Explore the Valley of Flowers with Vivek Rana – A Trek Guided by the Heart of the Himalayas

Not every trek is led by a guide who was raised by the very mountains you’ll walk through. The Valley of Flowers Trek, under the leadership of Vivek Rana — founder of Indian Treks and a seasoned mountaineer with 12+ years of Himalayan experience — is more than a journey into nature. It’s an invitation to walk beside a living legacy of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Born in the mountain belt of Uttarakhand and trained by experience, not just textbooks, Vivek Rana has personally led over 200 Himalayan expeditions, including high-altitude climbs to Stok Kangri, Black Peak, Bali Pass, and many more. He’s not just a guide — he’s a storyteller, a safety-first leader, and a guardian of local trails and traditions. Every step with him brings insight, confidence, and a sense of home in the Himalayas.

Under his leadership, Indian Treks has become one of the most trusted local trekking companies in Uttarakhand, with a strong base in Dehradun and deep ties to remote mountain communities. Unlike commercial operators, Indian Treks operates with a deep-rooted mission: to offer authentic, eco-conscious, and culturally respectful trekking experiences.

Each year, Vivek personally guides groups through the magical Valley of Flowers during its peak bloom. You don’t just visit the valley — you learn its language, hear its history, and feel its pulse.

If you’re looking for more than a package — if you want a deeply guided, locally powered, and founder-led Himalayan journey, this is your trek.

Joshimath, Pulna, Ghangaria – The Road to the Valley of Flowers

Joshimath – The Spiritual and Logistical Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas

Joshimath, sometimes referred to as Jyotirmath, is more than just a town; it is the spiritual and historical entryway to the higher Himalayas. It is the final significant stop before the trail starts for the Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, and even the Badrinath Dham Yatra. It is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an elevation of about 6,000 feet (1,875 metres).

What is special about Joshimath:
Spiritual Seat of Adi Shankaracharya: Dedicated to seekers and saints, this is one of the four cardinal mathas (monasteries) founded by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the eighth century.
The starting point for numerous Himalayan pilgrimages and treks, such as those to Kuari Pass, Auli, and the Nanda Devi Biosphere, is this location.
Access Point: All routes pass via Joshimath on their way to Govindghat, which is the roadhead for Pulna and Ghangaria. You acclimate, equip up, and psychologically prepare for the adventure ahead there.
Cultural Vibe: The town offers the ideal fusion of the old and the contemporary with its modern trekking amenities, ancient temples, and Garhwali culture.

Pulna Village – The Silent Guardian of the Trail

At the start of the actual walking trail to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib is Pulna, a little Himalayan village nestled between Govindghat and Ghangaria. This is where the actual journey starts and the motorable road ends.

The importance of Pulna:
Last Road Access Point: Only up to Pulna can cars travel; after that, everyone must walk or ride a mule. Thus, Pulna serves as the starting point for the holy path.
A First Look at Local Life: A few dozen residents of Pulna coexist peacefully with the environment. This is the first place where trekkers experience real mountain village life.
The Forest Trail begins at Pulna and travels along a wooded trail beside the Lakshman Ganga River, which is dotted with waterfalls, hazy vistas, and bird calls.
Zone of Eco sensitivity: Pulna is a symbol of low-impact trekking and sustainable travel because it is a part of an environmentally protected area.

Ghangaria – The Last Stop Before Divinity and Bloom

All trekkers traveling to the Valley of Flowers or the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara stop overnight in Ghangaria, commonly known as Govind Dham. This seasonal community, which is tucked away at 10,000 feet (3,050 meters), comes alive from june  to October before disappearing under snow for the remainder of the year.

Why Ghangaria is so memorable:
Base Camp for Treks: Before hiking to Hemkund Sahib (13,650 feet) or entering the UNESCO Valley of Flowers National Park, all visitors must stay in Ghangaria. It’s a quiet, car-free zone because the whole area is impassable.
Simple Yet Lively: Despite its isolated setting, Ghangaria is teeming with tiny businesses, homestays, langars, and dhabas that provide hikers with warmth and comfort after a strenuous day of climbing.
Spiritual Significance: Before making the holy trek to Hemkund Sahib, Sikh pilgrims rest in Ghangaria. For nature enthusiasts, it’s the entrance to one of the most enchanted alpine valleys on earth.
Gateway to Bloom The Valley of Flowers route begins here and winds through forests full of life, glacier-fed streams, and bridges blanketed in mist.

Valley of Flowers Trek Itinerary (6 Days / 5 Nights)

Day 1: Haridwar to Govindghat (Drive – 10 hrs)

Pickup from Haridwar early morning. Drive through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Joshimath. Overnight at Govindghat.

Day 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria (Trek – 10 km)

Begin the trek from Poolna. Walk along the Pushpawati River, reach Ghangaria. Overnight stay in guesthouse.

Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back (Trek – 8 km)

Enter the UNESCO park, explore the full valley. Witness carpets of wildflowers and glacial streams. Return to Ghangaria.

Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back (Trek – 12 km)

Climb to Hemkund Sahib, one of the highest gurudwaras in the world. Return to Ghangaria. A spiritually powerful day.

Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat | Drive to Joshimath

Trek back to Govindghat, then drive to Joshimath. Relax and reflect. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 6: Joshimath to Haridwar (Drive – 10 hrs)

After breakfast, depart for Haridwar. Drop in the evening.

Valley of Flowers Trekking Package – What’s Included

We ensure that your Valley of Flowers trekking experience is safe, comfortable, and well-managed from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect when you book your trek with Indian Treks:

Accommodation
02 Nights hotel stay in Govindghat on a triple/quad sharing basis.
03 Nights hotel stay in Ghangaria on a triple/quad sharing basis.
All rooms are clean, comfortable, and equipped with basic modern amenities — ensuring a restful stay before and after your trek.
Nutritious Veg Meals
All meals included from Day 1 dinner at Govindghat to Day 6 breakfast.
Enjoy healthy and homely vegetarian food, freshly prepared by our experienced kitchen team
Morning and evening tea with light snacks provided daily to keep your energy up throughout the journey.
Safety Equipment
Your safety is our priority. The trek leader will carry:
First Aid Kit
Oxygen Cylinder
Pulse Oximeter
Equipment is available both on the trail and at the campsite to handle any altitude-related concerns or emergencies.
Certified Trek Leaders
All treks are led by qualified professionals with certifications in Basic and Advanced Mountaineering as well as First Aid.
Our leaders are experienced in managing mountain terrain, weather challenges, and group safety.
Expert Trek Support Team
Our Valley of Flowers trek is supported by a strong, local team of:
Certified Guides
Experienced Cooks
Helpers and Porters