Recommended for Age Group of 18 - 60 years with considerable fitness !!
Discover the breathtaking Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. This trek, recommended for those with good fitness, unveils a vibrant tapestry of over 300 flower species in full bloom during July and August. Imagine walking through a multi-colored carpet of Morinas, Himalayan Blue Poppies, Brahma Kamal, and more!
Our 9-day adventure starts easy in Dehradun, with gentle stops in Rishikesh and Auli to help you get used to the altitude. You'll enjoy fresh mountain air and amazing views, even a pleasant hike to Gorson Meadows. The real highlight is the trek from Pulna to Ghangaria, leading you right into the heart of the Valley of Flowers at 12,070 feet in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
"In all my mountain wanderings, I have not seen a more beautiful valley where the human spirit may find repose," declared British mountaineer Frank Smythe upon discovering this floral wonderland. The Valley of Flowers trek comes to a perfect finish with a visit to Hemkund.
With Foliage Outdoors, you're in truly safe hands. Our expert guides are with you every step of the way, taking care of all the details like comfy stays and delicious meals. This means you can just relax and soak in all the beauty around you. This moderate trek is perfect for anyone who loves nature enjoys photography, or just wants a truly special Himalayan experience.
- Witness the Valley of Flowers in full bloom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Trek to the majestic Hemkund lake.
- Enjoy stunning Himalayan views and a gentle acclimatization hike to Gorson Meadows.
- Enjoy the scenery as you drive along the Holy Ganga and Alaknanda Rivers
- Comfortable stay and travel suitable for those looking for moderate level trek
Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun – Transfer to Rishikesh
Approx. 33 km / 1.5 hrs
Upon arrival at Dehradun Airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Rishikesh (approximately a 1-hour drive). After settling in, if time permits, we'll head to the sacred banks of the Ganges to witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti, a truly mesmerising experience. Overnight Stay in Rishikesh.
Meals: Evening Tea & Dinner
Day 2: Rishikesh – Auli
Altitude: 2,500 m / 8,202 ft
Approximate distance / Travel time : 250 km / 9-10 hrs
Today calls for an early start as we begin our scenic drive towards the charming hill station of Auli. Our route will trace the paths of the holy Ganga and Alaknanda rivers, making planned stops to capture beautiful photographs at the revered confluences (Prayags) of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandprayag. We anticipate reaching Auli by evening. Overnight Stay in Auli.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Dinner
Day 3: Auli – Trek to Gorson Bugyal (Meadows)
Altitude: 3,214 m / 10,544 ft
Trek: 6 km / 3–4 hrs
Today's adventure takes us on a rewarding trek through picturesque pine forests to the breathtaking Gorson Meadows (Bugyal). From these stunning meadows, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the majestic Nanda Devi and several other impressive Himalayan peaks. This hike is not just visually spectacular but also plays a vital role in helping us acclimatise gradually to the higher altitudes, ensuring you're well-prepared and can truly enjoy the main trek to Ghangaria and the Valley of Flowers in the days ahead. We'll return to Auli by afternoon, leaving you time to relax. Overnight Stay in Auli.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Evening Tea & Dinner
Day 4: Auli – Drive to Govindghat – Jeep to Pulna – Trek to Ghangaria
Pulna: Altitude: 2,100 m / 6,900 ft
Ghangaria: Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,800 ft
Drive: 50 km | Trek: 11 km / Approx. 7 hrs
After breakfast, we drive to Govindghat, where we'll switch to a local jeep for a ride to Pulna. From Pulna, we begin the scenic trek to Ghangaria, following the course of the Pushpawati River. Overnight Stay in Ghangaria.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Evening Tea & Dinner
Day 5: Explore the Valley of Flowers
Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft
Trek: 11 km / Approx. 7–8 hrs
We'll spend the day exploring the breathtaking Valley of Flowers National Park, a stunning landscape of alpine wildflowers and snow-capped peaks. We'll take our time to enjoy the scenery and capture photos, with a packed lunch in the valley. We'll return to Ghangaria by late afternoon. An early start allows for a full day to explore the breathtaking Valley of Flowers National Park. Overnight at Ghangaria.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Evening Tea & Dinner
Day 6: Trek to the Holy Hemkund Sahib
Altitude: 4,300 m / 14,100 ft
Trek: 12 km / Approx. 9–10 hrs
Today, we go on a challenging yet incredibly rewarding trek to the holy Hemkund Sahib. Starting early, we'll ascend to this glacial lake, perched at an elevation of 15,197 feet and surrounded by seven majestic mountain peaks. While the route is more demanding than the Valley of Flowers, the effort is truly worth it, offering a chance to spot the elusive Brahmakamal, a very rare flower not found in the Valley. We'll return to Ghangaria by evening. Overnight Stay in Ghangaria.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Evening Tea & Dinner
Day 7: Ghangaria – Trek to Govindghat – Drive to Auli
Altitude: 2,500 m / 8,202 ft
Trek: 11 km | Drive: 80 km
We descend from Ghangaria with a trek back to Govindghat. From there, we'll drive to Auli.
Overnight Stay in Auli
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Evening Tea & Dinner
Day 8: Auli – Return Drive to Rishikesh
Approx. 240 km / 8–9 hrs
Following breakfast, we start our return journey, driving back to Rishikesh. The evening is yours to relax, perhaps explore the local cafes, or reflect on the incredible experiences of your Himalayan adventure. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Dinner
Day 9: Departure from Rishikesh – Dehradun Airport Transfer
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Dehradun Airport for your departure. As you head home, cherish the memories and stunning images from your Himalayan adventure. We hope to see you again on another journey!
Meals: Breakfast
What is included in the tour
- Transport : Rishikesh - Auli - Govindghat - Auli - Rishikesh - by chartered non-AC vehicle
- Accommodation at Rishikesh in Deluxe hotel on twin sharing
- Accommodation at Ghangria in Tents on twin sharing
- Accommodation at Auli in deluxe hotel on twin sharing
- All meal charges as mentioned in the itinerary
- Services of a Camp leader from Foliage Outdoors
- 10 kg luggage weight limit on trek route (that we will transfer on Mules) (Pulna - Ghangaria - Pulna)
- Forest entry charges for Valley Of Flowers, Auli & Gorson Meadows for Indian nationals only.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flight / Train arrangement up to Dehradun
- Bottled Mineral water / cold drinks / any other beverages purchased during journey or at the Destination
- Personal expenditure of any kind (personal porterage, telephone, laundry, room service etc.)
- Medical Expenses if incurred
- Expenses that are incurred due to reasons beyond the control of the organizers
- Ropeway Cable Car ticket at Auli (if operational)
- Govt. Service Tax.
- Any other charges not mentioned in “Charges Include”
Please Note: Additional Services
- Mule Services: Should you prefer, mules can be arranged at an extra cost for your comfort. These services are available from Govindghat/Pulna to Ghangaria and back, as well as from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back. Guests can pay directly for this service on-site.
