Valley of Flowers
It was in 1931 that Frank Smythe and Holdsworth stumbled on the valley while returning from their successful Kamet expedition. There were "at once transported from a region of solemn austerity to a fairyland of dainty flowers, most of them dwarf, but brilliant in colour". Bustling with beautiful, lively and vibrant colours, this park spread over an area of 87.5 sq. kms. has the largest collection of wild flower species.

As though created by nature itself, the beauty of the park is enhance by the Pushpawati river flowing in the vicinity overlooked by towering Rataban peak in the background. More than 300 species of wild flowers bloom and swing with life during the monsoons. Also inhabiting the place is the amazing variety of Himalayan butterflies. Hidden from the probing eyes of civilization, this valley had been known to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar Valley, the playground of fairies and nymphs. Legends also associate this valley with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected "Sanjeevani" herbs to revive Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama. The valley can be visited only during the day, and overnight stay is prohibited.

Rare Flora
Ranunculus Corydalis Sibbaldia Dianthus Pedicularis Bistorta	Anaphalis Calendula Marsh Marigold Epilobium Cypripedium Strawberry Rhododendrons	Nomocharis Oxypetala Arisaema Costatum Brahmakamal Daisy Himalayan blue Poppy Lilium

Hemkund Sahib
Another steeper trek route from Ghangaria, this leads to the high-altitude Lokpal Lake, known as Hemkund (4329 m) and takes about 4-6 hours. Encircled by seven snow-clad peaks and their associated glaciers, the lake reflects its surroundings enchantingly in its serene crystal-clear waters. The glaciers of Hathi Parvat and Sapt Shring peaks feed the lake and a small stream, the Him Ganga, flows from the lake. There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple on the bank of the lake.

Valley Of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib & Badrinath

Day	Itinerary	Distance/ Time
1	Delhi - Rishikesh	(225kms/ 6hrs drive)
2	Rishikesh - Joshimath	(251kms/ 10hrs drive)
3	Joshimath - Govind Ghat- Ghangaria	(Drive 10kms/ 30min) [Trek 14 kms/5hrs]
4	Ghangaria - Valley of Flowers - Ghangaria	(16kms trek/ 6hrs)
5	Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib - Ghangaria	(12kms/ 7hrs)
6	Ghangaria - Govind Ghat- Badrinath	(Trek 14kms/ 5hrs) [30 Kms drive/ 1.5hrs]
7	Badrinath - Rishikesh	(292kms/ 10hrs)
8	Rishikesh - Delhi	(225kms/ 6hrs drive)