A SPLENDID TREK TO VALLEY OF FLOWERS AND HEMKUND SAHIB

October 11, 2022

himalaya

I would like to share our trek experience to valley of flowers and Hemkund Sahib which we visited recently in the month of August 2019. We people of 8 family members have been to the trip. Out of 8, 5 members were from Hyderabad, 2 members were from Singapore and 1 member from America.

Our main trip organizer was Mr. Shyam who sent us all the instructions and the checklist of things to carry for travel. Also instructed us to do some workout especially climbing stairs which would ease us for the trip.

On 28^th July we boarded flight from Hyderabad to Dehradun. Took a vehicle to Rishikesh where we spent the night at Jeeyar Mutt. Same day evening we went to Triveni Ghat to watch the Ganga Aarti which was startling.

Then on 29^th July morning after breakfast we started from Rishikesh to Govind Ghat. Our guides Mr. Bachan Singh Rana, Mr. Rishab and Mr. Jay accompanied us to the journey to the valley of flowers. It was 9 to 10 hours long scenic journey. On the way we stopped at Devprayag a point where Alaknanda and Bhagiratha rivers meet to form Ganga. Finally reached Joshimathwhere we spent the night at a guest house in Marwari.

Joshimath!

30^th July morning we started to Ghangaria where we took a vehicle till Pulna. The trail of valley of flowers starts from Pulna village. From here you can take Pittu, Khachchar (Called as Mules) or walk up to Ghangaria village passing the Buyundar village. We started walking at our own pace gazing at the mountains, clouds and waterfalls. The trail was steep but was amazing since nature was a feast for our eyes. You find green foliage everywhere. A different world altogether. After 5 hours trek we reached Ghangria which was total 9km trek (7,800 ft) where we spent our next 3 days in Tents at Camp Valley. All the three guides accompanied us during the trek, and they were very professional and friendly.

Camp Valley of flowers!

Our Tents!

All the tents were named after flowers. The tent which I was staying in was named Rhododendron. The tents were well equipped with attached bathroom. Since the best season to visit the valley is monsoon, rain keeps pouring down always. The temperature at Ghangria is usually 11 degrees centigrade. After a long trek we were served hot water for bath. Then followed by hot pakoras with chai. We enjoyed the pakoras and sipping tea staring at the nature. The tents were exactly in the lap of the mountains. Gazing at the greenery we almost forgot our tiredness. Had homely dinner in the night and went to bed.

That’s my tent (Rhododendron)!

Next day i.e 31^st July we started from Ghangria to the Valley of flowers. Valley of flowers is considered to be a national park in Uttarakhand. The trek is exactly 4km (11,500 ft). Our main initiators from our family were my Aunt, Mother in law and Father in law. Their zeal towards the trek pulled us all for the trip.

It started pouring down the moment we started our trek. As suggested by Mr.Shyam in the trek checklist we carried Rain pants, Rain gear, Quick dry clothes, warm socks and Trek shoes. Believe me guys these are very essential as the treks are steep and rain keeps pouring down. The hostler asks you to climb on the mule or the Pittu since it’s the only way they can make their bread. Its sounds discouraging too for us but its up to ones confidence that they can walk. The trek was awesome where you pass through the bridges and waterfalls. Also can view the snow peaks. The climate is also unpredictable as few minutes it appears clear but in the very next minute it turns out to be misty. Finally we reached the valley of flowers after 4 hours trek. First had our lunch bought by our guides and then started walking more into the valley.

Trail to Valley of flowers!

The moment we reached the valley to our luck the sky became clear. The valley was full of flowers as it was named where you find the flowers Blue poppy, Nepeta Laevigata, Origanum vulgare, Oxytropislapponica, Parnassianubicola etc.

Valley of flowers!

Viewing those flowers the only song which was crossing in my mind was ”Tujhedekhatohyehjanasanam” . I do remember that the song was picturised in Sarson ka khet but a similar kind of thought was running. Was enthralled with the beauty of the flowers. You still need to walk 6 km in the valley to view its beauty. The valley was discovered by the British mountaineer Holdsworth. After enjoying the view we started descending down as the weather was turning misty. Returned to our tents, had good dinner and a good sleep.

1^st August – Woke up early in the morning, had breakfast and started to Hemkund Sahib. It is 5.5 km(14,100 ft) from Ghangria. Since the trail is very very steep and due to time constraint we all took mules to go to Hemkund Sahib. The weather was misty that da too. All along the way to Hemkund you find the flower Brahmakamal which is native to Himalayas.

Hemkund Sahib Lake

All along the way to Hemkund you find the flower Brahmakamal which is native to Himalayas.

Brahma kamal (Saussureaobvallata)

Hemkund Sahib is a pilgrimage site for Sikh people. It is a gurudwara. The glacial lake inside the gurudwara is surrounded by seven mountain peaks. People take a dip in the lake before going into the gurudwara. The temperature is usually 13 to 20 degrees and is cold through out the day. We visited the gurudwara and went to Langar where khichdi and Chai were served hot. Then slowly started descending down the trail which took us 4 hours to reach Ghangria. My father in law hurt his leg in the valley of flowers but still joined us to descend the trail as he was the nature lover and did not want to miss it. Such is the beauty of the place. The whole trail is cleaned by sweepers at regular intervals. If people litter they are charged a fine of Rs.100.

As usual had a great dinner and good sleep in our tents. Thanks to our cooks Mr.Pushkar and Mr. Deepak who served us appetizing and tasty dishes.

Cooks who served us!

2^nd August – Started the descend from Ghangria to Govindghat. Our luggages were brought in pittu. From Govindghat took a vehicle to Pulna and in turn from Pulna we took a vehicle to start the journey to Badrinath. At Badrinath we were just in time for the darshan before the temple was getting closed. As well visited the Tapt Kund (hot spring) in the temple. Had lunch and started our long scenic journey back to Rishikesh. Thanks to our wonderful guides Mr. Bachan, Jay and Rishab from Himalaya Shelter who have taken care and guided us the whole trek. They served us with hospitality and made our trip comfortable. “KehtehainPahadike log ache hotehain!”

Badrinath Temple!

On the way back to Rishikesh, we visited Auli which is a popular as a Ski destination known for its snowy slopes. From December to February months this place is snow bound and chilly. We hopped on to the ropeway and enjoyed the view of the mountains.

Auli

After reaching Jeeyar Mutt, Rishikesh we bid good bye to our guides and left for the Ganga Arti. Ganga Arti @ Rishikesh is very mesmerizing. The vibe it carries is fascinating. Lucky us to visit the Ganga Mayya again.

Ganga Arti @ Rishikesh

Finally, 4^th August we boarded the flight from Dehradun to Hyderabad. The whole trip was memorable unforgettable and beautiful. Forgot to mention that from Ghangria village your mobile phones will not work as there is no signal. All you do is enjoy the nature. People who are good trekkers and the people who are nature lovers will for sure enjoy the trek more than anyone. The Dev Bhoomi is simply incomparable!!!!!!!

A SPLENDID TREK TO VALLEY OF FLOWERS AND HEMKUND SAHIB

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