A Trail of Blossoms – Revelations of the Valley of Flowers Trek

The Valley of Flowers is one of the most famous treks in India. It’s a moderately difficult trek that can cause altitude sickness, so it’s important to be well prepared.

Start your journey along the Blossom Trail at Simonian Farms, a 1901 fruit stand. From there, head to Hemkund Sahib and the breathtaking Valley of Flowers.

Day 1

Meet your fellow trekkers in a meet and greet session where you will be prepped for the Valley of Flowers Trek. Then, head out to witness Ganga Arati at the Triveni Sangam and stay the night in Rishikesh.

The best time to go for the Valley of Flowers trek is between early July till mid-August, when the flowers are at their peak. However, the flowers may still be in bloom until late September.

Day 2

Bestowed with rare and exotic Himalayan flora, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a bouquet of nature peacefully snuggled in the West Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It has become one of the most sought after treks in the world for its pristine meadows brimming with endemic Himalayan flowers and fauna.

Begin your trek by visiting the four holy confluences of River Ganga (Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Nandprayag) and witness a spectacular sunrise over the snow-clad peaks. Head out for an acclimatization trek to Gorsan Bugyal.

Day 3

Indulge in a feast to your eyes as you enter the Valley of Flowers. Located at the top of the Himalayas, it’s a delight to see blossoms in full bloom lining a myriad canvas.

This day marks the first of many exciting treks ahead. From Ghangaria, you’ll begin the trek to Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh pilgrimage.

On the trip, expect some minor delays and hindrances owing to weather conditions. For instance, it’s common for rain to cause landslides and road blocks during this time.

Day 4

Many trekkers, even those who have never stepped foot in the Himalayas, have heard about Valley of Flowers. It’s a legendary trek and one of the most popular in India.

Wake up early and embark on an acclimatization trek to Gorsan Bugyal. This will help you get used to the higher elevations of the Valley of Flowers.

Once you’ve gotten a feel for the higher altitude, head back to Ghangaria. Spend the day strolling through the Valley of Flowers and enjoy the surreal landscapes.

Day 5

A trip along the Blossom Trail makes drivers, cyclists and even photographers prone to exclaim in awe. Just remember that the orchards on this path are private property, so be respectful when photographing and taking flowers.

Day 2 of the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Trek begins with a drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath. This is a necessary part of the journey, since it will help you get acclimated to the higher elevations that this adventure will take place at.

Day 6

The valley is bestowed with a bouquet of endemic Himalayan flora. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s serenely snuggled in the western Himalayas.

The Hemkund Sahib Valley of Flowers trek is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. It combines the beauty of Hemkund Sahib with an exceptional Himalayan trekking experience.

You’ll witness the four holy confluences of River Ganga (Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandprayag) en route to Auli. And you’ll wake up to an unforgettable sunrise on your first morning in Auli.

Day 7

You will wake up early in the morning and head out for an acclimatization trek to Gorson Bugyal. The altitude here is 13,000 feet and it’s crucial that you go through this acclimatization trek before heading to the Valley of Flowers.

Spring kicks off early in Fresno County and by late February the Blossom Trail is festooned with rosy sprays of peach, nectarine, and apricot blossoms, white bouquets of almonds, and plums and apples and orange citrus blazes.

Day 8

A UNESCO heritage site, the Valley of Flowers National Park is home to thousands of Himalayan wild-flowers which bloom for only a short season in a sky-tossed valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The trek is considered an easy/moderate one assuming that you have prior high altitude trekking experience.

However, it is advisable to be adequately prepared for this trek as the trek is at an altitude that may cause acute mountain sickness in many people.

Day 9

The trek to Hemkund Sahib, home to a gorgeous glacial lake and a Gurudwara (Sikh temple), is one of the most unique high-altitude Himalayan hikes. It’s also one of the most popular treks in India, thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

This is a moderate trek, but you still need to be adequately prepared. This means doing some light exercise every day for a few weeks before the trek.