Chenap Valley Trek

Alternate To Valley Of Flowers
Duration
8 Days
Trek Altitude
15580 Feet
Destination
Uttarakhand
Trek Distance
60 Kms
Group Size
8-10 Peoples
Best Time
July To August

Chenap Valley Trek Overview

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.

Flower at Chenap Valley Trek  

Itinerary

Post breakfast, we will drive to Joshimath via Devprayag. En-route, we shall witness the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda River at Dev Prayag. By evening, we will be able to reach at Joshimath. Check in to a hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Today, we will drive to Vishnu Prayag, from here we will be trekking to Thaing Village. In order to enter the valley, we will cross the bridge at Vishnuprayag. Overnight stay in the camp.

Today, we shall start trekking early in the morning. Our trek will be to Dhar Kharak or Baidwa Kharak. Packed lunch will be taken to serve you on the way. The trek will pass through dense forests and along the course of several streams. We shall set our camp at Dhar Kharak for an overnight stay.

Post breakfast, we shall trek to Chenap Valley. There are around 500 species of flowers and numerous medicinal plants found here. From Chenap, one can head to Badrinath via Neelkanth Base Camp. Overnight stay in the camp.

The day is free for exploration. Overnight stay in the tent.

Optional: One can Trek towards Sona Shikhar which is 8 kms via Fulna and Maskyani Bugyal. In Sona Shikhar one can see the Braham Kamal and Fan Kamal.

Post breakfast, we shall trek back to Thaing Village. Overnight stay in a camp.

Early in the morning, post breakfast, we shall trek down to Vishnu Prayag and from there will drive to Joshimath/Chamoli.

After the breakfast, we will drive to Dehradun.

Reviews

Inclusions
  1. All accommodations on twin sharing tents as per the itinerary.
  2. All meals during the trek (vegetarian with occasional serving of eggs) including breakfast, hot/packed lunch, and dinner with morning and evening tea
  3. Certified Trek Leader, Cook and Support Staff
  4. Medical Kit
  5. Forest Permits
  6. Camping Equipment including tents, kitchen & dining tents, toilet tents etc
  7. Gaiters, Microspikes, when needed
Exclusions
  1. Anything is is NOT mentioned in the “Inclusions” or personal expenses.