Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers: “Review”

Discover the natural beauty of the Valley of Flowers from Rishikesh. Explore the vibrant alpine flowers, rare Himalayan birds, and stunning views on the moderately challenging trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a diverse range of alpine flowers, rare Himalayan birds, and other fauna.

Rishikesh, a small town located in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India, is a popular destination among travelers seeking adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty. One of the most breathtaking and picturesque places that can be easily accessed from Rishikesh is the Valley of Flowers.

Best Time

The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is from mid-July to mid-September when the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant. The trek to the valley starts from the small town of Govindghat, which is around 25 km from Joshimath and can be reached by road from Rishikesh. From Govindghat, a 13 km trek leads to the village of Ghangaria, which is the base camp for the Valley of Flowers trek.

Govindghat to Ghangaria

The trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria is a moderately difficult one and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. The trail follows and passes through picturesque villages, lush forests, and gushing waterfalls. The last 3 km of the trek to Ghangaria is a steep climb and can be challenging for some. However, the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys make the effort worth it.

Ghangaria Village

Once you reach Ghangaria, you can explore the village, which has a few small restaurants and shops selling basic essentials. You can also hire a guide from the village for the Valley of Flowers trek, as the trail can be tricky to navigate for first-timers. The entry fee for the Valley of Flowers National Park is also payable at Ghangaria.

Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers

The trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers is a 3 km uphill climb and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The trail passes through dense forests of birch and rhododendron and opens up to a vast meadow filled with a colorful carpet of alpine flowers such as Himalayan blue poppies, Himalayan bellflowers, and Himalayan cobra lilies. The valley is also home to rare Himalayan birds such as the Himalayan monal and the Himalayan snowcock

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The Valley of Flowers trek is a day trek, and visitors are not allowed to stay overnight in the valley. However, you can spend a few hours exploring the valley, admiring the stunning views, and clicking pictures. After exploring the valley, you can trek back to Ghangaria and spend the night in one of the small guesthouses or campsites in the village.

Conclusion

The next day, you can trek back to Govindghat and take a taxi or bus to Rishikesh. Overall, the trek to the Valley of Flowers is a rewarding and unforgettable experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the Himalayas.