A sprawling expanse of 87 square kilometers in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, Valley of Flowers is set in the backdrop of the majestic Zanskar Ranges. This virtual paradise on earth has been unknown to the outside world till the great Mountaineer Frank S Smith discovered it in the year 1931.
A world heritage site, the valley is situated at a very remarkable area, which is the conversion point of Himalayan ranges, Zanskar and Western and Eastern Himalayas. This fairyland located in the high altitudes of Himalayas is protected by snowy mountains. Bounded by the magnificent mountain ranges and glittering glaciers, this place unfolds the charisma and charm of nature at its best.
A scenic place where the nature blooms with its entire vista can be accessible by a tedious but lovely stroll. Eye catching spectacles like the cascading waterfalls, small streams and above all the flowery meadows awaits the visitors all through the way. With the flamboyant paddocks, crystalline streams and majestic peaks, this baroque of flowers is a worthy watch spectacle.
Hemkund Sahib:
The tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Govind Singhji mediated at Hemkund Sahib for years. The word Hemkund literally suggests 'Lake of snow' and the immaculate water of this lake is as cold as snow. Hemkund Saheb is located at an elevation of 4,329mts above sea level amidst several snow capped peaks, which are collectively called Hemkund Parvat.
A star shaped gurudwara near the lake is visited by thousands of devotees every month.. One must complete a trek of 6km from Ghangharia to reach Hemkund Sahib. The best time to visit this place is from July to November.
By Flight
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Valley of Flowers but the roads are only connected upto Govind Ghat from where you have to commence trek of 16kms to reach Valley of Flowers. Govindghat is situated at a distance of 292kms from Jolly Grant Airport. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Govindghat is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Govindghat.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Valley of flowers is Rishikesh but the roads are only connected upto Govind Ghat from where you have to commence trek of 16 kms to reach Valley of Flowers. Rishikesh railway station is situated 273 kms before Govindghat on NH58. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Govindghat is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Joshimath and many other destinations to Govindghat.
By Road
Valley of Flowers is connected upto Govind Ghat with motoralble roads and from here you have to commence trek of 16kms to reach Valley of Flowers. Govindghat is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Govindghat are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Ukhimath, Srinagar, Chamoli etc. Govindghat is situated on National Highway 58 making it easy to reach.
VALLEY OF FLOWERS
Ghangaria:
It is the last human habitation centre on the way to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers. Ghangaria is a scenic hamlet perched at an altitude of 3,050mts above sea level at a distance of 13km from Govind Ghat and 4kms before Valley of flowers. The trek becomes easy to moderate from this point if you are travel towards Hemkund Sahib.
The region is prone to heavy snowfall in winters, therefore the region remains opened from May to October. A Gurudwara, GMVN rest houses and a few more hotels provide accommodation facility at Ghangharia.
Tourist Attractions
