony. Back to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Haridwar: Haridwar is the gateway to
the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal. It's also starting point on the
journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers.
According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage
the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to Sage Kapila's curse.
The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord
Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. In
the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here,
praying for the salvation of their ancestors.
The holy city of Haridwar is home to some of the most sacred Hindu
rituals. Round the year, devotees from all over the country flock here in
their thousands to perform "Poojas" or prayers. Renowned for the "Maha
Kumbh Mela" which appears Every 12 years and the enchanting "Aarti" at "Har
Ki Pauri" which captives the beholder with hundreds of burning wick lamps
floating down the Ganges this town has been distinguished for centuries in
the Indian society.
Day02): Haridwar - Joshimath
(245 kms/8-9 hrs)
After an early breakfast drive to Joshimath via Devprayag. On the way
visit Dev prayag where Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet. From here the
holy river Ganges started. Arrival at Joshimath by evening, check into the
hotel. Dinner & overnight stay.
Joshimath: The religious centre,
established by Adi Shankaracharya, which he called Jyotirmath, later came
to be known as Joshimath. Among the sites of interest are the temples of
Nav Durga and Narsingh. Apart from its obvious religious importance,
Joshimath is known for its scenic beauty.
Day03): Joshimath -
Govindghat (22 kms/1 hrs) - Ghangaria (14 kms/3-4 hrs)
After an early breakfast drive to Govindghat. Which is the starting point
of the trek. From Govindghat there is a gradual ascent along a well
maintained pilgrim trail to Ghangaria. Upon arrival at Ghangria check into
hotel. Explore the surroundings in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay
at the hotel.
Day04): Ghangaria -
Valley Of Flowers - Ghangria (5 kms one side/4-5 hrs)
After breakfast trek to Valley Of Flowers (3858 m) from Ghangaria.
The valley is an enchanting sight with an impressive array of rare
wildflowers like Geranium, Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum,
Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham kamal,
Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta,
Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia, Thermo- psis, Trollius,
Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Str- awberry, Epilobium,
Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the flowers have
medicinal values too. The valley is 10 kms long, 2 kms wide, and is
divided by the Pushpawati stream, into which several tiny streams
and waterfalls merge. After enjoying the beauty of valley trek back
to Ghangaria. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.
Day05):
Hemkund-Ghanghria
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After breakfast trek to Hemkund Sahib (4329 m) from Ghangaria. This is
quite a steep climb. In the Sikh holy book, The Granth Sahib, the Sikh
Guru Gobind Singh recounts that in a previous life, he meditated on the
shores of a lake surrounded by seven snowcapped mountains now recognized
by Hemkund. Late afternoon trek back to Ghangaria. Dinner & overnight stay
at the hotel.
Day06): Ghangaria - Govind Ghat -
Joshimath
After breakfast trek down to reach Govind Ghat and from here drive to
Joshimath. Upon arrival at Joshimath check into the hotel. Rest of the day
is free to explore the area. One can also visit Auli in the evening.
Dinner and over night stay at the hotel.
Day07): Joshimath - Rishikesh
: Drive 10 hours. Trip end at arrival in Rishikesh.
Price : INR :
Rs.21,989 per head : INR :
Rs.24,989 per head.
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