Planning a trip to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand is one of the most peaceful and beautiful journeys you can take. Tucked away in the Garhwal Himalayas, these two places are full of natural beauty, adventure, and spiritual energy. Whether you’re someone who loves trekking or just loves nature, this trip will stay in your heart forever.
This guide will walk you through everything you need—best time to visit, how to get there, what to pack, how much it costs, and even tips for safety and culture. If you’ve been wondering how to plan a trip to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Uttarakhand, you’re in the right place.
The Valley of Flowers is a world-famous national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every year during the monsoon, the valley turns into a colorful carpet of over 500 kinds of wildflowers. It’s truly magical.
Nearby, at 4,329 meters above sea level, is Hemkund Sahib, a peaceful Sikh pilgrimage site. Together, these places give you a perfect mix of nature and spirituality.
To visit them, you’ll hike through beautiful hills, see rare plants and animals, and enjoy calm, fresh air. But don’t go without planning—this trip needs proper preparation and physical fitness.
Your journey will start from Govindghat, the base point for both treks. The walk to Valley of Flowers is a bit easier, while the route to Hemkund Sahib is steep and challenging. But once you reach, it’s totally worth it.
The Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib make a perfect combo destination because they offer a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual serenity. The Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its vibrant alpine blooms and stunning landscapes, ideal for nature lovers and trekkers.
Just a short but steep trek away, Hemkund Sahib is a revered Sikh pilgrimage site nestled beside a glacial lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Together, they provide a fulfilling experience of adventure, tranquility, and devotion—all in the heart of the Himalayas.
The best time to visit is mid-July to the end of August. This is when the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is good.
Hemkund Sahib is open from June to mid-September. After that, it closes due to snow. Days are pleasant, but nights can get cold, so bring warm clothes.
The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest major train station is Haridwar.
From there, you’ll travel by road to Govindghat (via Joshimath). From Govindghat, it’s a 13 km trek or you can hire a mule or porter to Ghangaria. From Ghangaria, you’ll walk 4 km to Valley of Flowers and 6 km uphill to Hemkund Sahib.
Shared jeeps, private taxis, and buses are available up to Govindghat
Plan your trip for 6 to 7 days:
Day 1: Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh
Take your time and enjoy the beauty around you.
You need a permit to enter the Valley of Flowers. It’s available at the Forest Office in Ghangaria.
Here’s a rough idea of your total cost
Total for 7 days: ₹10,000 to ₹18,000 (depending on your choices)
Ghangaria has limited but decent places to stay. One of the most recommended options is Hotel Ghangaria by Travel to Nirvana. It offers clean rooms, hot water, in-house meals, and is very close to the trek starting points.
It’s peaceful, comfortable, and ideal after a tiring day. Book your room in advance, especially if you’re traveling in July or August.
Bring the following:
Don’t overpack—carry only what you need.
At high altitudes, things can go wrong—altitude sickness, injuries, bad weather. Travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and high-altitude treks gives you peace of mind.
Joshimath has the nearest hospital, but carry your own first-aid kit.
Mobile networks don’t work well after Joshimath. BSNL works best in Ghangaria, but signals are still weak.
Download offline maps and inform your family before the trek. Treat this as a chance for a digital detox.
Meals are mostly simple and vegetarian. You’ll find parathas, rice dishes, and aloo sabzi in dhabas. At Hemkund Sahib, enjoy a warm langar meal served to all visitors.
Eat light before treks to avoid stomach problems.
The valley is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and is very sensitive.
Leave nature untouched for others to enjoy.
After your trek, you can visit:
Respect the sacred atmosphere of the Gurudwara.
Once your trek ends, take a day or two to rest your legs. In Joshimath or Rishikesh, shop for:
Buying local helps support mountain communities.
Planning a trip to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Uttarakhand is not just a journey—it’s an experience you’ll cherish forever. From the colorful meadows to the peaceful Himalayan lake, everything feels magical.
With the right planning, this trip can be safe, affordable, and full of beautiful memories. So, take the first step, start planning today—and let the mountains do the rest.
Mid-July to August is the best time to see the flowers in full bloom.
Yes, it’s a steep 6 km uphill trek. You need good stamina.
Yes, get them at Ghangaria or online in advance.
Yes, but guides are helpful and make the trip safer.
Yes, you’ll find local dhabas and langar at Hemkund Sahib.
No, camping is not allowed inside the Valley of Flowers.
