By Shailesh Gumphekar, IT Professional, Pune
Valley of Flowers- on my Wishlist
The Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, had been on my bucket list for a long time. To make this dream a reality, I evaluated multiple trekking options. Most packages offered stays in tents at Ghangariya, but I wasn’t keen on tent accommodation for my first multi-day trek. I opted for Infinite Journeys, and it turned out to be an excellent decision — with good accommodations, reliable logistics, experienced guides, and a great company of like-minded travelers.
This was an 8 nights / 9 days Pune-to-Pune program, starting with a road journey from Rishikesh to Auli.
The Scenic Road to Auli
Our first destination was Auli, and along the way, we crossed four sacred confluences — Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandprayag. At each Prayag, the Alaknanda River is the common presence. The journey from Karnaprayag to Auli is especially scenic as the Alaknanda flows alongside the road, its speed and power truly impressive.
Auli, at 9,000 ft, is a peaceful mountain town and a premier skiing destination. The mighty Nanda Devi Peak can be seen from here. The altitude also helped us acclimatize before the higher climbs ahead.
Gorson Bugyal – Meadows Like Switzerland
The day after reaching Auli, we trekked to Gorson Bugyal — a short 4 km trek. Bugyal means meadow in the local language. Lush green meadows dotted with wildflowers, set against snow-capped mountains, looked straight out of Switzerland.
The best part about Auli is that it remains uncrowded due to its distance from Delhi and Chandigarh. Attractions nearby include Tapovan, Karnaprayag, and Joshimath (Jotirmath). Auli is also the starting point for well-known treks like Kuari Pass and Nanda Devi Base Camp.
Trek to Ghangariya – The Base for Valley of Flowers
The next day, we set off for Ghangariya, the base village for Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
- Pulna village (5,600 ft) is the starting point of the trek.
- Ghangariya (10,200 ft) is accessible only on foot — no vehicles are allowed.
- Trek distance: 10–12 km (depending on starting point and resort location).
This climb is 2.3 times the Sinhagad trek in Pune, compressed into 10 km. Contrary to popular belief, the Valley of Flowers trek is not “easy.” It demands high endurance, even though the trail to Ghangariya and Hemkund is well-paved.
The trail follows the Pushpawati River with pine-covered mountains and fresh mountain air. Bhyundar hamlet, midway on the route, is where you cross the Pushpawati. The first half has gradual ups and downs, but post-Bhyundar it’s a steep uphill climb. The biggest nuisance here? The khachchars (mules) carrying supplies and pilgrims.
It took us nearly 5 hours to reach Ghangariya. This small village is open only from late May to early October, after which residents move back to Joshimath. Most hikers stay here for a minimum of three nights.
Into the Valley of Flowers – Nature’s Masterpiece
Early next morning, we started our hike to Valley of Flowers. This breathtaking valley was accidentally discovered in 1931 by British mountaineer Frank Smythe. Spanning 80 sq. km., it is home to over 600 species of alpine flowers and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
- Blooming season: July to September (flowers vary week to week).
- Entry trail: Cross the Pushpawati River and climb steeply for 2.5 km.
- Difficulty: Narrow rocky paths (~2 ft wide) and crowded sections make this trek demanding.
At around 3 km, the valley opens up into a breathtaking carpet of wildflowers. You can walk as far as your stamina allows. Along the way, you pass the grave of botanist Joan Legge (1939) who died while collecting flower samples. Another half kilometer leads to the riverbed meadows — unfortunately, we couldn’t make it this far.
The valley is famous for the Blue Poppy, a flower that attracts many Japanese tourists, possibly for its cultural or spiritual significance.
We returned to Ghangariya by 4 PM, tired but delighted.
Hemkund Sahib – A Spiritual and Physical Test
The next day was reserved for the Hemkund Sahib trek — an extremely steep climb where you ascend 4,000 ft in just 6 km.
- The first 3 km are at 30–45° gradients.
- The entire trek takes 4.5 to 5 hours one way.
Hemkund Sahib is a revered Sikh pilgrimage site. The Guru Granth Sahib mentions that Guru Gobind Singh, in a previous incarnation, meditated near a sacred lake surrounded by seven mountains. In the 1930s, Sikh explorers identified Hemkund as the closest match to this description and built a Gurudwara at 14,200 ft.
The weather was harsh with continuous rain, making the climb even more challenging. Wet shoes and biting cold tested our endurance. Yet reaching Hemkund was spiritually and emotionally uplifting. Inside the Gurudwara, blankets are provided to sit comfortably during prayers.
Though fog hid the lake, I got a brief 5-minute glimpse of serene Hemkund Lake. Next to it lies the Lokpal Laxman Temple, where it is believed Laxman meditated after the war with Ravana. The Langar (community kitchen) here serves hot khichdi and tea — a blessing in the cold.
We descended back to Ghangariya by 4:45 PM after a 9-hour trek.
Return Journey and Final Stop at Badrinath
The next morning, we trekked back to Pulna, carefully navigating the steep descent. In total, we covered 50 km and 10,000 ft elevation gain/loss — an adventure demanding serious stamina.
On our return journey, we visited the Badrinath Temple. The roaring speed of the Alaknanda River here is intimidating and explains the scale of devastation during past floods.
Key Takeaways for Trekking the Valley of Flowers
- Prepare well in advance: Build endurance and fitness before the trek.
- Stay disciplined: Any injury, infection, or fatigue will make hiking tough.
- Eat adequately and hydrate: Avoid overeating; drink only clean water.
- Rest and recover: Warm-up, stretch, and ensure proper sleep after each trek.
- Enjoy the fresh mountain air: You’ll feel energized and less prone to colds.
Gratitude and Team Experience
The trek was beautifully organized by Rahul Bhusari from Infinite Journeys, supported by Vinay Thapliyal (local guide) and Sandeep Kulkarni (veteran mountaineer from Pune). Our group members were of similar age and interests, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
This journey has motivated me to take on more challenging treks in India and Nepal.
Overall, the Valley of Flowers trek was not just a visual treat but a test of endurance, discipline, and spirit — an unforgettable experience.
Curious about our trek leader’s experience? He has been to the Valley of Flowers 11 times — click here to read his story.
Want to prepare for this trek—physically, mentally, and logistically? Click here for our detailed preparation guide.
Planning the Valley of Flowers trek? Watch this video for all the details.
