Valley of Flowers Sept 2012

Hi
I would like to join a group trek anytime from 7th to 15th Sept 2012 onwards to Valley of flowers and Hemkund Sahib, I am woman around 30 yrs travelling alone from Mumbai and would like to join any group or like minded persons.
thanks in advance

Hi Aditi,
I am also travelling for the same place but with a little different itenary. I am planning in the month of Aug (10-20), as it is the best time to visit the valley of flowers and see some rare species of flora.
See if you can change the dates then we can plan together.

Regards
Aashish Batra

I have heard that there are more weeds than flowers during the month of September in VOF, and no guarantee of good weather.

So if the schedule permits, I would recommend you to take a chance and visit during the first two weeks of August.

On a diffrent note...don't worry about the company...I am sure you will get several offers from the IMers, requesting you to join them...few of them registering with IM just to help you (any solo female traveller for that matter) ...and few of them switching from their Kerala itinerary (an example) a day earlier to this one ...so kind of them

Have a safe journey...Cheers

@ aditi_aruna

solo trip in that region is not a big deal........one of our IMs, Mridula going solo there..........this link may help you to catch her:

Hemkund Sahib and VOF

Dear Friends,

I am planning to go to Valley of Flowers in Aug - September. I have still not decided on the exact dates. I am looking for a partner to trek there. I am 27 M, from Calcutta. Please suggest me, what's the best time to travel there.

the link already provided on my earlier post......you may contact them

Hi Ashish, check this website, from Aug 11 2012 trip, if it suits you

Journey to the Valley of Flowers (June to October, 2012)
DAY 0 (15 July) : DELHI – HARIDWAR
Arrive Delhi and transfer to haridwar. Overnight Stay.
DAY1: HARIDWAR – JAYALGARH – AULI:
After Breakfast, transfer by road on a picturesque journey to Jayalgarh (115 kms/3.5hrs drive). Stop here at our beautiful riverside deluxe camp for freshening up and breakfast by the River Alaknanda. Then set out on a beautiful drive to Auli, arrive at HEL, Auli. Lunch will be enroute. Enjoy hot tea, snacks and a grand view of the Nanda Devi around sunset. This alone will make you feel your trip was worth its while. Overnight at Auli.

Day2: AULI - GOVINDGHAT – GHANGRIA (3048 / 10000 ft) (CAMP VALLEY OF FLOWERS)
Early morning drive for about 40-60 minutes to Govindghat, we start the trek by crossing the river Alaknanda over a bridge at Govindghat and from there walking towards the Bhyundar valley through forest area and a few villages. There are numerous waterfalls and absolutely lush green landscape all around. The gradient of the trail is moderate. The 14 kms trek to reach Ghangria takes about 4-5 hrs, one can also hire a mule or use the helicopter service to reach Ghangria. Overnight in Camp.
Day3: GHANGRIA – VALLEY OF FLOWERS (3658 m / 12000 ft) – GHANGRIA
It's a delightful and short ascent to the valley. Gradient is moderate and the landscape extremely soothing to the eye. It will take about a couple of hours to reach the valley. The beauty of this world renowned valley totally lives up to
its reputation. There are unending meadows laden with varieties of alpine flowers, network of streams and big mountains all around. At the entrance of the Valley stands the snow-clad peak of Ratban Parvat, towards the left is Nar Parvat, which separates the Badrinath valley from this valley, and to the right is dense Birch forest on the hillsides. The prominent species are Braham Kamal, Anemone, Geranium, Marsh Marigold, Prinula, Lilium, Potentilla, Ranunculus, Inula, Corydalis, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Ligularia, Morina, Impatiens, Saxifrages Bistorta, Anaphalis, Sibbaldia. We will spend 3-4 hrs exploring different corners & vantage points of the valley and towards late afternoon retrace our steps to Ghangria. Total trekking time would be about 04 hrs. Overnight in Camp.
Day4: GHANGRIA – HEMKUND SAHIB (4329 m / 14200 ft) – GHANGRIA
Today's climb to Hemkund Sahib is steep at places and will take about 3 - 4 hrs. Hemkund Sahib is a popular Sikh Shrine built next to the beautiful lake. The lake is surrounded by wild flowers with Bhramkamal being the most popular. Pilgrims take a dip in the freezing cold waters of the lake, not an easy task. We will serve hot tea in the Gurudwara
(Shrine) and retrace our steps to Ghangria. Overnight in Camp. (**Visitors not wanting to visit Hemkund Sahib can relish Valley of Flowers again**)
Day5: GHANGRIA – GOVINDGHAT – BADRINATH - AULI
Today we trek back to Govindghat and from there drive for about an hour to reach the beautiful temple town of Badrinath. Situated on the banks of holy Alaknanda and with the backdrop of Neelkanth peak, an ancient temple with hot sulphur water pools and crisp and clean air, Badrinath is a wonderful destination to visit. For the spiritually inclined, there can be no better place. Later in the evening return to Auli. Overnight at Auli.
Day6: AULI/ JIYALGARH – HARIDWAR
Early morning after breakfast, drive to Haridwar (290kms/8hrs). Your trip ends here with undying memories of the Himalayas.
COST OF THE TRIP
TRIP COST – for the Fixed Departure trips including transport ex-Haridwar
• Rs.18900/- per person on double occupancy
• Rs.11900/- for extra adult sharing with 2 adults
• Rs.9900/- for extra child sharing with adults (6-12yrs)
TRIP COST – for Private Departure trips with same itinerary excluding transport. These can be customised on dates of your choice.
• Rs.16000/- per person on double occupancy
• Rs.9000/- for extra adult sharing with 2 adults
• Rs.7000/- for extra child sharing with adults (6-12yrs)
TRANSPORT SUPPLEMENT (you may add preferred vehicle from options provided below)
For Private departures (Haridwar-Haridwar): We can arrange vehicles at the following costs. These costs are based on our itinerary and should you arrange your own transport, it would have to follow the same itinerary.
o Xylo – Rs.19200/- per vehicle (max 06)
o Innova – Rs.21,600/- per vehicle (max 06)
o Tempo Traveller – Rs.26,400/- per vehicle (max 10)
Fixed Departure Dates
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JUNE - 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30
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JULY - 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30
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AUGUST - 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29
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SEP - 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28
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OCT - 1, 4
COST INCLUDES
• Accommodation for five nights All Lodges and Deluxe camps have attached washrooms
• All vegetarian meals beginning with Breakfast Day 1 to Lunch on Day 06
• Transport for fixed departures: All road transfers from Haridwar to Govindghat and back
Slideshows in the evening to show pictures and documentaries about the valley
Professional guide (trained from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi) would accompany
the group.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Service Tax (@3.09%)
• Travel between Delhi and Haridwar (can be arranged by us on request)
• Porter charges (for personal luggage) – With prior notice, mules can be arranged at Rs.1200-1500
per mule per day
• Foreigners Park Entry charge of Rs.600/- per person
• Any meals/services not mentioned above
• Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.
• Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
• Insurance.
PAYMENT TERMS
• Rates are valid till 4th of October 2012
• Full payment to be made in advance at the time of booking the trip
• Payment for this trip will not be adjusted against any future trips
• Cancellation policy
>21 days: Full refund (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for transport,etc.)
14-20 days: 75% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for transport, etc.)
7-13 days: 50% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for transport, etc.)
<7 days: No refund.
LIST OF ESSENTIALS
1. Good walking boots (sneakers will do)
2. Sandal/floaters
3. Shirts / T-shirts
4. Trousers / Track Pants
5. Windproof jacket
6. Fleece / Full-sleeve Woolen sweater
7. Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
8. Woolen cap
9. Mittens (Woolen gloves)
10. Scarf
11. Woolen socks (extra pairs to be carried)
12. Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
13. Raincoat / Poncho
14. Towel
15. Water bottle
16. Cap / Hat
17. Walking stick / Trekking pole
18. Sunscreen Lotion
19. Lip Balm
20. Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
21. Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
22. Camera (with extra film rolls)
23. Sunglasses
24. Personal toiletries
25. Books, if you like reading
Regards
Parag
Escapades Adventure Trips
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Nathalal Parekh Marg, Opp Gujarati Club
Matunga, Mumbai - 400019
Tel Nos - 9820277797/ 9869372596
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E-mail - info@escapadesindia.com, escapadesindia@hotmail.com
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Hi Aditi,
Thanks a lot for the post. It was quite informative. But I have been to the same trek 3 times before, so I know some very good places and some locals too. I was just searching a partner/s and wanted to group along with some one interesting.
Anyways If you feel like joining or need some more info then you can reach me

Regards
Aashish

Thanks for sharing Info Aditi..The trip mentioned here works best if you are a group of 2 of more.I enquired on the same and incase u are a solo traveller they charge nearly double for accomodations as charges mentioned here are on double occupancy.

Hiya! I am planning to go to VOF in september too. Would prefer to leave on 1st sept'12 from Delhi. Does that suit you?

I am also a solo traveller from Delhi, female 30 yrs. Planning to leave for VOF and Hemkund Sahib latest by 1st Sept'12. Aditi_Aruna, pls. see if you wanna catch up at Delhi to these destinations together and back till delhi.

Hi Ashish,

When are you travelling? What is your itinerary?
Regards,

Prasant

Hi.
Due to some bad weather, I had to change postpone my plans. I would love to travel anytime in the 1st week of Sep. Looking for some like minded travelers to the VOF.
@Prasant, Pals, Aditi, I think it will be beneficial for all of us if we can plan together.

Hi Ashish..Is the road from Joshimath open?? I was planning to start from Haridwar on the 8th of September.

hi Aditi,
i am going to start my journy after 20th september to valley of flower then planning to go to Badrinath and surrounding galciours....
presently planning for 10-15 days rest will depend on the situation...
regards,
Mridul Tiwari