The walk
The national park opens with the monsoon. For a few weeks the valley floor is a working meadow of flowers, and the walk to Hemkund Sahib climbs to a cold lake above Ghangaria.
This is a popular trail. We do not pretend otherwise. What we do is fix the stay in Ghangaria before you arrive, start the valley day early, and keep the group together on the Hemkund climb.
Come for the flowers. Treat Hemkund as a hard extra day, not a casual add-on.
You will remember
- Valley of Flowers National Park
- Hemkund lake and the gurudwara
- Ghangaria as a fixed base
- Bhyundar valley walk in
- An early start so the park day is unhurried
On this trail
Day by day
01 Day 1 · Haridwar to Govindghat
A long drive up the Alaknanda. We stay near Govindghat so the walk-in starts fresh.
02 Day 2 · Govindghat to Ghangaria
The classic walk up the Bhyundar valley. It is crowded in season, so we keep our own pace and our own breaks.
03 Day 3 · Valley of Flowers
An out-and-back into the park. We go as far as the group’s pace allows, usually toward the lower meadows, and return to Ghangaria.
04 Day 4 · Hemkund Sahib
A steep climb to the lake and a careful descent on tired legs. This is the hardest day. We start early and do not treat it as optional once you have chosen this trek.
05 Day 5 · Ghangaria to Govindghat
Down the valley to the road. Knees do more work than lungs.
06 Day 6 · Govindghat to Haridwar
Drive back to Haridwar by evening.
Included
- Stay on the nights listed in the itinerary, in guesthouses, homestays or camps
- Meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Trek leader and a local guide
- Permits and forest entry fees for the route
- Transfers that are written into the day-by-day plan
- Group first-aid kit, and an oxygen cylinder on high camps
- Cloakroom support for the main bag on walking days where the trail allows it
Not included
- Travel to and from the meeting point
- Personal clothing, shoes and insurance
- Meals during the drive to the trailhead, unless the day says otherwise
- Tips for the guide and kitchen team
- Emergency evacuation or hospital costs
- GST, if it applies, until we confirm the invoice
- Anything not written in the inclusions
Before you go
Hemkund is a steep out-and-back. You should be fine with stairs and a long day above 3,000 metres.
Meet at Haridwar. Ages 12 to 58.
Monsoon, Summer.
What to carry
- Worn-in waterproof trekking shoes with grip
- A warm layer and a jacket for camp
- Rain shell and trekking pants
- Sun cap, woollen cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Gloves and spare socks
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Two water bottles, about two litres
- Personal medicines and a small toiletry kit
- Government photo ID
- Daypack, 20 to 30 litres
How to reach
We drive from Haridwar to Govindghat on day 1, which is a full day. Pulna or Govindghat is where the walk begins the next morning, depending on the road.
If plans change
If we cancel the departure, you can move to another date or receive a refund of what you have paid.
If you cancel 30 days or more before the start, the trek amount is refunded minus a processing fee we state in your confirmation. Between 15 and 29 days, half is retained. Inside 14 days the departure is non-refundable, because the stay, food and guide team are already committed.
The full note also lives on the Cancellations page.
Before you come
Carry a government photo ID. Mention a special diet when you book so the kitchen can buy for it.
Questions on this trek
When do the flowers peak?
Usually late July into August, and it shifts with the snowmelt and the rain. We date the departures inside the park’s open window.
Is Hemkund compulsory?
It is part of this itinerary. If you only want the valley, tell us when you enquire and we will say whether that departure can flex.
How wet will I get?
Expect rain. The rain shell on the packing list is for this trek more than any other.