Valley of Flowers need no introduction. Almost, every traveler wants to visit this trek once in their lifetime. Some say it is over-hyped, some say it is heaven. Whom to believe? So, I decided to visit the place by myself and this article is all about my visit to Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand.
Going to Valley of Flowers was a dream that came true this year. It is a Monsoon Trek that opens up for few months, to be precise, July to September. As it was an impromptu plan, we decided to do this trek all by ourselves, without the help of any guide. We did no pre-bookings, just talked on phone and packed our bags. The next thing I know, we were on our way to Rishikesh.
I am sure this blog and my vlogs on YouTube will definitely help you plan a budgeted trip to this famous and gorgeous trek, Valley of Flowers. So, let's begin...
Formalities
First thing first, let's talk about formalities. As travel has changed drastically in past 2 years, it is time we start travelling as responsibly. So, please do follow the COVID guidelines before visiting a place.
RTPCR report is mandatory to visit Uttarakhand (please also check the latest regulations). So, get yourself tested and carry RTPCR report (72hrs prior). Report is mandatory to enter the valley.
1. How to reach Valley of Flowers?
As I said, we were on a budgeted trip, so I obviously opted for local transports and reached to Govindghat in just 1150. How? Keep reading..
We booked a bus from Delhi to Rishikesh. You can also book a train to Haridwar, however in that case, you will have to change transport and take an auto or bus to Rishikesh. We booked an AC bus that costed us INR 550/person. So, if you want to spend less, you can book a Non-AC bus that will cost you around 350/person that will further reduce your cost. Our bus left Delhi around 11 pm and we reached to Rishikesh at 5.15 am.
Rishikesh to Karnaprayag
After reaching Rishikesh, we were looking for a direct transport to Joshimath. For that, we explored two options - one a shared jeep or bus. We couldn't get a jeep immediately, driver wasn't ready to depart until the jeep is full. So, we decided to take a bus instead as we wanted to reach Govindghat before 6PM.
Though the board on the bus read- Joshimath, it was just going to Karnaprayag. Ticket cost was INR 310/person. It took us around 8 hrs to reach Karnprayag.
Karnaprayag to Chamoli
After reaching Karnaprayag, we took a shared jeep to chamoli because we didn't find a direct jeep or bus to Joshimath. Shared jeep costed us INR 80/ person. We reached Chamoli within 1 hour.
Chamoli to Joshimath
After reaching Chamoli, we took a shared jeep again that costed us INR 110/person. I will advise you one thing, please don't fall asleep on your way from Chamoli to Joshimath. The whole way is so gorgeous, I can't even tell you. Landscapes and weather change completely once you leave Chamoli. I was staring out of the window the whole time and was mesmerized by beautiful landscapes on way.
Joshimath to Govindghat
After reaching joshimath, we finally had first tea of the whole trip in a shop nearby and the took last jeep of the day, from Joshimath to Govindghat that costed us INR 100/person which took 1 hour to reach Govindghat.
Govindghat
After travelling for 18 hours, we were finally in our first destination, Govindghat. You can easily get rooms in Govindghat (Though can't claim the same during peak season). The rooms are cheap. Accommodation starts from INR 400/night and goes up to 1500/night. A tip: Use your best bargaining skills while booking one. We booked Badrish Hotel in INR 1300/night. It had decent rooms, with a gorgeous view of mountains and Alakhnanda river paasing in between them. After resting for a while, we went on terrace and admired beautiful Alakhanda passing by mountains till the sun ebbed behind mountains.
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Please note: If you're on a budgeted trip, you can stay in Gurudwara too, that will cost less and are also safe. When I went there, it was closed for visitors. However, Langar was open, so your food is pretty much sorted. You can have delicious langar at zero cost :)
After resting for a while, we went on terrace and admired beautiful Alakhanda passing by mountains till the sun ebbed behind mountains.
Please note: If you're on a budgeted trip, you can stay in Gurudwara too, that will cost less and are also safe. When I went there, it was closed for visitors. However, Langar was open, so your food is pretty much sorted. You can have delicious langar at zero cost :)
Day 2 Govindghat to Ghangria
After spending one night at Govindghat, we got up next day to begin our trek around 6 am. On our 2nd day, we planned to reach Ghangria by trekking 10kms. So, if you want you can start your trek from Govindghat itself but there is one more option.
You can take a jeep from Govindghat to Pulna village. Shared Jeep will cost you INR 100/person and that way, you can skip climbing 3kms.
Pulna Village to Ghangria
You can take a jeep from Govindghat to Pulna village. Shared Jeep will cost you INR 100/person and that way, you can skip climbing 3kms.
Pulna Village to Ghangria
After reaching Pulna Village, we began our trek and the whole way was so damn beautiful that no amount of words could ever describe what my eyes saw and heart felt being there soaking in all the beauty. We were surrounded by mountains from all sides, River Alakhnanda accompanied us like a true companion. I would stop rambling here and let you see it by yourself...scroll down.
It took us around 6 hours because we took halts in various spots to shoot and take pictures, if you've good stamina and do it without taking much reach, you can reach Ghangria in 4 hours. My advise take time to reach to Ghangria and enjoy the astonishing scenes that greet you on the way. Sit by the river, dip your feet into it and look at the sky filled with myriad of clouds. Talk to locals. Play with cows and dogs. Smell flowers. Make memories in front of wooden houses...ah! It's true... Safar Khoobsoorat hai Manzil se....
It took us around 6 hours because we took halts in various spots to shoot and take pictures, if you've good stamina and do it without taking much reach, you can reach Ghangria in 4 hours. My advise take time to reach to Ghangria and enjoy the astonishing scenes that greet you on the way. Sit by the river, dip your feet into it and look at the sky filled with myriad of clouds. Talk to locals. Play with cows and dogs. Smell flowers. Make memories in front of wooden houses...ah! It's true... Safar Khoobsoorat hai Manzil se....
After reaching Ghangria, we booked a hotel because Gurudwara was closed due to COVID. The hotel room costed us INR 400/night (twin sharing). After having food and resting for an hour, we head to explore Ghangria and I had one of the best evenings of my life. As the sun set, clouds took over and made an already beautiful landscape, extra-beautiful. And as I sat there, watching clouds protectively covering mountains like a mother covers her child, I whispered to myself, "what a beautiful world! Will I ever get enough of it?"
After reaching Ghangria, we booked a hotel because Gurudwara was closed due to COVID. The hotel room costed us INR 400/night (twin sharing). After having food and resting for an hour, we head to explore Ghangria and I had one of the best evenings of my life. As the sun set, clouds took over and made an already beautiful landscape, extra-beautiful. And as I sat there, watching clouds protectively covering mountains like a mother covers her child, I whispered to myself, "what a beautiful world! Will I ever get enough of it?"
Ghangria to Valley of Flowers
We got up the next morning to find out that it has rained all night. We got ready and waited for rain to subside. Once rain subsided, we had breakfast and clad ourselves in raincoat and left for the trek.
Entry Time of Valley: Valley of Flowers open up at 7am and entry is permitted only till 12 pm. However, you can explore the valley till 4.30 pm and then you've to come back to Ghangria.
Things to remember while visiting Valley:
1. Valley opens up at 7 am and closes around 5 pm.
2. Camping is not allowed in Valley.
3. You have to get your bag checked in checkpost, they check how much plastic you are carrying, you've to bring that much plastic back.
4. It means Littering is not allowed. Please avoid doing that or else you will be fined.
5. There is a ticket to enter into Valley which costs INR 150/person for Indian Nationals.
6. Drone is not allowed.
This was our starting point. Beautiful. Isn't it?
We started our trek around 8 am and reached to valley around 11 am.
Once you reach the check post, you've to buy a ticket that costs INR 150/person for Indian Nationals and you've to get your bag checked.
The whole way to the valley was so beautiful, weather was at its best. Clouds sat above green mountains like a crown, making the whole scenery look like a MS wallpaper :P. It was truly beautiful, nothing less than heaven. You will encounter green landscapes, clouds hovering on mountains, glaciers, man-made bridge, river...
Valley of Flowers
We started our trek around 8 am and reached to valley around 11 am.
Once you reach the check post, you've to buy a ticket that costs INR 150/person for Indian Nationals and you've to get your bag checked.
The whole way to the valley was so beautiful, weather was at its best. Clouds sat above green mountains like a crown, making the whole scenery look like a MS wallpaper :P. It was truly beautiful, nothing less than heaven. You will encounter green landscapes, clouds hovering on mountains, glaciers, man-made bridge, river...
Valley of Flowers
We reached Valley around 11 am and sat there for 3 to 4 years admiring the astonishing views of valley, watching clouds move from one mountain to another like a child, and we could hear river's fading voice at the back. It was straight out of a fairytale.
Looking around, I instantly murmured to myself, if that is the view I get after climbing, I am gonna climb 100 times over.
At that time in July, only 30% valley was bloomed. When we asked locals about right time to visit valley, most of them suggested to come after 15th August, that is when the valley is in full bloom they said.
It is said, Valley of Flowers has around 350+ verities of flowers. Many of them are also used for medication purposes.
After hovering around 5kms long valley, we headed back to Ghangria. And on our way, the landscape completely changed. We were locked by clouds from all sides. I was literally amidst clouds.
No amount of pictures could ever do justice to what my eyes witnessed. Neither this article nor pictures would be able to convey what I felt at that moment, it is something you will experience only when you visit and feel the place.
Valley of Flowers to Ghangria
We reached Ghangria around 3.30 pm. After having lunch at Ghangria, we decided to trek back to Govindghat. We saw no point in staying at Ghangria for the night as Hemkund Sahib was closed. So, after trekking for 10 kms, we decided to cover another 10kms on the same day. It took us around 5 hrs to reach to Pulna. We reached to Pulna around 8.30 pm, it was completely dark back then. Thankfully, we got a sharing jeep to Govindghat (INR 100/person). So, if you want you can also stay in Ghangria and take proper rest and trek back to Govindghat the next day.
At that time in July, only 30% valley was bloomed. When we asked locals about right time to visit valley, most of them suggested to come after 15th August, that is when the valley is in full bloom they said.
It is said, Valley of Flowers has around 350+ verities of flowers. Many of them are also used for medication purposes.
After hovering around 5kms long valley, we headed back to Ghangria. And on our way, the landscape completely changed. We were locked by clouds from all sides. I was literally amidst clouds.
No amount of pictures could ever do justice to what my eyes witnessed. Neither this article nor pictures would be able to convey what I felt at that moment, it is something you will experience only when you visit and feel the place.
Valley of Flowers to Ghangria
We reached Ghangria around 3.30 pm. After having lunch at Ghangria, we decided to trek back to Govindghat. We saw no point in staying at Ghangria for the night as Hemkund Sahib was closed. So, after trekking for 10 kms, we decided to cover another 10kms on the same day. It took us around 5 hrs to reach to Pulna. We reached to Pulna around 8.30 pm, it was completely dark back then. Thankfully, we got a sharing jeep to Govindghat (INR 100/person). So, if you want you can also stay in Ghangria and take proper rest and trek back to Govindghat the next day.
Govindghat
After reaching Govindghat, we found out that all the hotels in the town are booked. We were too tired to even walk, so somebody suggested us that we should go to Gurudwara and ask help from them. So, we did exactly that and found out that Gurudwaras are still not open for visitors. But lovely people of Gurudwara made sure that we get a safe place to stay. They referred us a hotel where we got a room for INR 380/person. And arranged for Langar where we ate 'Garam-Garam' Khana and had tea. So, yes, even though, Gurudwara was closed, Langar is open to visitors.
Govindghat to Rishikesh
A lot of people don't know this but there is a direct bus from Govindghat to Rishikesh at 4.30 am. This is a great option for budgeted travelers as ticket price is only INR 550. If you miss this, you'll again have to change n number of jeeps to reach to Rishikesh or will have to book the entire jeep that will burn a hole in your pocket.
Rishikesh to Delhi
After reaching Rishikesh, we booked Shatabdi till Delhi and reached our respective homes around 12 pm. And that is how we completed this 5 days trek in 4 days :P
Things to carry
1. RTPCR Report
2. Raincoat
3. Chocolate/protein bars/ snacks
4. Good trekking shoes and 3 pair of socks (min)
5. light woolen clothes
6. Sunscreen
7. Jio Sim (Works best)
8. Cash as you might not get ATMs there
I hope this article and my YouTube videos help you plan a trip to this famous and beautiful trek. If this article helps you, add it to your Wishlist and share it with your friends and subscribe to my channel.
Overall, it is an easy trek with breathtaking views. So, go for it and have a beautiful journey.
Rishikesh to Delhi
After reaching Rishikesh, we booked Shatabdi till Delhi and reached our respective homes around 12 pm. And that is how we completed this 5 days trek in 4 days :P
Things to carry
1. RTPCR Report
2. Raincoat
3. Chocolate/protein bars/ snacks
4. Good trekking shoes and 3 pair of socks (min)
5. light woolen clothes
6. Sunscreen
7. Jio Sim (Works best)
8. Cash as you might not get ATMs there
I hope this article and my YouTube videos help you plan a trip to this famous and beautiful trek. If this article helps you, add it to your Wishlist and share it with your friends and subscribe to my channel.
Overall, it is an easy trek with breathtaking views. So, go for it and have a beautiful journey.
Please note: These images belong to Prerika Gupta and are not available to use it for commercial/personal purposes.
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