Valley of Flowers Trek I Hemkund Sahib I

In August 2019, we a group of 10, trekked on Himalayan Ranges to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand. It is a collection of those memories to cherish nature and the bonding we shared together.

Thrillophilia was our trip planner. We started on 24 August 2019 from Haridwar. We were picked up by Thrillophilia team and had our night stay at Auli after 12 hrs of road journey. 

The next morning we trekked for Ghangaria, the base camp for Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. This is a trek of about 12 km. It is not an easy trek. You need a fair amount of physical and mental strength. Keep motivating fellow trekkers and get motivated in return. Sip water regularly and take short breaks without letting your body cool down. If you start at about 8 am you will reach Ghangaria at about 5 pm. You will be happy to know you have already climbed 10,000 feet by the end of day 2. 

The next day is Valley of Flowers trek that is about 15 km both ways. It is not that tough considering the altitude but the terrain makes it hard as you have to trek on loose pebbles and rocks. Your shoe sole is the only savior. Once you have reached the valley your eyes will be treated to mystics of the valley in the form of beautiful flowers, herbs, umpteen streams, high mountains and bright blue sky. Be kind to your camera and click creative pictures of the beauty around.

The last destination is Hemkund Sahib. The shortest and the toughest at the same time. 6 km one way but very very steep. Dress appropriately as you might feel cold once you reach the Gurudwara at an altitude of 15000 feet. It has an exceptionally scenic glacier lake surrounded by 7 mountain ranges. Treat yourself with spirituality, khichdi and pictures. This is a must-visit place of Himalayas.

The next day is trekking back to Govindghat and subsequently the road journey to Haridwar.

Tips for Valley of Flower Trek

1. Keep light and don't overload your backpack.
2. A good pair of trekking shoes is a must, I repeat MUST.
3. Trekking pole preferably Quechua brand for trekking to avoid excessive strain on your knees and lower limbs.

4. Spend time with nature. Just don't walk. Talk to counterparts, feel the valley and spend time to explore the beauty. 
5. Don't over click. You may miss the magic of real eyes.

6. Don't wear too warm clothes as trekking will keep you sweating all through. 5. Use a good sunscreen. I only keep it and lazy to apply.
7. Educate yourself and others on how to properly strap your backpack. Remember you are going to carry 8+ kgs for 8 to 10 hrs. Your shoulders may be hurt making the rest of the trek painful and tasteless.
8. Don't litter and keep the valley plastic-free.

Much Love and Shubh Yatra

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