Valley of Flowers Weekend

The Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, is a 87.5 square kilometre national park in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand that transforms into a riot of colour every monsoon season. Nestled at an altitude of 3,658 metres between the Zanskar and Great Himalayan ranges, the valley is home to over 600 species of flowering plants, including the rare Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy, and Cobra Lily.

The trek begins from Govindghat, descending to Pulna village before following the Pushpawati River through lush forests of birch, rhododendron, and maple. As you emerge above the tree line at Ghangaria base camp, the valley unfolds before you — a vast amphitheatre of colour with snow-capped peaks as its wall and a carpet of primulas, marigolds, orchids, and daisies as its floor.

This four-day itinerary includes an excursion to Hemkund Sahib, the highest Sikh gurudwara in the world at 4,329 metres, set beside a glacial lake of crystalline blue water. The combination of the flower-filled valley and the spiritual serenity of Hemkund makes this one of the most extraordinary treks in the entire Himalayan range.