This trip will take you from the plains to high on the mountains with scenic confluences of a mighty rivers, snow-clad mountains, dense forests, vibrant spirituality at Badrinath. High altitude meadows, riots of colors in different variety of flowers, misty mountains, the silence of the Jungles and simple way of life of natives in the mighty Himalayas.
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In this heavenly garden of bliss, some of the flowers to be seen and appreciated are-Creamy Anemones, Large Purple Asters, Blue Poppy, the rare White Andros ace, the rosy petalled Cypripedium, blue forget me not, and many other varieties of flowers along with medicinal herbs and fauna in dense vegetation.
Different branches of one plant providing different colors flowers are the specialty of some of the plants in this natural paradise. All these, coupled with the fauna, combine to make a superb and harmonious ensemble at this nature’s paradise.
Auli: Around ten km from Joshimath is Auli. Coniferous and Oak forests cover the majestic mountains’ slopes along with 180 degrees mesmerizing view of the Himalayas with snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, and Doona Giri. Explicitly speaking, sunset and sunrise at Auli are out-of-the-world experiences and will take one to the next level.
Badrinath: As per Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu was lying on its Shehsh Nag bed on the bank of the celestial lake, and Goddess Laxmi was cuddling His feet. Narad the sage passed through that place and reprimanded Lord Vishnu for indulging in worldly deeds. Lord Vishnu was shocked and sent Laxmi, His consort, to Patal Lok, and himself went to the Himalayas in isolation. Lord Vishnu spent several years in meditation, Laxmi, when returned, could not find Lord Vishnu. She searched and searched and at last found Lord Vishnu at Badrinath, pleaded with him to return. Lord Vishnu agreed, seeing her resolve, and pronounced that the valley of Badri Vishal shall remain the valley of meditation and not of worldly pleasure. Every time the devotees will take His name, they should recite the name of Laxmi first. This is the reason why we chant Sita Ram and Radha Krishan.
No pilgrimage is absolute without the pilgrimage to Badrinath 15.2 meters high shrine on the bank of river Alaknanda. It is beautifully painted with vivid colors and has beautiful carvings of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. It is one of the four most important pilgrim centers of Hindus scattered on the four corners of India. According to Hinduism, one must undertake a pilgrimage to Badrinath during his lifetime. Such is the recognition of this beautiful shrine in the lap of natural bliss.
Mana Village: It is the last village of the Indian population and is mentioned in ancient scriptures as Manipadrapam and located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers. Mana village is the only place where one can see River Saraswati. The great epic Mahabharta was composed in ancient caves like Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa. It has also provided the world with religious scripture in the form of Bhagavad Gita, the philosophy of life and death, and its rights and wrongs.
Departure from Haridwar and the Trip Calls off at Haridwar.
As per schedule
On this day, leave for Auli, the picturesque destination for 360 degrees views of mountain peaks. On the way halt for a photographic session at Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karan Prayag, and Nand Prayag.
Dev Prayag: The confluence of river Bhagirathi and Alakananda. Bhagirathi originates from Gaumukh, 18 km from Gangotri, and Alaknanda starts from Alka Puri beyond Badrinath. From here onwards, Bhagirathi is called Ganga.
Rudra Prayag: The union of Mandakini and Alaknanda. Mandakini originates from Kedarnath. There is a sheer difference in the colors of water flowing in these two rivers. The color of Mandakini is deep green because it passes through thick vegetation and has curative properties. In contrast, the water of Alaknanda is Muddy because it flows through glaciers, and its residue also flows in it; hence it is rich in minerals.
Nand Prayag: It is the confluence of Nandakini and Alaknanda. Nandakini originates from Nanda Devi.
Karan Prayag: It is the confluence of the Pindar River, which originates from Pindari Glacier in the Kumaon region and Alaknanda. There is also a temple here dedicated to Karna, who mediated here from Mahabharat.
Joshi Math: In the evening, reach Joshi Math, the seat of Shankaracharya. When Badrinath Dham is closed due to snow, the prayers occur at Narasimhan Temple at Joshimath in winter.
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After a long journey from Haridwar, the chirping of birds, buzzing bees, and an artificial lake in the middle of high-altitude meadows are pretty soothing to the mind and body.
Overnight stay will be in Auli.
On this day, we will be moving towards Govindghat by road and from where 10 km the trek begins for Ghangriya. After crossing the suspension bridge at Govindghat 4kms zig-zag trail leads to Pulna Village. The road ends at this place. From here, a ten km trek begins for Ghangriya. The trek and gushing Laxman Ganga pass through thick vegetation, whispering forest with incredible views of Kag Bhusandi Valley. Ponies and helicopter services are available at Govindghat, and one can opt for that as per their wish. We will reach Ghangriya amid Deodar Forest at lunchtime, and an overnight stay will be in Ghangriya.
On this day, we will undertake 5 km. (Both ways) trek to valley of flowers it is gradually ascending trek for 1.5 km. Then it is a plain trek surrounded by hundreds of flowers with sights of glaciers, snow peaks, and snow bridges. It is ten kilometers in length and two km in width and elevation ranging from 3,658 to 3962 meters. In the middle of it is a stream called Pushpawati. Numerous waterfalls coming down from melting snow of the glaciers, with meadows carpeted with an abundant variety of flowers that are a treat to watch for and will be a lifetime experience. After the visit, a night’s stay will be in Ghangriya.
On this day, we will trek down 10 km to Pulna Village and drive to Badrinath.
As we arrive, visit the Badrinath shrine to offer prayers along and Mana Village. leave Badrinath by 4 pm for Auli. Overnight stay will be in Auli.
Leave Auli after breakfast and reach Haridwar by 4 pm for onwards journey. If informed in advance Adventure Delight will be more than happy to make your further travel arrangements.
Available dates for booking: 2022-06-04, 2022-06-11, 2022-06-18, 2022-06-25, 2022-07-02, 2022-07-09, 2022-07-16, 2022-07-23, 2022-07-30, 2022-08-05, 2022-08-13, 2022-08-13, 2022-08-20, 2022-08-27
Ans. Valley of Flowers lies at 285 km from Rishikesh and 515 km from Delhi in the Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttrakhand state. The altitude of the valley of flowers in India is 3600 meters. It is part and parcel of Pushpawati Valley.
Ans. The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is from June to August, as this is the time one can witness the full bloom of the flowers.
Ans: Yes. It is pretty safe to visit the Valley of Flowers for a solo lady traveler. The people are helpful, hospitable, and easy to talk to in the Himalayas.
Ans. At Valley of Flowers, there is no ATM. Still, ATMs availability is widespread on the way to Valley of Flowers at Joshimath, Rudraprayag, and other places. One shall carry sufficient cash for this adventure.
Ans. At Valley of Flowers, there is no ATM. Still, ATMs availability is widespread on the way to Valley of Flowers at Joshimath, Rudraprayag, and other places. One shall carry sufficient cash for this adventure.
Ans. Light woolens and raincoats are reasonably necessary for the Valley of Flowers trek.
Ans. No, it is a National Park. But there are stay options in tents and tiny basic guest houses at Ghanghria, the base camp to visit Hemkunt Saheb and Valley of Flowers.
Ans. There are two routes to reach the Valley of Flowers from Delhi. The first one is Delhi-Hardwar-Rishikesh-Rudraprayag-Joshimath –Gobindghat-Ghangria-Valley of Flowers. The second one is Delhi-Lansdowne-Rudraprayag-Joshimath-Gobind Ghat-Ghangria- Valley Of Flowers. One has to get down at Gobind Ghat 276 km from Rishikesh to take a 2km further road to Pulna Village. There is a trek of 10 km for Ghangria, the base camp for Valley of Flowers, and Hemkunt Sahib. There is a further trek of 3.5 km for the Valley of Flowers from Ghangria. The distances in both these routes are more or less the same. Still, from Lansdowne, it is much more picturesque with the added advantage of exploring two more offbeat and serene hill stations, i.e., Lansdowne and Khirsu.
Ans. Yes. The sight of numerous flowers with myriad colors and the sheer magnitude of the same can overwhelmed anyone. The sight of water springs coming down from mountains and dancing clouds in the backdrop of mighty mountains is the sight that makes this paradise of nature a must-visit and a lifetime experience.
Ans. No, not at all. The trek leading to Valley of Flowers from Pulna Village is perfect.