Trip to the Valley of Flowers in July 2021
How to Plan for a Valley of Flowers Trip

How many Days ? ex Dehradun – 5-8 Days minimum, add 1-2 days if you want to trek to Hemkund Sahib as well

When to do this Trek ? June – October only…

Longest Drive ? Dehradun to Joshimath ~ 10 hrs ( Can be broken up, but then you will need more days )

How long is the trek ? Minimum 3 days, Total 25-30 kms, Significant Uphill & Downhill walking required

Who can trek ? Anyone with reasonable level of fitness – If you can walk /jog 10k in one go– even children ( 8 +)

Can someone Plan this Trip for me ? I only do DIY treks – But Valley of Flowers is on a very commonly used Pilgrimage Route ( Char Dham, Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara), so basic facilities are always available…

What facilities are available ?
If your idea of a holiday is a Resort, good food , chillout – Don’t do this trek
Decent hotels are available till Joshimath only– Ghangharia, the place where you will be spending 2-3 Nights – has very basic accommodations ( Hot water buckets at extra Cost)
Food & Water is not a problem – Dal /Roti/Rice /Parathas/ Packed Snacks/Maggi/ Tea is always available – not Continental/ Chinese / Non Veg & other exotic dishes
Mules can be hired for those who prefer not to walk – but they are un-comfortable

What do I pack ?
It is Himalayas, Monsoons & You reach at maximum elevation of 3500-4600 mtrs – So pack for reasonable Winter + Monsoons – Early June, Late October – there might be snow. Ponchos which cover you & your backpack are also a must
Good pair of Walking/ Trekking Shoes with Good non slippery sole + Trekking Poles are a must
Leave your main luggage in Joshimath / in your car – have a laptop bag sized back pack to carry per person – 10-12 kgs is enough
Charged cameras/ phones & Powerbanks are a must
Carry light packed snacks – Biscuits/Chocolates, else you can buy them enroute as well
1 ltr bottle for water is enough, you can refill on the trekking route

Anything Else ?
It is Himalayas , Monsoons – so budget 1-2 days extra…

Roads can get blocked enroute Joshimath..so some hours of stoppage is possible
Photo /Video Opportunities might be iffy – The clouds might block the view, rains could stop your trek, & it might be sunny just for couple of hours early morning..