The hidden valley of flowers, located below Sona Sikhar mountain peaks in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and spread across the Himalayan mountain ranges, is a prominent one for trekking in Chenap valley trek. It is an offbeat trail that takes you into the wild heart of nature. Forests of Oak-Deodar, Rhododendron trees, Sal and Teak trees, waterfalls, streams, vast meadows of grassland, and a humongous variety of wildflowers bloom here, characterizing the area. Primulas, Orchids, Poppies, Brahma Kamal, Marigold, Anemones, and Daisies are to name a few among hundreds of varieties of the wild flowers and orchids.
Although in close proximity, the Chenap Valley Trek might not be as popular as its cousin, the Valley of Flowers in Bhuyandar valley and thus remains pristine. En route there are high altitude lakes of Swanu, Nandu and Chenap by whose shores one can easily camp and stay.Visitors are strictly forbidden from camping inside the Valley of Flowers. An ancient temple of Raj Rajeshwari Mohan Nanda delights visitors and is located there. Strewn with a few hamlets here and there the valley looks like God’s own paradise on Earth.
Among all the trekking trails in Uttarakhand, this place deserves a special mention owing to its beauty. Between mid-May and mid-October, during or post-monsoon, is the best time for you to visit this place. The wildflowers bloom in full splendour, and the greenery comes alive.
First-time trekkers will enjoy a gradual and relatively easy to moderate altitude gain of approximately 2000m to 4000m around Numb Peak. The total trekking distance is around 60 km. This is the valley where Mother Durga fought the forceful battle with Mahisasura to protect her son.
Starting form Dehradun/ Rishikesh/Haridwar you can take a car to reach Vishnuprayag which is around 263 km away. It is a very scenic drive for around 8/9 hour that takes you through the holy towns of Devprayag (confluence point between Alaknanda, Saraswati,
And Bhagirathi rivers beyond which they flow as Ganga), Srinagar, Dhari Devi, Rudraprayag (confluences between Alaknanda and Mandakini river), Gauchar, Karnaprayag (confluences between Alaknanda and Pindar river), Nandprayag (confluences between Alaknanda and Nandakini river), Chamoli, Pipalkoti, Dwing, Joshimath and Vishnuprayag (Alaknanda is met by the Dhauliganga River).
You need to get down from the car at Vishnuprayag and cross the Marwari Pool steel bridge over Alaknanda and thereafter the trek starts.
After walking for 4-5 hours the trail gradually takes you to the beautiful village of Thaing (2,438m), 8km away crossing the Chaien village en-route. You can camp here or choose a home-stay for the night. The villagers are quite warm hearted in welcoming you, sharing their local cuisine, culture and telling you stories about ancient kingdom whose relics are still there.
Next morning you will need to start early after filling up your water bottles as water resources are scarce on the trail. The trail gradually ascends up to Dhar Kharak or Baidwa Kharak and takes you through wild forest with rare flora and fauna, and rare root fruits (kandmol). Small hamlets and infrequent human settlements, including Sunalgatha, Pilpar, and Pandari Gala, trail the path. After walking for 4 to 5 hours and a distance of around 6km the trail leads you to Dhar Kharak. After camping there overnight next day after trekking for about 3 to 4 hours and a distance of around 4km you will reach the picturesque Chenap meadows (3048m). Here you can rest for a day to explore the surroundings.
The lush greenery and blooming wildflowers will keep you amazed and mesmerized. Next day, as the sun rises, you will behold breathtaking views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Dronagiri, and Sona Sikhar peaks. Fulna and Maskyani bugyal (alpine meadows) are located 8km away, where you can trek up to the base of Sona Sikhar peaks.
After staying for another night at camp as with all round treks, you need to follow the same trail to come down to Thaing village and Vishnuprayag. This trail's enchanting views will rejuvenate your soul and leave you enthralled, ensuring you return for another fantastic Himalayan trail experience.
