Valley of Flowers

The trip starts from Haridwar, from where you drive to Auli (280 kms, 8-9 hrs). The drive is picturesque, along the Ganges and Alaknanda rivers. Pass by Rishikesh, Dev Prayag and Rudra Prayag.

Reach the lodge based in the apple orchard in the evening, where you stay overnight.

Today starts early with an hour long drive to Govindghat, from where the trek will commence. The 14 kms trek to Ghangria takes around 4-5 hours and is of moderate gradient. Cross the Alaknanda river over a bridge at Govindghat and then walk towards Bhyundar valley through forest area and a few villages. An alternate to walking is to hire a mule or reach via helicopter.

Overnight in the camp.

Embark on a trek (moderate gradient) to the much awaited destination of the Valley of Flowers. The unending meadows are laden with a variety of alpine flowers, beautiful streams and tall mountains around. At the entrance of the Valley, notice the snow-clad peak of Ratban Parvat, while on the left is Nar Parvat and on the right is a dense Birch forest. Spend a few hours sightseeing and then head back to the camp at Ghangria.

Today’s trek is a steep climb to Hemkund Sahib, a popular Sikh shrine next to a beautiful lake, surrounded by wild flowers. Savour the tea served at the Gurudwara, and later visit Laxman Mandir near the Gurudwara, before heading back to Ghangria.

From Ghangria, trek back to Govindghat and drive for an hour to reach the temple town of Badrinath, situated on the banks of the river Alaknanda and against the backdrop of the colossal Neelkanth peak. In the evening, return to the lodge in Auli.

Overnight in the lodge.