It is best to reach Dehradun the previous night. There are plenty of state-run buses and shared taxis that will take you from Dehradun all the way to Govindghat. These buses/taxis leave from Dehradun between 5-8am. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi from Dehradun to Govindghat. Travel time from Dehradun to Govindghat is 12-14 Hours. Stay in Guest House/Hotel in Govindghat/Joshimath for the night.

The trek traditionally starts from Govindghat but these days there is a possibility to reach Pulna and save a 3 Km hike from Govindaghat. However, the movement of taxis till Pulna is restricted and permits are given to an only limited number of vehicles. If you have a permit, then you can start from Pulna else start from Goindghat. The route from Govindghat to Pulna is on the tarmac and the gradient is easy. From here, take the well-marked cemented trail after crossing the bridge on river Alakhnanda. Govindghat has a Gurudwara & few hotels where one can stay.

The trail to Ghangaria is usually crowded with the pilgrims who are headed for Hemkund Sahib. There are trees of Apricot alongside the trail. The entire trail to Ghangaria winds along the river with cascading waterfalls & natural water springs which present a very refreshing sight. It takes about 6 hours to reach Ghangaria which is a small village lined with food joints & a Gurudwara. Stay overnight in Guest house/hotel in Ghangaria.

After breakfast trek to Valley of Flowers from Ghangaria. Start early to have more time at hand when you are in the Valley. After walking on the relatively flat trail till the bridge where we cross Pushpawati, the climb to the valley is steep. Fortunately, the climb is only around 1.5 Kms long before the valley dawns upon you. The valley is an enchanting sight with an impressive array of rare wildflowers. Some of the technical names of flowers found here are : Geranium, Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia, Thermo- psis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Strawberry, Epilobium, Rhododendrons and numerous others.

Most of the flowers have medicinal values too. We will walk for about 10 Kms in the Valley. The valley is normally carpeted with flowers of an array of colors: Green, Blue, Yellow, Red. In the far distance, you can see snow clad peaks. One of the attractions of the valley is a refreshing stream named Pushpawati, into which several tiny streams and waterfalls merge. Since the trek is fairly easy you will have sufficient time to relax & absorb the beauty of this wonderful place. Soak your feet in the stream & enjoy the sight. Camping in the Valley is not permitted so you will have to trek back to Ghangaria retracing the same route. Stay overnight at your hotel in Ghangaria.

Today's trek is beautiful but the same time steep & arduous. The altitude is on the higher side & weather can be pretty unpredictable. The months when this trek is done are peak monsoon months and rains can get us stranded if you do not descend in time. It is advisable to start at 5 AM to have the advantage of time. It takes approx. 4 hours to reach Hemkund Sahib Lake. This lake remains frozen for 6 months. Perched at an elevation of 4,329 mts above sea level, Hemkund Sahib is the highest Gurudwara of Sikh community. Warm yourself inside Gurudwara and it is recommended to start descending before 2 PM.

Start your trek by 6 am. It is an easy 13 km mostly downhill walk from Ghangria to Govind Ghat. At a consistent pace, you will reach Govind Ghat by 11 am. You may choose to leave to Dehradun immediately or stay overnight at Govind Ghat and depart to Dehradun the following morning.

Depart from Govind Ghat to Dehradun in the morning.