The Valley of Flowers is a beautiful meadow located at an altitude of about eleven thousand feet. It is the valley of the stream Pushpavati, a tributary of Alaknanda. Frank Smythe discovered 'The Valley of Flowers' in 1931 on his way back after a successful expedition to Mt. Kamet. Ferns, dwarf iris, dwarf larkspur, dwarf rhododendrons, primula, blue poppies, fritillaria, asters, potentillas, inula grandifloras and hundreds of other species grow wild in the valley.
The Valley of Flowers is a riot of color in August/September. Well over a thousand varieties of flowers, shrubs, orchids and plants in myriad hues, differing textures and colors paint the valley in a gorgeous display. The valley is a natural plantation surrounded by the dazzling snow clad Himalayas, a feast for the botanist and amateur alike.
Deep in the heart of the Himalayas, is this spectacular 'Valley of Flowers'. Many varieties of Himalayan wild flowers bloom here. Post Monsoons, the floor of the valley is covered with a carpet of myriad colours ! It is an awesome sight of colours with a contrasting back drop of majestic peaks.

Trekking Routes:Delhi / Hardwar / Auli / Ghanghria / Hemkunda / Ghangria / Valley of Flowers / Ghanghria / Auli / Pauri / Delhi

Itinerary:
DAY 01: Delhi-Haridwar
Departure by train to Haridwar. Day at leisure to explore this holy town. Visit the 'Aarti' (holy ceremony) performance at the river 'Ghat' at sunset. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 02: Haridwar-Auli
A long day's drive along the Alakhnanda river valley brings you to the high altitude grassland of Auli (2500 m - 3050 m). Overnight in Tourist Hut.

DAY 03: Auli
Day at leisure.

DAY 04: Auli-Ghanghria
Drive to Govindghat (1828 m), and thereon trek to Ghanghria (3048 m). Overnight in Tents. (14 Kms trek; 6-8 hrs walking) you will reach Ghangharia, the base camp for treks to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Since camping and overnight stay is not allowed in the Valley of Flowers, Ghangharia is the logical base camp for the trek.

DAY 05: Ghanghria-Hemkund
A steep climb through picturesque landscape brings you to the holy shrine of the Sikhs- Hemkund Sahib (4329 m). Camp overnight by the lake side. ( 6 Kms; 4-5 hrs walking )

AY 06: Hemkund-Ghanghria
Return to Ghanghria. ( 3-4 hrs of walking )

DAY 07: Valley of Flowers
Trek to one of the most beautiful location in the Garhwal region -'The Valley of Flowers'(3658 -3962 m). This valley with its myriad variety of rare wild flowers never fails to impress a visitor. Spend the day in the valley. Return to Ghanghria by evening. Overnight in Tents. (4 + 4 Kms; 5-6 hrs walking)

DAY 08: Ghanghria-Auli
Trek down to Govindghat and thereon drive back to Auli. Evening at leisure. Campfire dinner at night. Overnight in Tourist Hut. ( 4-5 hrs walking)

DAY 09: Auli
Day to relax and explore the surroundings.

DAY 10: Auli-Pauri
Drive down along the river upto Srinagar from where you take the diversion to Pauri. Overnight in village house.

DAY 11: Pauri
Day for short walks through the forests. Campfire dinner along with local drums and Bagpipe music. Overnight in village house.

DAY 12: Pauri-Delhi
Morning departure by road to Haridwar. Enroute stop over at Rishikesh for lunch. Explore the town before proceeding to Haridwar to board the evening train to Delhi. 2230 hrs arrival at Delhi; transfer to Airport for flight back home.