Valley of Flowers - Hemkund Sahib

Region : Garhwal Himalayas
Season : May to October

The Valley of Flowers, in the Garhwal Himalayas was caught the attention of the world by Frank Smyth, a famous mountaineer & explorer, who accidentally reached here on his return from Kamet Expedition in 1931. Hidden from the probing eyes of civilization, this Valley had been known to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar Valley owing its name from the river Bhyundar Ganga. The atmosphere is influenced by all kinds of mythological stories & events & is surrounded by snow-capped mountains & carpeted with about 500 species flowers, including the elusive Brahma Kamal (Brahma's Lotus), Cobra Lily, Himalayan Edelweiss & the ethereal Himalayan Blue Poppy. The Valley forms one of India's most unusual protected areas. Declared a National Park in 1982, the Valley of Flowers stretches over an expanse of 87.50 sq km, an area which has steadily gained in popularity, not just among nature lovers, but also among eager trekkers over the past few years.

Duration :08 Nights & 09 Days
Destination Covered :Delhi – Haridwar – Joshimath – Ghangaria – Valley of Flower – Hemkund Sahib – Rishikesh - Delhi

Tour Highlights
Haridwar	Mansa Devi temple, Har-ki-pauri
Joshimath	Joshimath
Rishikesh	Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan,temples & ashrams
Valley of flower	Different species of Flowers
Hemkund Sahib	Sikh pilgrimage

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
When you will arrive at the Delhi International Airport, our representaive will be there to transfer you to the hotel for check in. Later during the day we will indulge in sightseeing tour of the city. Some of the major destinations that we will be covering today includes Qutab Minar, Red fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Parliament, and President House. In the evening we will spend time at leisure.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

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Day 02: Delhi – Haridwar (225 km -5 hr)
Next morning (2nd day) you will reach Haridwar, located on the banks of holy river Ganga (Ganges) & located at the foothills of the lower Himalayan Range of the Shivalik Mountains. Haridwar literally meaning Gateway to God is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

We visit Mansa Devi temple, which is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat (hill). The rope-way with its brightly colored cable cars takes devotees to this hilltop temple. Later we witness spectacular view of Aarti (collective prayer ceremony)at Har Ki Pauri. This sacred Ghat (stepped holy river bank for bathing), was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. There is activity all around & we observe various rituals performed on the Ghat.
Overnight Hotel - Haridwar. (B)

Day 03: Haridwar – Joshimath (295 km - 10 hr)
On the 3rd day of the tour we will drive to Joshimath on a mountainous road. This is a very scenic drive along the river Ganga & later by the river Alaknanda.

In the evening we will visit 'Jyotirmath' the place of Jyotirlinga of Shiva. Shankracharya founded one of the four peeths (Centres) for sanyasis here. It is a halting place for the pilgrims bound for Badrinath. It is considered to be one of the most sacred places by Hindus who believe that Badrinath (The God Vishnu) resides here during winter.
Overnight Hotel – Joshimath (B)

Day 04: Joshimath - Ghangaria (3048 m) (22 km drive & 14 km trek - 5-6 hrs trek)
Today is the most important day of the tour. As today we will drive to Govind Ghat, which is the starting point of 14 km trek to Ghangaria (3048 m). Ghangaria is the base from where day walks can be made to the Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib. From Govind Ghat there is a gradual climb on a well-maintained pilgrim trail to Ghangaria. Todayat Govind Ghat we start our trek to Ghangaria. Evening at leisure.
Overnight Hotel - Ghangaria(B, L, D)

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Day 05: Ghangaria - Valley Of Flowers (5 km – 3 hr)
Valley of Flowers – Ghangaria (5 km – 2 hr)
Next on our trekking tour comes the famous the Valley Of Flowers (3658 m). The Valley is an enchanting sight with an impressive array of rare wildflowers like Brahma Kamal (Brahma's Lotus), Cobra Lily, Himalayan Edelweiss, Himalayan Blue Poppy & a range of small multi-coloured flowers that are a delight for travellers. The snowclad peaks including Nilgiri Parbat (6474 m) st& in bold relief against the skyline. The Valley is 10 km long, 2 km wide, & is divided by the Pushpawati stream, into which several tiny streams & waterfalls merge. After enjoying the beauty of Valley we walk back to Ghangaria.
Overnight Hotel – Ghangaria(B, L, D)

Day 06: Ghangaria – Hemkund Sahib (6 km – 3 hr)
Hemkund Sahib – Ghangaria (5 km – 2 hr)
After enjoying the bewitching beauty of the Hemkund Sahib (4329 m). It is a steep climb & one is encouraged to see other pilgrims, especially Sikhs, climbing with religious faith. It is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus & Sikhs, as well as for people from other faiths. There is a Sikh Gurudwara & a Lakshman temple built on the banks of the lake. In the Sikh Holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, the 10th & the last Sikh Guru Gobind Singh recounts that in his previous life, he meditated on the shores of a lake surrounded by seven snowcapped mountains, which is now recognized as Lokpal Lake at Hemkund. We visit the Lake & the Gurudwara & then trek back 6 km downhill to Ghangaria.
Overnight Hotel – Ghangaria(B, L, D)

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Day 07: Ghangaria - Joshimath (14 km trek)
On the 7th day of the tour we will trek back 14 km to Govind Ghat on an easy downhill trail in 3-4 hrs & drive back to Joshimath. On arrival we check-in the Hotel & relax.
Overnight Hotel – Joshimath (B)

Day 08: Joshimath - Rishikesh (275 km - 10 hr)
Today we will drive to Rishikesh, Rishikesh is a very important Hindu pilgrimage site. There is also a cluster of a number of Ashrams & temples giving the entire place a very spiritual atmosphere. The ceaseless flow of the river, regarded as Goddess Ganga adds to the beauty & the purity of the place. Along the river, the area is filled with thick green forests in the all-mountainous region. Rishikesh is famous for its yoga & meditation sessions that are taught here by many yoga experts. It is also a very popular centre for Ayurveda system of healing (traditional Indian medicine system). Besides the sadhus & saints, a mass of tourists too visit this place every year to have a look at this much heard about place. In addition to wonderful scenery & the numerous pilgrimage sites, Rishikesh also makes some of the most popular adventure sport destinations of India like river rafting, trekking, rock climbing, hiking.
Overnight Hotel – Rishikesh (B)

Day 09: Rishikesh – Delhi (250 km - 07 hr)
Today we will visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan & other temples & ashrams. Later we will drive back to Delhi & reach by evening. On arrival transfer to airport.

Our tour concludes : Caper thanks you for your patronage & look forward serve you again in near future.