Description

About Valley of Flowers

Valley of Flowers is a vibrant and splendid national park in the Chamoli district. Nestled in Uttarakhand, this enchanting place is famous for its charming meadows of alpine flowers. Endowed with a diverse range of endemic flora, it is picturesque in its beauty. This lush region is also home to some rare flora and fauna. This place has floral pastures, running streams and a beautiful backdrop of the mountains. Yellow flowers like Vajardanti, Potentilla Cuneifolia, Taraxacum Officinale, Bitterwood, blowball, Common Dandelion, Dundee, Kan Phuliya, Marsh Marigold, Shomalap and many more are found in the Valley of Flowers. You may spot animals like Asiatic black deer, snow leopard, musk deer, red fox, brown bear and blue sheep. High in the lofty Himalayas of the Garhwal region sprawls this enchanting valley. It’s a core zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. A colossal expanse of 87.5 sq. km and myriad alpine flowers make this place a colourful paradise.

Region: Uttarakhand

Difficulty level: Moderate

Duration: 6 Days

Best Time: July – Sept

Accommodation Type: Camps/Home Stay

Meals: Veg

Max Altitude: 15,200 ft.

Trekking distance: 38 km approx.

Departure: Rishikesh/Dehradun

How to Reach Valley of Flowers

Nomad Adventures can arrange a cab for you from the pickup point in Rishikesh for Joshimath to Govindghat but it is on additional charges. The trekkers joining the trek can share the cab cost among them. The scenic route to Joshimath will take around 9-10 hrs, the road distance is 250 km. (Trek starting point). Pick up on day 1 is Natraj Chowk or Tapovan, Rishikesh/Haridwar at 6:00 am. Distance: Dehradun to Rishikesh-20km, Haridwar to Rishikesh, 21km and Dehradun to Haridwar – 51 km. We recommend pre-booking your night stay in Rishikesh a day prior so that you can get good rest and start fresh the next morning.

By Train: The nearest best railway station is Dehradun. You can board Ddn Nzm Ac Express(2205), Nanda Devi Express or Dehradun Express from Delhi. People usually prefer trains over flights because it is more economical. Take a bus or cab to reach Rishikesh.

By Bus: There are regular buses from Delhi to Dehradun/Rishikesh, Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate ). You can easily rely on government buses as they are also safe.

By Flight: Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport – Dehradun. You can take a bus or local cab to reach Rishikesh. It just takes 30-40 min to reach Rishikesh from Dehradun Airport.

Note: Always book your return flight/train tickets after including the buffer day in your itinerary. Buffer days are kept for unforeseen conditions in the mountains, if not used; you can use them for sightseeing in Rishikesh.

Inclusion

• Meals start from day 1 dinner to day 6 breakfast. On Day 6 early departure after tea and breakfast. During the trek, you will be provided healthy hot meals which include breakfast, lunch, evening tea and snacks, hot soup, and dinner with daily different desserts. Hot drinking water will be provided daily at the guesthouse/homestay.
• Accommodation: During the trek, you will be provided rooms/dorms on a triple sharing basis or quad sharing basis. Separate accommodation for females and males.
• Forest permits.
• Trek guide, cook, and support staff
• Porters/mules to carry trekking equipment.
• First aid medical kit, oxygen cylinder and UIAA certified safety equipment.
• Trek Certificate
• Experience that you will gain.

Exclusion

• Any kind of personal expenses on the trek.
• Meal during road journeys.
• Transport is available from Rishikesh to Joshimath and back at an additional cost.
• Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
• Any kind of travel insurance.
• Anything not specified in the inclusion list.
• Note* If you don't want to carry your backpack 🎒 you can give it to porter/Mules🐴, but you have to inform us in advance and have to pay Rs. 1200/- extra per bag for the whole trek.

Know Before you go

Things to Know Before You Go on the Trek

Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains and take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.

Pay attention to the trek guides and instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound trek.

One must not expect luxuries. Electricity may be available only at Joshimath and Ghangaria.

The trek takes place through an eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering of the local sites or campsites. Travelers littering may be fined.

The management reserves all the right to modify the Vasuki Tal trek during any emergencies or natural calamities.

It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes and the right kind of trekking shoes for the trek.

Children below the age of 7 years are not recommended for the Trek.

Things to Carry

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose the proper equipment. Try to bring only what is necessary; this will help you and the field staff.

Required

👉 Thermals - Tops and Bottoms

👉 Day Pack (20L-30L) and Rucksack 50-60L

👉 Bag Rain Cover

👉 Fleece pants

👉 Woolen gloves and woolen cap

👉 Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater

👉 Headlamp with Fresh Batteries

👉 Hiking Pants (Warm, Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)

👉 Woolen Socks (4-5 pairs)

👉 Insulated Jacket

👉 Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)

👉 Rain-Coat/Poncho

👉 Sport Sunglasses and Sun cap

👉 Hiking Boots

👉 Sun Block and Lip Balm

👉 Water Bottles

Optional

✖ Altimeter

✖ Camera and Accessories

✖ Compass

✖ Ear Plugs

✖ Glacier Glasses

✖ Reading and Writing Materials

Pick up points

We have a fixed departure point from Rishikesh Bus station and Joshimath.

Redemption Process

• After the booking is complete, you will receive an email and SMS consisting of booking details. The details can also be viewed in active bookings page of your account. Just login to your account in our website and access 'active bookings' page in the dashboard.
• Show the e-voucher or confirmation E-mail at the reception counter; Trees have feelings too, please don’t print this voucher!

FAQ

 How long do we trek every day?

The Valley of Flowers trek is considered a moderate trek. The trek starts with a steep ascent from Ghangaria and then slowly becomes easy till you reach the Valley of Flowers. It will take around 6 days to complete the trek from Haridwar. Please refer to the trek itinerary for more details.

 How long do we trek every day?

The Valley of Flowers trek is considered a moderate trek. The trek starts with a steep ascent from Ghangaria and then slowly becomes easy till you reach the Valley of Flowers. It will take around 6 days to complete the trek from Haridwar. Please refer to the trek itinerary for more details.

 Will there be water sources on the way? Will two liters of water be enough?

Our campsites are pitched near water sources. For your day’s trek, two liters of water should be enough. You will find water sources on the trek to refill your water bottles. Your trek leader will brief you about these before starting the day’s trek.

What is the washroom/toilet facilities like on the trek?

During the trek, you will be staying mostly in a guesthouse or homestay so a proper concrete washroom will be provided. Please use plain toilet paper and refrain from using wet wipes since these are not biodegradable.

 What will be the accommodation?

Valley of Flowers is a 6-day trek. The stay from Day 1 to Day 5, will be in a guest house, where you will share rooms with fellow trekkers. Females will be sharing rooms only with females and the same applies to other trekkers.

 Which are the best seasons for the Valley of Flowers trek?

The Valley of flowers trek is best done between June end to mid-September

 What if it rains while trekking?

If it starts raining while you’re trekking, we will continue on the trail as planned. Your poncho should protect you from the rain. Carry a backpack cover for extra protection from rain for your belongings.

 What will be the temperature on the trek?

On average, the day temperature swings between 5 - 10 degrees celsius and at the night goes maximum between 0 - 5 degrees celsius.

When it gets really cold can I consume alcohol?

Alcohol is dangerous in extreme cold, especially at high altitudes. Contrary to what people believe, alcohol does not make you warmer. Instead, it opens your pores, making your body colder. Moreover, it dehydrates you very quickly. Hence consumption of alcohol is absolutely prohibited on all Nomad Adventures treks. Anyone found with alcohol is quickly removed from the trek. Smoking, similarly, is not allowed on Nomad Adventures treks.

 What all do I need to carry on the trek?

Please visit the 'Things to Carry' tab to check the essentials required for the trek.

 Are trek poles, jackets and other equipment available for rent from Nomad Adventures?

No, but there are shops on the base camp from where you can rent shoes, jackets and trek poles, headlights etc.

 Do I need special snow shoes on this trek?

You don’t need special snowshoes. A good waterproof trekking shoe is sufficient for the trek. When there is snow, we provide micro spikes and gaiters.

Why is the trekking pole necessary?

A trekking pole gives you stability and balance and helps reduce fatigue.

What is the age limit?

The minimum age limit is 8 years. However, minors aged between 8 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. The maximum age is 60 but please follow the fitness regime before coming on the trek.

At what time should we reach Rishikesh?

It is advisable to reach the Rishikesh bus stand by 6 am. Nomad Adventures pick up is lined up at that time. From there 9-10 hr journey takes us to Joshimath.

 What kind of vehicle will be there?

Tata Sumo/ Bolero/Max kind of vehicles we arrange and accommodate 6-7 People in a vehicle.

 Is this a good trek for a first timer?

Valley of Flowers is graded as a moderate trek. Beginners can attempt this trek provided they stick to the fitness schedule and meet the health requirements. As in all treks, physical preparation is mandatory.

Is there a mobile network on this trek? And, what about charging points?

Mobile network (BSNL) is available only up to Govindghat. Electricity charging points are available at lodges. However, you need to be mindful of the fact that there could be power cuts. It is good to carry your power banks and extra batteries for your camera.

Who will be there with us on the trek from Nomad Adventures?

Nomad Adventures team consisting of a qualified Trek leader, trek guides, porters and cooks will be with you throughout the trek.

What places I can visit before or after the trek?

You can spend time exploring tourist attractions like Badrinath, Mana village, Vasudhara falls and Auli. Please note that these are suggestions and Nomad Adventures does not make any arrangements for visiting them.

I am solo female trekker. Do I need to share a tent/room with a male?

No, Female Trekkers share Room/Tent with female co-trekkers and the same applies to others. Separate accommodation for males and females.

 Is it safe to trek with Nomad Adventures?

All high-altitude treks come with their share of risks. We pay utmost importance to the safety of trekkers. While we do our bit to ensure a trekker is safe, we also expect any trekker who is enrolling with us to know what could go wrong, and if it does, how to tackle it.

Can I leave my extra luggage behind and collect after the trek?

Since your starting and returning point is the same on the trek, it is possible for you to leave some luggage behind at the base camp in Govindghat/Joshimath. Our group leader from Nomad Adventures will guide you regarding this on the trek. However, make sure you do not leave any valuables. Nomad Adventures is not responsible for loss or damage to any belongings.

How many members will be joining the batch?

Minimum 6 people and maximum 20 we take in one batch. We need a minimum of 6 people to run a fixed departure but for the customized trip group size doesn’t matter.

 Is Diamox advisable?

No, but in case you are having so please consult your doctor because there are lots of myths about Diamox.

 Is there any chance of offloading the backpack?

If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to inform us in advance so that the necessary arrangements are made. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. If you decide on the spot then the charges are higher than usual.

What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?

Carry Aadhar ID proof, medical certificate and Covid vaccine certificate.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made 72 Hrs (date shown in the confirmation email) or more in advance of the booking date will receive a 100% refund of the total amount of the booking.
• Cancellations made within 48 - 72 Hrs will incur 50% of the total amount of the booking.
• Cancellation requests made within 24 hours of the booking date may not receive a refund nor a transfer.
• In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get canceled. In such cases, the operator will try their best to provide an alternate feasible. However, if you are not compatible with the dates you will get a full refund.
• The applicable refund amount would reflect in the same account that was used to make the payment at the time of the booking. The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days. Refunds will not be processed in cash.

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