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T.G. Longstaff and Frank Smythe for the outside world discovered this enchanting place by chance in 1931, though the local villagers of Bhuindhar valley knew it as Nandankanan since time immemorial. They feared venturing in to the valley, because of the spirit and fairies that were though to be haunting the beautiful valley. They feared that the spirits would carry them away. More than 1000 varieties of flowers, ferns, and Himalayan herbs grow in the valley. 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 mid-July to mid-September.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Haridwar - Joshimath (270 kms/8-9 hrs)
After an early breakfast drive to Joshimath via Devprayag. On the way visit Devprayag 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.
Day 02: Joshimath-Govindghat (Drive 22 kms/1 hrs) - Ghangaria (14 kms/3-4hrs)
After an early breakfast drive to Govindghat. This is the starting point of the trek. From Govindghat there is a gradual ascent along a well maintained pilgrim trail to Ghangaria. Arrival at Ghangria, Explore the surroundings in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel/tent.
Day 03: 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, Strawberry, 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/tent.
Day 4: Gangarya to Hemkund (9km trek/2hrs) Gangarya
After an early breakfast trek to Hemkund (4,632 meters 15,197 feet) and same day back to Gangarya. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel / tent.
Day 5: Gangarya to Govindghat (Trek 14 kms/3-4 hrs) - Joshimath (drive 45min) (6,000 feet /1,800 mts)
After an early breakfast trek to Govindghat located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga then drive towards Joshimath. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 6: Joshimath to Rishikesh (250km drive)
Early morning drive to Rishikesh. On the way visit Chamoli & Rudraprayag, Devprayag Here the river Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet and from here the Holy Ganges starts along the various river valleys along the route. Lunch enroute.
About
Valley of Flower: Starting from about 6 kms from Bhuindhar village it covering an area of about 87 square kms. The beautiful valley situated at an altitude ranging from 3300 mts to 3650 mts. Known as a paradise for nature lovers, the valley is replete with a wide array of flower varieties, and boasts of the largest collection of wild flowers species, in the entire region! The aptly christened river Pushpawati (the river of flowers) flows through the verdant valley. Blooming with exotic flower varieties lasting from from June, July till early September, the "Valley" has about 520 identified species of flowering plants! The area was declared as a National Park in 1982, and re named The Valley Of Flowers National Park. Fauna such as the Himalayan black bear, Musk deer, Brown bear, Bharal and rich variety of birds and butter flies are found aplenty in this area.
Hemkund Sahib: The holy lake of Hemkund, serves as an important pilgrimage centre for Sikhs and Hindus. Located near the Valley of Flowers at an altitude of 3050 mts, this sacred geometrically shaped Gurdwara lies near the lake and is visited by a large number of pilgrims from all over the world. It is believed that Guru Govind Singh, the tenth guru of Sikhs meditated and united with God at the location of the Gurdwara.
