Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib are two of the most remarkable treks in the Indian Himalayas, and they share the same base camp: Ghangaria, at 3,049 metres. Most trekkers combine both in a single trip — one day for the flowers, one day for the shrine.
We have arranged this combined trek many times from Vaadi. Here is the day-by-day itinerary that works best.
Why Combine Both?
Ghangaria sits at the fork of two valleys. Turn left, and in 4 km you reach the Valley of Flowers. Turn right, and in 6 km you climb to Hemkund Sahib — a sacred Sikh gurdwara at 4,329 metres beside a glacial lake surrounded by seven peaks.
Since you are already making the 14 km trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria, it makes sense to spend two days exploring both valleys rather than just one.
The Itinerary: 5–6 Days from Vaadi
Day 1: Arrive at Vaadi from Rishikesh
Distance: 270 km | Drive: 8–9 hours
Drive from Rishikesh along the Alaknanda river through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Joshimath. Arrive at Vaadi by late afternoon. Settle in, eat a home-cooked Garhwali dinner, and rest. Sleeping at 2,500 metres helps your body adjust before going higher.
Day 2: Vaadi to Govindghat to Ghangaria
Vaadi to Govindghat: 24 km, 45-minute drive
Govindghat to Ghangaria: 14 km trek, 5–6 hours
Leave Vaadi by 6:30 AM. Drive to Govindghat, park the car, and begin the trek. The trail follows the Lakshman Ganga river — well-maintained stone path with tea stops every few kilometres. Ponies and porters available at Govindghat.
Arrive Ghangaria by early afternoon. Check into a lodge. Rest.
Day 3: Valley of Flowers
Distance: 8 km round trip | Time: 4–6 hours
The easier of the two days. Walk 4 km from Ghangaria into the valley. The path crosses the Pushpawati river and opens into the national park — a wide glacial valley carpeted with wildflowers from edge to edge.
Take your time. Carry lunch (no food inside the valley). A local guide (₹500–800) is useful for identifying species. You must exit by 5 PM.
Day 4: Hemkund Sahib
Distance: 12 km round trip | Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,280 metres from Ghangaria
This is the harder day. The trail climbs steeply from Ghangaria (3,049m) to Hemkund Sahib (4,329m) — a relentless 6 km ascent. The path is stone-paved but the gradient is demanding, especially above 3,800 metres.
At the top: a sacred gurdwara beside a perfectly still glacial lake, ringed by seven snow-capped peaks. The langar (community kitchen) at the gurdwara serves free hot meals to all visitors regardless of faith. It is one of the highest places of worship in the world.
The descent is easier but hard on the knees. Take trekking poles.
Tip: Do Valley of Flowers on Day 3 and Hemkund on Day 4. Your body will be better acclimatised for the higher altitude on the second day.
Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat to Vaadi
Ghangaria to Govindghat: 14 km, 3–4 hours downhill
Govindghat to Vaadi: 24 km, 45-minute drive
Descend to Govindghat in the morning. Drive back to Vaadi. After three days of basic lodges, trail food, and hard walking, Vaadi feels like a different world — a hot shower, a proper Garhwali meal, a soft bed, and silence.
Day 6: Rest Day or Depart
Spend a rest day at Vaadi. Walk in the pine forest, read on the balcony, sleep. Or drive back to Rishikesh (8–9 hours).
Hemkund Sahib: What to Know
- Altitude: 4,329 metres — the highest gurdwara in the world
- Significance: In the Dasam Granth, Guru Gobind Singh Ji meditated at this lake in a previous life
- Glacial lake: Lokpal Lake, fed by snowmelt, surrounded by Hathi Parbat and Saptrishi peaks
- Langar: Free meals served to all visitors. Hot chai available.
- Season: Opens with Valley of Flowers (June–October)
- No permit required for Hemkund Sahib (unlike VoF, which requires a park entry fee)
Fitness Requirements
- Valley of Flowers: Easy to moderate. Anyone with basic fitness can do it.
- Hemkund Sahib: Moderate to difficult. The 1,280-metre climb in 6 km is demanding. Prior trekking experience is helpful but not essential. Go slow, stay hydrated, and start early.
- Combined: You need 5 days minimum. Having a rest day at Vaadi before the trek helps with acclimatisation.
Permits
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Valley of Flowers entry (Indian) | ₹150/day |
| Valley of Flowers entry (Foreign) | ₹600/day |
| Camera fee | ₹500 |
| Hemkund Sahib | Free (no permit needed) |
Permits for VoF are available at the forest check post in Ghangaria. Carry a valid photo ID.
What to Pack for the Combined Trek
- Waterproof jacket and rain pants (monsoon is active)
- Warm layers for Hemkund (it is genuinely cold at 4,329m)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support and good grip
- Trekking poles (essential for the Hemkund descent)
- Daypack with rain cover
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV is intense at altitude)
- Cash (₹5,000–10,000 — no ATMs in Ghangaria)
- Packed lunch for Valley of Flowers day
Leave heavy luggage at Vaadi. Trek with a daypack only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do both Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib in one day?
Physically possible but not recommended. It would mean 20 km and 1,280m of climbing in a single day. Two separate days is far more enjoyable.
Which should I do first — VoF or Hemkund?
Do Valley of Flowers first. It is the easier day and helps your body acclimatise before the steep climb to Hemkund the next day.
Is Hemkund Sahib open to non-Sikhs?
Yes. The gurdwara and langar welcome visitors of all faiths.
How do I get from Vaadi to Govindghat?
Vaadi is 7 km from Joshimath and 24 km from Govindghat. We arrange transfers for all guests. Contact us on WhatsApp: +91 8862806630.
What if the weather is bad on one of the days?
If rain or visibility makes one of the days unsafe, you can swap the order or spend an extra night at Ghangaria. Build a buffer day into your itinerary.
Plan This Trek from Vaadi
Vaadi is 7 km from Joshimath and 24 km from Govindghat — close enough for an early morning start, far enough for real rest. We arrange transport, recommend guides, and help plan your itinerary for both treks.
Book via WhatsApp: +91 8862806630
