Everything you need to know about VOF trek

Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib Trek (4,329 M)

8/24/20244 min read

In 1931 after the expedition of Mt. Kamet, British mountaineer Frank Smythe, botanist Richard Holdsworth, and his team stumbled upon this stunning alpine valley in Uttarakhand, India. Smythe was captivated by the valley's incredible diversity of flora and its breathtaking beauty, and his detailed accounts and photographs of the valley, published in his book " The Valley of Flowers" played a significant role in bringing international attention to this pristine and enchanting location. His descriptions of the valley's breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

Table of Content

  1. How to reach

  2. Itinerary

  3. Guide

  4. Accommodation

  5. Food

  6. What to carry

  7. Mobile network

  8. Best time for the trek

  9. Challenges

  10. Preparation

How to reach

The base camp for the Valley of Flowers (VOF) trek is Govindghat. It is accessible by road from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. The distance from Rishikesh to Govindghat is 260 km. The Uttarakhand State Road Transport Corporation (UKSRTC) operates buses that run from Rishikesh to major towns in the region. There are direct and connecting services to Govindghat. Connecting bus services will take you to major hubs like Joshimath, from where you can get a local bus or taxi to Govindghat. Several private bus operators run services between Rishikesh and Joshimath or other nearby towns. You must switch to a local bus or taxi from Joshimath to Govindghat. If you are traveling with a group then you can hire a cab directly to Govindghat. 

Itinerary

  • Day 0: Reach Govindghat from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun

  • Day 1: Govindghat to Pulna by local shared car. Govindghat and Pulna are connected by motorable roads and the distance is 4 km. From Pulna you have to trek to Ghangaria (9 KM), elevation 3,050 M.

  • Day 2: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back to Ghangaria (8 KM), elevation 3,658 M.

  • Day 3: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib ( Highest Gurdwara in the World) and back to Ghangaria (12 KM), elevation 4,329 M

  • Day 4: Ghangaria to Govindghat and back to Rishikesh or stay at Govindghat and next day travel to Rishikesh or Dehradun according to your preference.

Guide

Valley of Flowers is a very well-known trek in Uttarakhand. You can find a local guide in Govindghat or you can do it on your own. It is not mandatory to have a guide for the trek. It's a well-marked trail. Also a pilgrimage route for Sikhs because of Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara. I'm sharing guide details that may help to plan your trek, Manish Singh +91 72478 41952, Yashpal Bhai +91 70607 58422. If you are a beginner then you may consider this trek with a trekking company, they will arrange all your needs. Valley of Flowers is an easy to moderate trek, it's perfect for beginners, so if you are going to start your trekking journey you may consider this trek.

Accommodation & Food

Govindghat and Ghangaria would be the two stay points for this trek. In both places, there are many hotel options for staying. You can find dormitory rooms also. For food, there are enough vegetarian restaurants. In both Govindghat and Ghangaria, there is Gurudwara where you can get langar also. In Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara don't forget to have the khara prasad.

What to Carry

Essentials

  1. Trekking Shoes

  2. Backpack

  3. T-shirts- 3 pcs

  4. Inner Thermals-1 pair

  5. Fleece layers-1 pcs

  6. Light Sweater-1 pcs

  7. Padded Jacket-1pcs

  8. Trek Pants-2 pcs

  9. Sunglass

  10. Suncap

  11. Hand Gloves

  12. Woolen Cap

  13. Balaclava

  14. Socks- 4 pair

  15. Trekking Poles

  16. Head Lamp

  17. Rain Ware

  18. Cover for backpack

  19. Day pack(20 Ltr.) Optional

  20. Toilet Kit

  21. Plastic covers

  22. Undergarments

Medical Kit

  1. Dexamethasone

  2. Nifedipine

  3. Dolo 650

  4. Avomine

  5. Combiflam

  6. Digene

  7. ORS

  8. Knee Brace

  9. You personal medicines

Mobile Network

In most of the trails, you could find mobile network connectivity.

Best time for the trek

During the monsoon season, the best time for this trek is between July and September. When the flowers are in full bloom.

Challenges

VOF trek is an entry-level trek. So you would not face any serious challenges there. On the last day when you trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib, that day you have to push a little bit but if you prepare well there will not be any problem.

Preparation

Valley of Flowers is not a hard trek. So if you run could 5 km in 40 mins that means you are good to go. For those who have a problem with running, they can do cycling or brisk walking.

Interesting Fact

In 1939 a botany student from Edinburgh University named John Margaret came to the Valley of Flowers for research work. Unfortunately, while researching, she slipped from a rock and died. After some years in 1944, her sister came to the valley and she established a memorial stone in memory of Margaret. The line inscribed on the thoughtful memorial is - " I will lift my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my strength". People believe that her spirit is still there in the valley.

I wish you all the best and see you on the trails!!