Trek difficulty
Moderate
Trek duration
6 Days Days
Trek altitude
13,780 Feet,
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
38Km
Basecamp
Karchi
Best Time
July-August,
Pickup Point
Dehradun
Valley of flowers is an amazing destination for nature lovers who love to enjoy a mystical walk. The valley always blooms with thousands of colorful flowers with peaks and glaciers all around.
The Valley of Flowers Trek in Uttarakhand is one of India’s most scenic treks that is located high in the Western Himalayas at an altitude of 3,600 meters . It is beginner-friendly 6-day trek that offers breathtaking views of wildflowers, waterfalls, and snow-covered mountains. Wanna know about the best part? It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! The location is really filled with a variety of flowers and is rich in myth and history. And, according to legend, it is the place where Lord Hanuman found the Sanjeevani herb to treat from the Ramayana.
Additionally, this trail leads to Hemkund Sahib which is a sacred Sikh shrine at the height of 14,400 feet. And along the way, you will be surrounded by colorful wildflowers like poppies, lilies, and primulas. The trekkers will surely feel like they are stepping into a live painting of their dreams.
Are you someone who loves nature, history, and a spiritual experience? Just check the detailed insights and this trek will leave you speechless.
Ghangaria Waterfalls : While on your way to the Valley, you will pass through several beautiful waterfalls near Ghangaria. And, this splashing sound of water crashing over rocks and mixed with lush greenery, really creates a peaceful vibe for trekkers. So, here, you can stop for a moment, take a breath, and snap some photos for your memories.
Blue Poppy Point : This spot of the Valley of Flowers Trek is a favorite one for many trekkers. At 3,500 meters, you will get stunning views of the Garhwal Ranges during the early morning. Plus, the sight of the Himalayas lit up in golden hues with blue poppies looks just magical and amazing.
The Valley That Blooms : As the name signifies, the Valley of Flowers has a variety of flowers, so you can imagine walking through a valley filled with 600+ species of flowers. The vibrant color of beautiful flowers, and the fragrance of orchids, primulas, and zinnias fills the air and makes the moment more beautiful. And, during the monsoon it is more stunning and will surely leave you in awe of the beauty around you.
The Sacred Hemkund Sahib Climb : For many Sikh trekkers, this 6-kilometer climb up to Hemkund Sahib is a spiritual journey. The place is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and is home to a glacial lake and a gurdwara as well. So, no matter whether you are religious or not, the peaceful energy and vibes of this spot is incredible to make you feel happy.
Enjoy a Cultural Experience : The Valley of Flowers trek isn’t just about nature and spirituality but it is also about the local people and the culture too. You will walk through small villages, hear spiritual chants, and learn about the local lifestyle. You also have the opportunity to talk to the locals about the various things around you and know more details.
Day 1- Dehradun to Karchi
Day 2- Karchi to Poolna, Trek to Ghangaria
Day 3 - Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back
Day 4 - Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back
Day 5 - Trek from Ghangaria to Poolna, Drive to Dhak
Day 6 - Dhak to Dehradun
The best months for the Valley of Flowers trek are from June to September. During this time, the flowers are in full bloom, and the weather is pleasant for trekking. As during these months, it is also the monsoon season, so you can expect a bit of rain, which only adds to the charm of the valley.
Clothing: Waterproof jacket, Thermal layers and fleece, Quick-dry t-shirts and pants, Woolen cap, muffler, and sun hat,Extra socks and gloves (especially for Hemkund Sahib)
Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip,Light sandals for campsite use, Extra insoles and anti-blister socks
Gear: 40–50L backpack with rain cover, Daypack for shorter hikes, Trekking poles, Headlamp with extra batteries, Water bottles
Essentials: Rain poncho and backpack rain cover, Sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer, Personal medication and first aid kit
Day 1: Dehradun to Karchi
Drive: 300 km (about 12-13 hours)
Pickup: Dehradun Railway Station/ISBT Dehradun at 5:30 AM
Transport Cost: Cost will vary from Dehradun (please confirm with organizer); pre-booking is essential!
Day 2: Karchi to Poolna, Trek to Ghangaria
Drive: 38 km (about 1.5 hours)
Trek: 9 km (about 5-6 hours)
Altitude Gain: 7,785 ft to 10,520 ft
Enjoy a short drive followed by a gentle riverside trail. This path is well-maintained and popular with both trekkers and pilgrims.
Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back
Trek: 3.7 km each way (about 6 hours)
Altitude Gain: 10,520 ft to 11,550 ft
Get ready for a truly rewarding trek into the Valley of Flowers, with blooms surrounding you on both sides of the trail.
Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back
Trek: 6 km each way (about 8-9 hours)
Altitude Gain: 10,520 ft to 14,107 ft
This challenging climb involves a series of switchbacks, but the Gurudwara and serene lake at the top are a magnificent reward.
Day 5: Trek from Ghangaria to Poolna, Drive to Dhak
Trek: 9 km (about 4 hours)
Altitude Loss: 10,520 ft to 6,215 ft
Drive: 35 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
Descend back to Poolna, and then enjoy a short drive to Dhak for a well-deserved rest.
Day 6: Dhak to Dehradun
Drive: ~297 km (about 11-12 hours)
Drop Off: Dehradun Railway Station/ISBT Dehradun by 6:00 PM
Drive: 35 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
Descend back to Poolna, and then enjoy a short drive to Dhak for a well-deserved rest.
Inclusion
During The Trek
Exclusion
It’s considered moderately difficult. You’ll need decent fitness, but most people who are reasonably fit can manage it just fine.
The best time is from June to September, especially mid-July to mid-August, when the flowers are in full bloom after the monsoon rains.
The Valley of Flowers is around 11,550 feet (3,500 meters), and Hemkund Sahib is higher, at about 14,100 feet (4,329 meters).
From Govindghat, you first trek about 9 km to Ghangaria, which is the base. Then, it’s another 3.7 km (one way) to the Valley of Flowers. So, in total, about 12.7 km one way from Govindghat to the Valley.
The driving distance from Dehradun to Govindghat (the starting point) is about 310 km, which takes around 10-11 hours by car. The trek starts after that.
The Pushpawati River flows through the Valley of Flowers National Park.
The Valley of Flowers opened on June 1st, 2025, and usually closes around October 31st, depending on the weather.
Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib is very close to the Valley of Flowers, and many trekkers visit both.
Yes, there’s a Lakshman Temple (also called Lokpal Temple) right on the shore of Hemkund Lake, near the Gurudwara.
It’s a steep 6 km trek (one way) from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib.
The Pushpawati River originates from the glacier near the Valley of Flowers.
Yes, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Testimonials
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
