Valley of Flowers recommended for World Heritage List

pkalra

AnnaD

Hi

Could anyone tell me how to organize a trip to the valley of flowers (mules, guides etc) and when's the best time to go there?

Thanks

Himalayn Hippie

hi, anna
are u familiar with the area? the best time to visit valley of flowers is july end to september end. there are mules and guide are available at a place called govind ghat, which comes on the way to badrinath. its a trek of about 21 km from there. I think i know of a company which organises trip in that Area for small groups of 1-10. will forward the email ID as soon as get my hands on it.

AvidTrekker

Valley of Flowers is a two day climb from Govindghat on the road to Ghangaria and a day's descent. The second option from Ghangaria ALSO has a right fork which takes you to Hemkund which is a holy place for Sikhs. Both are good places. You can do both these alone. No tents reqd. Food and hut acco available everywhere. Hemkund will have free food in the Holy Gurudwara. Ask the people at base Govindghat whether the route is still open... [ in October, it should be open... but sometimes snowfall may close it for one or two days]

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Himalayn Hippie

i think october 5th is the last day for the shrine at hemkund.

AnnaD

Hi Hilamalayan hippie and Avid trekker

Thanks for the replies

No, I'm not familier with the mountains at all yet, only been to Missourie so far, but very keen on doing atleast one trek before winter.... So if there are any specatacular hikes you'd reccomend I'd appreciate some details!

on the Valley of flowers, is it possible to drive to this place called Govindghat? (If so how long is the drive & the conditions of the roads...)

If you could get hold of the Tel. No./email of the tour co, it'll be great.
Thanks so much

AvidTrekker

The Sandakphu-Phalut and the Goecha la treks are spectacular. Read the post in your October thread.

Yes!

Rishikesh to Govindghat by Private vehicle would be around 14 hours and by the public Govt bus around two hours more.... some portions are not good as monsoon has taken its toll on mountain roads [happens more or less every year.. but life goes on, nevertheless]

Here, I can't help you... i don't know anyone personally in the area now... But you can do this trek ALONE if the people on the roadhead at govindghat say that "the route is open" and you will see other trekkers going there. Also a lot of Sikhs will be going there for there pilgrimage if the Hemkund gurudwara is open.

If you wish, take a chance with a local trek guide at Govindghat itself. You may have to pay between 300 to 500 rupees per day. Porter will cost 200 per day plus you will have to feed them both. If you are good at negotiating, you can get a porter who will double as your guide for around rs 300 per day. Contrary to what they promise you, don't expect an English speaking guide and you will be fine...