The Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib Trek is a spectacular 38-kilometer journey through the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valley of Flowers National Park, this trek is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant alpine flora, and the spiritual serenity of Hemkund Sahib, one of the highest Sikh Gurudwaras in the world.
Starting from Govindghat, the trek leads you through picturesque villages, lush forests, and meandering rivers. The route offers stunning views of peaks like Nilgiri Parbat, Gauri Parbat, and Hathi Parbat. The trek is graded as easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners, nature lovers, photographers, and spiritual seekers alike.
The trek typically spans 6 days, beginning with a scenic drive from Rishikesh or Haridwar to Govindghat. Trekkers gradually ascend towards Ghangaria, which serves as the base for both Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib visits. The Valley, located at an altitude of 3,658 meters, comes alive between July and September with over 500 species of wildflowers, including Blue Poppy, Cobra Lily, and Brahma Kamal. The visit to Hemkund Sahib (4,329 meters) involves a steep ascent, offering spiritual fulfillment amidst awe-inspiring natural beauty.
The trek is ideal for those seeking a blend of adventure, nature, and spirituality, and is accessible via well-organized tour operators offering complete packages from Rishikesh or Haridwar.
Key Highlights
- Region: Uttarakhand, India — Valley of Flowers National Park & Hemkund Sahib.
- Duration: 6 days, with an average of 5–7 hours of trekking per day.
- Grade: Easy to moderate — suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers.
- Trail Length: 38 kilometers, round trip starting and ending at Govindghat.
- Highest Point: 4,329 meters (14,200 feet) at Hemkund Sahib.
- Package: ₹10,000–₹12,000 per person (inclusive of meals, accommodation, permits, and transportation from Rishikesh/Haridwar).
- Trail Type: Round trail — gradual ascent and descent, well-maintained trail.
- Rail Head: Nearest is Rishikesh or Haridwar — major railway stations in Uttarakhand.
- Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun — with regular flights from major Indian cities.
- Base Camp: Govindghat, located at an altitude of 1,828 meters (~10–11 hrs by road from Dehradun).
- Best Season: July to September — peak blooming season in the Valley of Flowers.
- Snow: Rare during the main trekking season, but some snow patches visible near Hemkund Sahib early in the season.
Itinerary
Rishikesh/Haridwar to Govindghat/Joshimath | Drive Distance: 255 km | Drive Duration: 11-12 hours
Govindghat/Joshimath to Ghangaria Via Poolna | Trek: 9 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Altitude gain: 6,215 ft to 10,520 ft
Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers | Trek distance: 3.7 km each way | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude gain: 10,520 ft to 11,550 ft
Ghangaria to HemKund Sahib | Trek distance: 6 km each way | Trek Duration: 8-9 hours | Altitude gain: 10,520 ft to 14,107 ft
Ghangaria to Joshimath via govindghat | Trek distance: 9 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude loss: 10,520 ft to 6,215 ft
Joshimath to Rishikesh/Haridwar | Drive Distance: 255 km | Drive Duration: 9-10 hours
