The Valley Of Flowers Trek Altitude Guide
The Himalayas have amazing places but one special spot in Uttarakhand feels like a dream, The Valley of Flowers. Imagine walking through fields where thousands of wildflowers are blooming. You are surrounded by mountains covered in snow, waterfalls, fresh mountain air and quiet in the distance. Every part of this hike is magical during the monsoons when the valley is full of flowers. The Valley of Flowers trek is a trip for the beginners as well as for the experts. Though The Valley of Flowers is considered as a moderate trek, but it is still important understand the altitude before planning your journey. In this blog we will discuss about the altitude of each day along with the altitude gains, helping you understand the distance and height covered at every stage of the trek so you can plan and prepare for your journey more effectively.
Day by day lets look at The Valley Of Flowers trek altitude:
Day 1: Dehradun/Rishikesh to Govind ghat/Joshimath
Dehradun/Rishikesh Altitude: 450 m/ 372 m
Govindghat/Joshimath Altitude: 1,828 m/ 1890 m
Altitude Gain: 1,378 m/ 1,518 m
The trip starts from Dehradun and goes through Rishikesh, Devprayag and by the end of the day you will reach Joshimath/Govindghat. Tonight you will by staying at Joshimath which is at an elevation of around 1800m. This stay will help you acclimitize higher altitudes.
Day 2: Govindghat/Joshimath to Ghangaria Via Poolna
Govindghat/Joshimath Altitude: 1,828 m/ 1890 m
Ghangaria Altitude : 3,049m
Altitude Gain: 1,312 m
On Day 2 you start your journey from Govindghat or Joshimath to Poolna.The first proper ascent, about 3.5-4 hours of steady uphill over the valley of the Pushpawati river. Then you will reach Ghangaria, which is at an altitude of 3,049 m. though the altitude gain is more than 1000 m but comfortable rooms and treeline at Ghangaria makes it easy to acclimitize.
Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and return to Ghangaria
Ghangaria Altitude : 3,049 m
Valley of Flowers: 3,658 m
Altitude Gain: 609 m
Day 3 is the most special and main highlight of this trek as today you reach the famous Valley of Flowers. And strangely enough, it is the easiest of all the ones in terms of elevation, rising just 609 m to the valley floor. The mountain seems to have been saving its best for the big show. On the Valley you will see colorful flowers, green meadows and beautiful mountains which makes the trip very special.
Day 4: Ghangaria to HemKund Sahib
Ghangaria Altitude : 3,049 m
HemKund Sahib Altitude :4,632 m
Altitude Gain: 1,583 m
On Day 4 you leave Ghangaria and head towards Hemkund Sahib, which is at an altitude of 4,632 m. It’s a kind of hike where you do not talk but just breathe. However, the glacial lake and the Gurudwara located at 4,632 m is a truly an experience which you can only imagine when you have been in it. Move slowly, consume plenty of water and have something to eat before you begin your journey. Though the altitude gain is significant but as we are returning to Ghangaira on the same day it does not have a major impact.
Day 5: Ghangaria to Joshimath via Govindghat
Ghangaria Altitude: 3,049 m
Joshimath Altitude: 1890 m
Govindghat Altitude: 1,828 m
Altitude Loss: 1,312 m
On Day 5 you trek down from Ghangaria and head back to Govindghat. This is a 10 km trek that takes 4 hours. The trip starts with a descent through the mountains to Govindghat. From there you drive to Joshimath.
Day 6: Joshimath to Dehradun/Rishikesh
Joshimath Altitude: 1,890 m
Dehradun Altitude: 450 m
Rishikesh Altitude: 372 m
Altitude Loss: 1,312 m
On Day 6 you start your return journey from Joshimath to Dehradun or Rishikesh. This day is mostly driving down the mountains to altitudes. You usually reach Rishikesh in the evening and Dehradun at night. Mountain roads and weather can sometimes cause delays so it’s an idea to plan for extra time.
