Overview

A journey to a valley of flowers spread in an area of 33.8 sq mi which makes it amazing and unique because most treks are on barren terrain. It is one of the most popular treks of Himalayas & one of the oldest too. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002 after it’s opening as a National Park in 1980. 

Here are a few basic things any beginner should know before going to Valley of Flowers on a trek:

Location

The Valley Of Flowers is located in the Bhyundar valley of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand and the nearest town is Joshimath, Garhwal. The trek for the Valley begins from Govindghat. It is a part of the second core of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The last human dwelling area is in Ghangaria which is 13 km from Govindghat. 

Best time to visit Valley of Flowers

The Valley Of Flowers trek is typically a monsoon trek, open to trekkers from June. It is the best time to visit because due to the showers, the flowers are in full bloom and young buds show their faces. The atmosphere is filled with fragrance and lush greenery. July to the beginning of September is a good time to visit in general. 

Difficulty level

It is not an easy trek but a moderate one that has a steep ascent from Hemkund Sahib

Accommodation

Tents or lodges are usually provided as living arrangements for each day of the trek starting from the base camp. 

Altitude

The Valley Of Flowers National Park is located at a height of about 14,400 feet above sea level. The areof of Valley of flowers is a few kms wide and more than 10 kms long is the valley and it spans an area of 33.8 sq mi. 

Distance of trek

A distance of 38 kilometres is to be travelled on the valley of flowers trek so it takes about four days to go through the trail as a trek. 

Safety measures

• Demarcations at every checkpoint throughout the terrain and trail. 
• Most of the climbing is not steep except the one steep ascent to Hemkund Sahib
• All exit points are easy
• The routes are explored but with minimum human intervention
• The campsites are located at distances that are ample to trek
• A good amount of acclimatization
• No technical aid required 
• No particular training required since the trail is not the most challenging 
• Proper gear to be used 

Who can visit Valley of Flowers? 

Anybody who is generally physically fit must provide a medical certificate for permission purposes. Basic training is to be done to maintain fitness level but nothing specific. People with chronic conditions are supposed to check with their doctors first and have written consent. They should be able to manage their condition in case any complication arises. Proper acclimatization is essential in order to let the body adjust to the altitude changes at every gradual step. Beginners can go on this trek as a first time trek with proper gear and precautions. 

Weather conditions of Valley of Flowers

Since you will most likely go in monsoon, you might experience light showers that increase in intensity as the day progresses into the evening so usually all the distance to be covered in a day is done by afternoon. Snowfall is seen in early July and the rain is lighter during September. 

Sights to enjoy

As you trek to the Valley Of Flowers you are likely to come across the Hemkund Sahib, lots of dense forest area with different flora and fauna, glaciers, waterfalls, a river named Pushpawati that you cross by a weak bridge and what not!

Hemkund Sahib, the highest Gurudwara in the world, is included in most treks to the Valley of Flowers and it is a famous Gurudwara in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh since he spent 10 years there and is located at an elevation of 4,633 meters. Some treks even end at this Sikh pilgrimage as a destination. Some mythological believers take this place to be a meditation place for Lakshman, Lord Ram’s brother. 

All in all the Valley of Flowers is a must visit trek for anyone who enjoys nature since it allows us to rejuvenate while being close to it in its most fragrant and vibrant form along with the magic of monsoon.