Our adventure starts with an early morning departure from Haridwar, a sacred town at the edge of the Himalayas. The drive to Joshimath is long but beautiful, following the Alaknanda River through deep valleys and mountain gorges.
We’ll cross several important Panch Prayags (confluences of sacred rivers), including:
Devprayag (Bhagirathi + Alaknanda = Ganga)
Rudraprayag (Mandakini + Alaknanda)
Karnaprayag (Pindar + Alaknanda)
By Evening, we’ll reach Joshimath, a key pilgrim and trekking base town. Settle into your hotel, rest, and prepare for the upcoming trek.
• Travel (approx.): 275 km, 9-10 hrs.
• Altitude: ⇑ 5,120 ft. / ⇓ 0 ft.
• Overnight Stay: Hotel in Joshimath
• Meals: Dinner
Today is the most magical day of our trek. After breakfast, start early for the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lush alpine meadows and over 300 species of wildflowers.
Cross a wooden bridge over a glacier-fed stream and enter a wonderland where hills are adorned with flowers—blue poppy, cobra lily, Himalayan bellflower, orchids, daisies, and more. Spend time soaking in the views, clicking photos, and walking deeper into the valley.
Optional: Visit Legge’s Grave, the resting place of the botanist who popularized the valley.
Return to Ghangaria by late afternoon.
Prominent Flowers: Blue Poppy, Snake Foil, White Leaf Hog Foot, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Dog Flower, Hooked Stick Seed, and River Anemone.
• Trek (approx.): 8 km, 6-7 hrs.
• Altitude: ⇑ 1,500 ft. / ⇓ 1,500 ft.
• Overnight Stay: Guesthouse in Ghangaria
• Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner