Is this trek good for me?
expand_moreThis trek is ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers. For the novice, it is a great start to enter the world of trekking. It can get a bit rigorous for the first-timers. Therefore, it is recommended to the first timers to maintain good physical stamina and read extensively. Any trekker would love to go on this trek for the love of its views and trekking.
Experience required
expand_moreThis trek is apt for the first-timers. Those coming for the first time should prepare and read extensively about the trek. Basic knowledge about trekking and mountain mannerisms will come in handy.
Fitness benchmark
expand_more1. Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and 2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
Requisite Skills
expand_more1.?How to choose a right rucksack:?It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don?t make these?common mistakes?while buying a rucksack. 2.?How to pack a rucksack:?Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders.
Why should I go for this trek?
expand_moreThe Valley of Flowers trek, a UNESCO world heritage site, is ideal for watching a valley flooded with flowers of all variety and colors can be tempting for any nature lover. The local folklore also complements the aura of this valley. It is the perfect trek for beginners and can be easily trekked to on our own without the need of any tour operator.
How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
expand_moreValley of Flowers is not connected by any motorable road. The nearest place is Govindghat (near Joshimath) which is approximately 17 km from Valley of Flowers. This distance can be covered by trekking. Reaching Joshimath is not a tough task as it is well connected to Dehradun and New Delhi. By Road:?There are frequent buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi to Dehradun, followed by taking a shared taxi or a local bus to Joshimath or Govindghat. The journey from Dehradun to Joshimath takes approximately 8 hours. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Dehradun to Joshimath or Govindghat. By Rail:?There is no direct rail connectivity to the Valley of Flowers. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to the same, 272 km away from the Valley. Regular buses ply between Rishikesh and Govindghat. By Air:?There is no direct flight connectivity to the Valley of Flowers. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest commercial airport. You can hire a cab from the airport which will take you directly to Govindghat.
What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
expand_moreBSNL network is available till Ghangria.
What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
expand_moreAround 14kms from the Valley is the beautiful hamlet of Govindghat, a favorite among pilgrims. Some 30kms away, nestled in the mountains of Chamoli, lies the town of Joshimath which is a gateway to the sacred town of Badrinath, one of the four dominant Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. Approx. 40km away is the quaint village of Mana, the last Indian village from the border of India and Tibet in the Himalayas. It?s been designated as a ?Tourism Village? by the Uttarakhand government. Another popular destination for any tourist is the hill station of Auli.
What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
expand_moreThe minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
expand_moreThere are plenty of guesthouses/hotels on the trail. Accommodation will not be a problem at all. However, during peak season the rooms will get sold out soon. So, plan accordingly.
What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
expand_moreWe provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward, provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
expand_moreToilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
expand_moreYou will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
expand_moreVegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
What equipment can I rent from you?
expand_moreYou can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
expand_moreMonsoon, from mid-July to end of August, is the best season to visit the valley. Days remain pleasant, with highs of 17 degrees Celsius, while the nights are cool, with a minimum temperature of 7 degrees celsius.
When will there be snow on this trek?
expand_moreThere will be snow only in the winter months of November to April during which the valley cannot be accessed.
Is there an option to offload my backpack?
expand_moreIf you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Who will lead us on the trek?
expand_moreA team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Is the trekking pole necessary?
expand_moreIt is not mandatory but it is more convenient with the pole. If you don?t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
expand_moreYes, there are stores and shops in Joshimath from where you can buy necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
expand_moreYes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
expand_moreWe will pick you up from ISBT Dehradun. Drop off point remains the same.
What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?
expand_moreNo mandatory documents are required for the trek.
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Refunds will be processed back to the bank account or credit card account used to pay for the event i.e., the source of payment. The amount refunded will be based on the net amount paid for the event, excluding additional components such as transportation, rent, or portage.
Is this trek good for me?
expand_moreThis trek is ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers. For the novice, it is a great start to enter the world of trekking. It can get a bit rigorous for the first-timers. Therefore, it is recommended to the first timers to maintain good physical stamina and read extensively. Any trekker would love to go on this trek for the love of its views and trekking.
Experience required
expand_moreThis trek is apt for the first-timers. Those coming for the first time should prepare and read extensively about the trek. Basic knowledge about trekking and mountain mannerisms will come in handy.
Fitness benchmark
expand_more1. Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and 2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
Requisite Skills
expand_more1.?How to choose a right rucksack:?It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don?t make these?common mistakes?while buying a rucksack. 2.?How to pack a rucksack:?Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders.
Why should I go for this trek?
expand_moreThe Valley of Flowers trek, a UNESCO world heritage site, is ideal for watching a valley flooded with flowers of all variety and colors can be tempting for any nature lover. The local folklore also complements the aura of this valley. It is the perfect trek for beginners and can be easily trekked to on our own without the need of any tour operator.
How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
expand_moreValley of Flowers is not connected by any motorable road. The nearest place is Govindghat (near Joshimath) which is approximately 17 km from Valley of Flowers. This distance can be covered by trekking. Reaching Joshimath is not a tough task as it is well connected to Dehradun and New Delhi. By Road:?There are frequent buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi to Dehradun, followed by taking a shared taxi or a local bus to Joshimath or Govindghat. The journey from Dehradun to Joshimath takes approximately 8 hours. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Dehradun to Joshimath or Govindghat. By Rail:?There is no direct rail connectivity to the Valley of Flowers. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to the same, 272 km away from the Valley. Regular buses ply between Rishikesh and Govindghat. By Air:?There is no direct flight connectivity to the Valley of Flowers. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest commercial airport. You can hire a cab from the airport which will take you directly to Govindghat.
What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
expand_moreBSNL network is available till Ghangria.
What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
expand_moreAround 14kms from the Valley is the beautiful hamlet of Govindghat, a favorite among pilgrims. Some 30kms away, nestled in the mountains of Chamoli, lies the town of Joshimath which is a gateway to the sacred town of Badrinath, one of the four dominant Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. Approx. 40km away is the quaint village of Mana, the last Indian village from the border of India and Tibet in the Himalayas. It?s been designated as a ?Tourism Village? by the Uttarakhand government. Another popular destination for any tourist is the hill station of Auli.
What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
expand_moreThe minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
expand_moreThere are plenty of guesthouses/hotels on the trail. Accommodation will not be a problem at all. However, during peak season the rooms will get sold out soon. So, plan accordingly.
What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
expand_moreWe provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward, provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
expand_moreToilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
expand_moreYou will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
expand_moreVegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
What equipment can I rent from you?
expand_moreYou can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
expand_moreMonsoon, from mid-July to end of August, is the best season to visit the valley. Days remain pleasant, with highs of 17 degrees Celsius, while the nights are cool, with a minimum temperature of 7 degrees celsius.
When will there be snow on this trek?
expand_moreThere will be snow only in the winter months of November to April during which the valley cannot be accessed.
Is there an option to offload my backpack?
expand_moreIf you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Who will lead us on the trek?
expand_moreA team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Is the trekking pole necessary?
expand_moreIt is not mandatory but it is more convenient with the pole. If you don?t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
expand_moreYes, there are stores and shops in Joshimath from where you can buy necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
expand_moreYes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
expand_moreWe will pick you up from ISBT Dehradun. Drop off point remains the same.
What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?
expand_moreNo mandatory documents are required for the trek.
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Refunds will be processed back to the bank account or credit card account used to pay for the event i.e., the source of payment. The amount refunded will be based on the net amount paid for the event, excluding additional components such as transportation, rent, or portage.