Top 10 Reasons Why We Believe Valley of Flowers is a Must-Do Trek!

Valley of Flowers is a popular Himalayan Trek located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The trek takes you along an adventure-filled journey to a valley that is covered top to bottom in innumerable species of flowers and herbs and some even endemic species of flora. The natural beauty of the trek is something that will totally captivate your senses. The Valley of Flowers is not the only attraction on the trek, you also get to trek to the highest Guruduwara in the world – the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara at an altitude of 14,100 ft. The Gurudwara is set beside the pristine Hemkund Lake. The water of the lake is considered sacred and you can also take a dip in the lake if you feel like it. The serene environs of the Gurudwara are very soothing and you can truly feel the spiritual aura in the place. There are so many things to adore about the Valley of Flowers Trek, which is why you should do this trek at least once. In this article, we have compiled a list of reasons why think Valley of Flowers should be on everyone’s trekking bucket list.

1. The adventure of trekking

Valley of Flowers is a thrilling trek and with its added natural beauty makes it an ideal adventure for all those seeking the thrill and the solace of nature. The trek is of moderate difficulty and there are some sections that will truly test your grit and endurance but the rewards that lie at the top are truly worth the trek.

2. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site

If you didn’t know, the Valley of Flowers was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2005 due to its rich biodiversity. The Valley is home to about 600 species of flowers and plants. You can spot some really exotic and rare flora species like Himalayan blue poppy along with many other flowers and medicinal herbs. This ecological richness makes the Valley of Flowers a naturalist's delight.

3. The highest Gurudwara in the world

The highest Gurudwara in the world, Hemkund Sahib is located opposite the valley of flowers. Once your trek to the valley is complete, you can trek to the Gurudwara the next day. Fill your bellies with the delicious langar at the Gurudwara. You can even take a dip in the holy Hemkund Lake by the Gurudwara and find yourself refreshed and rejuvenated. While the trek to the Gurudwara is a little difficult, it is totally worth it.

4. Great for solo travellers

The Valley of Flowers Trek is also ideal for solo travellers as well. There are lodges and hotels at all points on the trek and it does not involve camping. If you are a beginner with good physical fitness, you can also do the trek. There are many trekking organizations that offer fixed departure trips and you can come as a solo traveller and do not have to worry about having a group to do the trek. You can even plan this trek by yourself.

5. The beautiful Base Camp of Ghangaria

Ghangaria is a charming Himalayan village that serves as the base for both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Trek. The village is open for about 4 to 5 months of the year post which it closes up when there is extremely cold and snow in the region. At the base camp, you can see devotees gathering to visit the sacred site of Hemkund Sahib and you will also see adventurers gearing up for their trek to the valley. It is such an interesting sight to see. Set amidst stunning natural landscapes and big mountains, Ghangaria will captivate you with its charm.

6. The Land of Brahma Kamal

Brahma Kamal is one of the most legendary and rare Himalayan flowers. This flower is found in altitudes of 3500 m to 4500 m and requires a very delicate environmental condition making it such a rare bloom. This rare species of flowers can be spotted on the trek to the Valley of Flowers, especially towards Hemkund Sahib. It is also the state flower of Uttarakhand and has been mentioned in many ancient texts. The Brahma Kamal blooms at night, it is fragrant and also has many medicinal properties.

7. Rare animal species

The Valley of Flowers is not just home to stunning and rare flora but if you are lucky, you may also spot some rare animal species as well. The sub-alpine forests in the trek are home to many wild animals as well like the Blue Sheep, the Asiatic Black Beer, the Brown Bear and the elusive Red Fox.

8. Great location for photography

The Valley of Flowers National Park is draped in immense natural beauty. Starting from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers and the Hemkund Sahib, every corner is steeped with natural beauty making it an ideal location for the shutterbugs! The mountains, the flowers, the waterfalls and streams, the wildlife there are so many things to capture. If you are a photography enthusiast and love clicking nature in its glory then this trek is the ideal adventure for you.

9. The relation to mythological stories

Did you know? The Valley of Flowers is mentioned in the Puran Ramayana. It is believed that the ‘Sanjeevani Booti’ mentioned in the epic, which was given to Laxman (Lord Rama’s brother) originated here. Hanuman carried the entire mountain to save Laxman from a fatal blow of an arrow. This connection to mythological history adds an intriguing touch to it.

10. The best monsoon trek

While trekking in a majority of the Himalayas is closed during monsoon, the Valley of Flowers opens up with its natural delight. This trek is a popular monsoon trek that is enhanced in its beauty with the onset of rain. The grass is greener, the flowers are blooming, and the mist drapes the mountains, all of this makes this trek a pure monsoon delight.

The Valley of Flowers is an extraordinary trek and all these reasons make this trek a must-have adventure. Whether it’s the excitement of adventure, the biodiversity or the spiritual aura, Valley of Flowers will surprise you at every step.