Let’s put it how Oscar Wilde puts it “A flower blossoms for its own joy.” and the kind of joy an amphophile gets when looking at it is something for which words would never be enough to explain. And, for that matter flowers can make even anyone very happy, for the joy and beauty they radiate. They have some kind of a calming, healing power and just by taking a look at them one gets a surreal kind of happiness.
Ralph Waldo Emerson says, “The Earth Laughs in Flowers.” and we couldn’t agree more after looking at the mesmerizing pictures of the splendid “Valley of Flowers” and listening to the experiences of those who have been there, it literally feels like heaven. “Bhagwan ne bahut fursat se banaya hoga tumhe.” is a quote which is best suited to describe this destination. It’s unbelievably stunning!
How was it Discovered
Valley of Flowers, the name in itself is quite suggestive, is tailor-made for nature lovers and adventure seeking trekkers. Located at the meeting point of Western & Eastern Himalayas and Zanskar at a whopping height of 3,858 meters, Valley of Flowers was discovered by mountaineer Frank S Smith in 1931, and the rest is history. It might seem a teeny bit odd, but the locals didn’t have any idea about the existence of such an awe-inspiring, beautiful place. It is believed that Hanuman brought Sanjivani for Laxmana from this iconic valley.
Best Time to Visit
This one is a perfect “Monsoon Destination” and July and August are the best months to visit the valley. Although the only time it’s actually open for travelers is June-end to September-1st week, but if you want to see the most beautiful Himalayan flower, the Blue Primula, in full bloom in thousands then July or August should be your pick. Other alpine flowers you will find would be Blue Poppy, Himalayan Rose, River Anemone, Meadow Geranium, Snake Foil to name a few.
How to Reach
An uphill drive from Haridwar to Govindghat via Joshimath and Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers to form the Ganges). Now begins the trek!! Yes, it’s captivating and breathtaking but the trek to this spellbinding place is no child’s play. It’s arduous and pretty difficult. Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria. Guys, no kidding, it’s a 14 k.m trek and it’s strenuous. By the time you reach there, it would be night time. Camping or Hotel stay, your call. In the morning, you trek from Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers. It’s a good 10 km and its steep, you guys and might be a bit fatiguing but once you reach there the extremely rich Flora and the many species of birds and butterflies take over your senses and all you can see and feel is thousands of flowers in full bloom which will leave you spellbound. Imagine fascinating flowers in full bloom against the mighty Himalayas!! If you are seeking some more adventure and thrill trek further from Valley of Flowers to Sri Hemkunt Sahib or maybe come back to Ghangaria and the trek to Sri Hemkunt Sahib the next day. Just don’t miss it.
The Real Journey & The Experiences
When one takes a trip they have certain notions in mind and we understand that. You would be expecting surreal, panoramic views of the mountains, fresh air, captivating alpine flowers and maybe a steep trek. Valley of Flowers promises you all along with memories for a lifetime. The place is a haven for adventure seeking souls and a feast for the hungry eyes. The camp at Govindghat is nearly 300 km from Haridwar. The uphill drive leaves one spellbound with the captivating views of the mountains it offers. After that, once the trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria begins, one will get tired and stuff as we already said the trek is no child’s play but trust us, it’s all worth it. The acclimatization stretch would prepare you for the heights to be scaled next. Next morning the trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers begins. It’s steep and will require you to be physically fit. It’s gonna be fatiguing and it’s strenuous too but once you reach the place which has been believed to be the ‘Abode of Fairies’ by the locals, you are gonna forget it all and would let yourself to be taken all over by the beauty and honestly, that’s the best way to enjoy nature’s bliss. If you have explored the Valley of Flowers and are seeking more adventure and thrill, trek further.
Do not worry, by now you are acclimatized for this. Obviously, we are talking about the world famous religious site for the Sikhs, Sri Hemkunt Sahib. If you have that kind of stamina, then trek further from Valley of Flowers. It’s just 2 hours. If you wanna tired and need rest, and have time on your hands, come back to Ghangaria and trek to Sri Hemkunt Sahib the next day. It’s a short 5.7 km expedition but we are warning you, it’s steep and arduous and difficult but most importantly, it’s all worth it. The Lake there, it’s ice remains frozen for 8 months and it’s only in June, July, August and September, it’s melted and one can take a dip in there. It’s said that the tenth guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh meditated here in his previous life. It’s a must-see.
Stuff to Carry
Basic first-aid kit Multivitamins
Trek Pants Boots or Trekking Shoes
Warm caps Cold Cream
Lip Balm Socks
Water Bottles Sunscreen
Torch Hand Towels
Moisturizer Shell Jackets
Energy Bars Nightwear
Well, this is basically it. And, as monsoon is here, now is the time to plan your trip to this awe-inspiring destination and have a time of your life. Book your packages soon and have a great time. Happy Monsoon!
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