The trek of the valley of flowers
In the heart of the Himalayan Garhwal, three hundred floral species carpet a valley at 3,000 meters altitude.
Duration
10 days
From
€780/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
In 1931, British mountaineer Frank Smythe discovered the Valley of Flowers, today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and displaying its most beautiful colors between August and September, with over a thousand varieties of flowers and orchids. To reach the Garhwal Himalayas, the route passes through Rishikesh, a renowned yoga destination on the banks of the Ganges, then climbs up to Joshimath, the gateway to the valley.
The trek begins at Govindghat, then reaches Ghangaria, the base camp for excursions. An afternoon is dedicated to discovering the flowering meadows, before a challenging six-kilometer climb to Hemkund Lake (4,329 m), where seven snow-capped peaks are reflected - also an important Sikh pilgrimage site. After descending to Govind Ghat, the journey ends with a final day visiting Delhi.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Delhi - Rishikesh, road transfer
Delhi → Rishikesh
This morning, we head towards Rishikesh, situated on the banks of the Ganges. Rishikesh is said to be the cradle of yoga and the gateway to the four main Dhams (pilgrimage sites) of Hindus - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Upon arrival, we check in at our hotel.
In the evening, we visit the Ghats of the Ganges and attend the Aarti ceremony, a visual and musical spectacle. Rishikesh, at the foot of the Shivalik range of the Himalaya, is renowned for the beauty of its landscapes and its spiritual experience.
Rishikesh - Joshimat, road transfer
Joshimat - Godvindghat (1828 m) - Ghangaria (3000 m)
New road transfer in the morning to reach Godvindghat.
From there we set off trekking to reach Ghangaria, base camp of the Flower Valley. We arrive there in late afternoon. Late afternoon free to explore the surroundings.
Trekking Time: 4 Hrs
Distance: 13 Kms
Ghangaria - Valley of Flowers - Ghangaria
After breakfast, departure on a three-kilometer trek leading to the Valley of Flowers. A splendid meadow, covered with a brightly colored floral carpet, stretches at the foot of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. 300 varieties of flowers bloom away from civilization. We admire this rare Himalayan flora. Return in the afternoon to Ghangaria.
Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib - Ghangaria
Departure after breakfast to Hemkunt Sahib, a revered Sikh sanctuary on the shores of Hemkund Lake. The high peaks around are reflected in the lake waters. The six-kilometer loop to reach the lake takes a steep climb along the Laxman Ganga river which originates in Hemkund Lake. Return to Ghangarai in late afternoon.
Ghangaria - Govindghat - Joshimat
After breakfast, descent to Govindghat. Upon our arrival, we set off to discover the village of Mana, in Chamoli district. Located at 3,200 meters altitude, Mana is the last village before the Mana pass, situated 24 km from the Indo-Chinese border. The village is approximately three kilometers from the holy city of Badrinath where one of the great Hindu pilgrimages takes place. "You have to see it to believe it" is what can be said of this enchanting site.
Hiking Time: 4 Hrs
Distance: 13 Kms
From Govindghat, road transfer to Joshimat where we spend another night.
Joshimat - Rishikesh
Joshimath → Rishikesh
We head back to the road for Rishikesh, delighted to return. One last tour on the Ghats for a memorable experience. The fervor with which pilgrims come to bathe in the Ganges, the murmur emanating from the crowd, the enchanting chants. Everything contributes to giving this magical place an intense spirituality.
Delhi, visit and airport transfer
After breakfast, we visit the fortified city of Old Delhi, with its crowded streets, buzzing with activity and still under the influence of the Mughal civilization that once ruled over the walls of the majestic Red Fort. We visit Jama Masjid of Delhi - the largest 17th century mosque in India -, Chandni Chowk - the typical Indian market always full of activity -, and Rajghat - the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi (also called the "Father of the Nation"). We notably visit New Delhi, and pass by the Presidential Palace, the Administrative Buildings and up to the impressive Gate of India.
Check-out from the hotel and transfer to the international airport to board the return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- The travel package indicated above is not valid during the period: From December 20, 2019 to January 10, 2020
- Indian visa fees
- Lunch and Dinner in Delhi
- Tips for local guide, trekking guide and other trekking staff
- Personal expenses, souvenirs and drinks
- Rescue and evacuation services
- Insurance for baggage loss and repatriation, as well as rescue cost insurance
- Other services not included in the "price includes" column
Included
- Accommodation for 07 nights in full board, in Lodge / hotels, based on double room
- 2 nights at the hotel in Delhi with breakfast, double/twin room basis
- All land transfers included in the program in a private air-conditioned vehicle, with an English-speaking driver
- English-speaking local guide during trekking days (D:04 to D:07)
- Professional English-speaking guide for the entire duration of your stay
- Hyperbaric chamber during the trek
- First aid kit
- Government taxes identified to date
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to India for a tourist stay. Entry rules may evolve, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter India, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist Visa – e-Visa (Tourist eVisa)
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must be in possession of a valid visa to enter India. There is no visa exemption for a tourist stay.
The most common solution is the Tourist eVisa, available online on the official Indian government portal. It is available for several durations:
Tourist eVisa 30 days (double entry),
Tourist eVisa 1 year (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit),
Tourist eVisa 5 years (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit).
The application must be submitted online at least 4 days before your arrival date and at most 120 days before. The eVisa is linked to your passport and is available only at certain designated airports and ports of entry.
Arrival and Immigration
When passing through immigration, Indian authorities may ask for:
confirmation of your eVisa (printed document or digital version),
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
the address of your first accommodation in India.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccine is officially mandatory to enter India from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada, except in the case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever (a yellow fever vaccination certificate will then be required).
As a preventive measure, health authorities generally recommend the following vaccinations:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
tetanus-poliomyelitis,
rabies (depending on planned activities),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on regions and length of stay).
Antimalarial treatment may be recommended depending on the regions you visit and the time of year. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport and their own eVisa covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Indian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance policy, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims notification procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. The e-visa can be applied for online before departure (approximately 25 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and you must have two blank pages available. We guide you through the process. Before booking, verify the specific conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and English-speaking guide. International flights (600-900 euros round trip) are additional. India offers incredible diversity of experiences at varying price points.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Indian Himalayas
India's Thousand Faces Expert, based in Inde
India can surprise, disorient or amaze you all in one day. My role is to help travelers find their own pace to truly enjoy the country.
— Mandeep
