VALLEY OF FLOWER TREK10 DAYS

Region: Garhwal Himalayas Grade: Strenuous Duration: 10 Days Trekking Routes: Delhi/ Haridwar / Joshimath / Ghanghria / Ghangaria / Valley of Flowers / Hemkund / Joshimath / Haridwar / Delhi

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. Many small streams flow within this valley adding to its overall beauty. The high mountain peaks surrounding this valley stand guardian to this beautiful sight. The glaciers amongst this look very

attractive.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. Millions of different flowers adorn this valley. One also finds different kinds of insects, birds and butterflies. This valley is surrounded by high mountains on three sides and is at a height of 3500 to 6,500 mts above sea level.

Day 01: ARRIVAL DELHI On arrival at airport met our representative and transfer to hotel for overnight stay

Day 02 : DELHI - HARIDWAR (210 KMS/06 HRS)After breakfast at hotel you are driven to Haridwar .On arrival in Haridwar check into your pre-booked hotel. Rest of the Day visit Harki Pauri and temples. Overnight at Hotel

Day 03 : HARIDWAR - JOSHIMATH (264 KMS/8-9 HRS) VIA DHARI DEVI TEMPLEAfter finishing an early breakfast,drive to Joshimath. The journey to Joshimath is a fascinating one, travelling mainly up the Alaknanda valley from Deoprayag onwards a mixture of beautiful countryside and fascinating bustling small towns.You can take stopover for a while at the place called "Devepryag" and Dhari Devi Temple placed on the way to Joshimath.It is significant because of having confluence of the two prime rivers of the Garhwal Himalayas "Bhagirathi" and Alaknanda actually holy river Ganges starts from here. So very, very much to see and experience. As you move higher up, the scenery subtly changes from very lush hillsides, with rice terraces, to slightly more barren mountainous countryside beyond Srinagar.The final few kilometeres of the journey is an incredible hairpin mountain road from the Vishnu Prayag. Upon arrival in Joshimath by late evening checkin to your pre-booked Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04 : JOSHIMATH - GOVINDGHAT (22 KMS/1 HRS) - GHANGHARIA (14 KMS TREK/5-6 HRS)

Today Set off from Joshimath in the morning to Govind Ghat to start the trek. Basically this is a starting point for the trekking. Track is very well maintained with a number of barriers at the side to prevent falls. There is a gradual ascent along a well maintained pilgrim trail to GHANGHARIA. Upon arrival at Ghangariya check into the hotel. You can have the glimpses of beautiful surroundings in the evening. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05 : GHANGHARIA – VALLY OF FLOWERS - GHANGRIA (5 KMS TREK ONE SIDE/4-5 HRS)Today we start for the Valley of Flowers trek. You can indulge yourself here in the Valley in exploring, photographing and identifying flowers.From Ghangari its another 05 kms trek to valley nearly 10 kms long and almost 02 kms wide. The valley is ringed with snow-capped mountains and watered by streams rising in the mountains, its accessible from late April, but is grandest from late July to the end of August. Literally hundreds of wild flowers bloom in Tread with caution because your visit should not endanger the things you have come to see. Also carry a little salt. The valley is infested with leeches in the wettest weather when the flowers are there best. After breakfast trek to Valley of flowers (3858 m) above see level. 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 GHANGHARIA. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06 : GHANGHARIA-HEMKUND-GHANGHARIA (06 KMS TREK ONE SIDE)After an early breakfast, Trek to Hemkund Sahib(4329 meter) above sea level. It is a holy place for the Sikh community. You can see thousands of Sikh Men,women and children are woken in their Gurdwara-shrines in the plains by the thudding of huge drums.They assemble,and led by the yellow flags of their monotheistic faith,start their long and arduous pilgrimage to the 4329 meter-high Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib, on the far side of the great glacial lake of Lokpal.A number of snow covered peaks rise around this austerely beautiful lake.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 GHANGHARIA. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07 : GHANGARIA - GOVIND GHAT (14 KMS TREK /5-6 HRS) - BADRINATH (30 KMS/2 HRS)After an early breakfast we trek down to Goving Ghat and proceed to badrinath by road. The drive from Govindh Ghat to Badrinath is another stunning drive over winding mountain roads with superb views it all adds to the sense of adventure.Upon arrival in Badrinath check into your pre-booked hotel. Afternoon Visit Mana Village and Badrinath Temple. Overnight at Hotel

Day 08 : BADRINATH - RISHIKESH (300 Kms/ 11 Hrs)After an early breakfast drive back to Rishikesh .driving down from Badrinath and then up into Joshimath gives a much better idea of the layout of the whole area and also a chance to take one last look at the mountains. During the journey you get to see different things and get a better feel for it. On way back to Rishikesh you can see the Place called Rudraprayag where the confluence of river Madakini and river Alaknanda take place. Upon arrival in Rishikesh check into the Hotel. Evening can be spent with a walk down along the road where all the Ashrams are situated to see the Temples. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09 : RISHIKESH - DELHI (230 kms/07 hrs)After an early breakfast drive back to Delhi. On arrival Delhi do sightseeing. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Delhi DepartureMorning after breakfast full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Evening transfer to airport to catch a flight for onward destination.

Cost : US$ 808 per pax (based on 10-15 pax)Cost : US$ 851 per pax (based on 7-9 pax )Cost : US$ 907 per pax ( based on 4-6 Pax )Cost : US$ 961 per pax ( based on 2-3 pax)

Cost Includes1. Accommodation: Hotel in Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar with bed & breakfast basis. Guest Houses with bed and breakfast and dinner basis. Full board while on the trek accommodation will be provided in tents on double sharing and single basis. Our tents are 4 season dome tents (Keltay) with lots of space for personal luggage. We will be putting up a dining tent and a toilet tent to make your camping comfortable.

2. Meals: While on trek all meals will be provided. The meal will be mix of Indian, Chinese and continental.

3. Professional and experienced English speaking local trekking guide

4. Mules/Porters: For carrying camping equipment like tents, carry mat, camping stool, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients bag not weighing more than 15 kgs).

5. Transport: Toyota Innova/Toyota Qualis/Tavera/ Tempo Travellers/Coachs

6. kitchen staff would accompany the group COST DOESN’T INCLUDE• Air fare • Lunch/dinner at Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar • Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc. • Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc. • Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc. • Any meals/services not mentioned above • Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc. • Travel insurance

THANKS