Right from the start up at Haridwar till our return, we had lovely time with Blue Poppy Holiday with all their arrangements. It will be difficult to find out any lapses in it.
“All credit to the Blue Poppy Team-the guides and the team leader Devkant!”
So enthusiastic and tireless in all respect like taking care of all the participants, all arrangements and his involvement to be with the group on the way of trek from start to finish!
We had enjoyed the road trip from Haridwar to Govindghat enjoying the natural beauty of Himalayas, Alaknanda and its tributaries.
Stay at hotel was good.
The trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria was enjoyable. It was joyous moments all the way enjoying the nature. We were very close to the nature or were mixed with it.
The booklet of flowers and guidance provided us was good on hand helpful stuff to refer regarding the flowers and what are dos / donts in the valley.
The trek was wonderful though it was a bit hard one at starting. We enjoyed every second we spend there with hills, glaciers, trails, streams, flowers, river and mystic peaks. The best of all was the company of Devkant all along the trek rout.
The second day was more better as we went to the extreme deeper of the valley! Devkant will say how deep we were! It was just wonderful trek.
This is a unique valley where you will see – peaks, streams, glaciers, river, lush greenery, flowers and lot more.
Next trip was to Hemkund Sahib and the trek was again wonderful.
We preferred to take all the treks by ourselves only without any pony supports. We enjoyed it.Enjoyed the dip at the holy pond.
On the return to Govindghat and trip to Badrinathji was again
Sone pe suhaga!
In short, I personally had experienced the best of my days in the valley and would love to be again!
All the praise for Blue Poppy Team and the all participants from all over the country and from abroad for this wonderful experience.
This post is written by Mrs. K Haritha and her group who has gone on the trek between 12th July, 2015 to 18th July, 2015.
“Me and my 7 friends, an all women group went for the trek between 12th to 18th amidst many apprehensions and warnings from loved ones and friends. Very early in the tour, we realized that all the fears were unfounded. Everything was beautifully organized and the weather would not have been more perfect. Cut off from the regular world, the trek to the valley and Hemkund Sahib was absolute bliss. Though we expected to see many more types of flowers in the valley(we were told that the flowering is delayed by 15 days this time), we were simply awed by the sights around. The natural flower blooms on the way to Hemkund sahib more than made up for any little disappointment that was there. In all, a life time experience. I am glad I did it.”
Smart travelers try to pick a destination for their vacation that will provide something for everyone in your family or group of friends! A place that can give a pause to your whirring minds, strive for a happier heart and charged up physic. A multi-day journey that offer variety into your holiday because most of us feel better if we have some structure to our time off.
We have announced new tours that will be available this coming Summer. This is your chance to visit some of the undiscovered beauties of India and have a holiday that is completely new and exciting. For those of you who enjoy active holidays this is a good opportunity to get a change. Our tours are one week long and we welcome people from all walks of life.
Valley of Flowers Trek- Complete Family Holiday
Valley of Flowers is undoubtedly energetic, exotic and beautiful location, so it is worth spending more than just a couple of days with your family and loved ones. With much to do in Valley of Flowers, we have picked a few inviting imperatives spotlighted here.
Serene and virgin nature of this botanical garden” Valley of Flowers” brings forth the absolute sense of freedom in you as the promised land is primarily celebrated for its glamorous efflorescence! Many uncommon flowers like Brahma Kamal, Geranium, Marsh Marigold, Prinula, Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta can be seen in abundance here. Calm but liveliest mornings would fill your kids with nectar of life, chasing birds would surely tickle their alleviated excitements.
These heights into The Himalayas witness heaven where time stands still. Leisure lies in every single step of walking and trekking. Far ahead of the civilization, you, part of a primeval nature and have adventure in mystical peaks of this wonderland! Merrily marching by the banks of River Pushpawati would pour gallons of pleasure that no thoughts could over power the presence of the moment in you. A devoted visit to famous temple of Badrinath ji and Hemkunth Sahib would fill the sacred space in one’s heart.
This world heritage has also been long known for its intense beauty surrounded by over 400 inconceivable breeds of plants and animals. To experience the unique corollary of this place at the countryside is what allures many travellers of all ages. It would be truly overwhelming memories that being together with your kids and elders in the family, you can cherish being with this Perfect Creation of God.
Valley of Flowers Trek- Complete Family Holiday
One can involve in rich exposure to photography. The experts would present a comprehensive view of nature, beliefs of locals and related mythology and traditions. Moreover, trekking in Valley of Flowers is fairly an easy rut and can be achieved with a gentle fitness level. Helicopters or porter services for the convenience of elderly people and kids are added features of this destination. And, obviously, the importance of Dhabas is well acclaimed which are the best stopovers on the pathways.Valley of Flowers Trek- Complete Family Holiday
It can be your lucky chance to spend time just chilling and talking to your family. You can often make good decisions about your future and build closer ties when you have time just to be together and chant about your feelings.
Valley of flowers opened in 2014 at the end of season
All the bridges and trek has been built
Valley of flowers was finally opened to public on 4th October, 2014 after 16 months of floods on Uttarakhand. The flood washed off most of the bridges connecting Govindghat and Valley of Flowers. The first bridge was at Govindghat itself, now the PWD (Public Works Department) has constructed a huge motor able bridge. This bridge was completed by September 2nd week. You can see the picture of the bridge below.
Bridge at Govindghat on Alaknanda
Another important bridge was constructed inside the Valley of Flowers near Ghangaria Village. This bridge was completed by end of July, 2014. But even then the Valley of Flowers could not be opened due to the fact that the trek beyond this bridge was also washed off for about a kilometer. The trek has to be rerouted and new trek has to be constructed. The matter was stuck in senior officials of PWD and forest department.
Valley of Flowers ReopenedA local going to Valley of flowers using the new trek
Will valley of flowers open in 2015
The answer is yes, as the valley of flowers was opened to public for 6 days at the end of season in 2014. Finally the forest department got the budget in end of August, 2014 and the construction of new trek started in September, 2014. Local villagers were assigned the contract of construction of the trek. They worked very hard and completed the work by end of September, 2014. The forest department opened the Valley of Flowers for general public on 4th October, and 11 people entered on the first day. Valley of Flowers remained opened for 6 days and it was closed on 9th October. Following are some of the pictures of the new trek route in the Valley of Flowers. The new trek is 1km longer than the old one. You need to go higher and then come down to reach valley. Following picture taken from way to Hemkund Sahib will explain it.
Beautiful view of valley of flowers after the construction of trek
As lack of Oxygen is very common at high altitude areas. But before it becomes severe need to know about the remedies.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Symptoms of altitude sickness
Drowsiness
Shortness of breath upon exertion
Nausea or vomiting
Persistent rapid pulse
Loss of appetite
Fatigue or weakness
Peripheral edema (swelling of hands, feet, and face)
Insomnia
Dizziness or light-headedness
Pins and needles
Remedies for altitude sickness
Drink Plenty of Water
You need to drink plenty of water as altitude sickness may be due to dehydration as the lungs lose high amount of water vapours at higher altitudes. If you are losing water due to perspiration then maintain a proper electrolyte balance by having some sports drinks.
If you are having headache then have one litre water and take the medicine named acetaminophen (Tylenol). If your headache disappears rapidly then you are not suffering from altitude sickness its just dehydration.
Acclimatizing means to get used to a specific climate. It takes some time to Acclimatize in a new climate. Here are some steps to Acclimatize fast. Well the “golden rule” for high altitude Acclimatizing is climb high and sleep low- Once you’ve made your way up past 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), do not ascend more than 300 metres (1,000 feet) per day to sleep. You can climb as high as you want, just make sure that you come back to a base camp that’s no more than 300 m (1,000′) higher than your previous night’s sleeping elevation. This is a useful guideline to keep in mind if you’re driving to a high altitude, as well.
Climb High Sleep Low
If you are not having the enough time for golden rule. Like if you are flying to a destination which is thousand feet above the departure site. Then you can reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness after reaching there.
Simulated altitude equipmentthat produce hypoxic (reduced oxygen) air. Portable hyperbaric chambers are especially useful if inclement weather or other factors could make the climb or drive down to base camp impossible.
Acetazolamide(Diamox), medication will be very useful as it’ll reduce the recovery time to half and don’t drink alcohol and drink a plenty of water.
Diamox
Coca leaves can be chewed to deal with mild altitude sickness.
Coca Leaves
Ginkgo Biloba is fossil tree and an inexpensive herbal supplement. You can use 120 mg per day to reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Ginkgo Biloba
Gamow bag is a portable plastic pressure bag inflated with a foot pump. It can reduce the effective altitude by 5,000 feet.
Gamow Bag
Take it easy. You need not to push yourself too much. Don’t try to breathe too fast and too quick. Resting at the altitude at which you became ill is often the most effective remedy for altitude sickness. You’ll usually feel better in 1-2 days.
Take it Easy
If you are moving in a car never look in to the valley. As you are not habitual of seeing this kind of scenes. So when you’ll look down in to the valley it’ll look very deep and if you’ll be looking into the Valley when the car is moving it can be resulted in to vomiting whenever you look in to the valley from the car.
Kindly consult your doctor before taking the above medicines. We Blue Poppy Holidays are not responsible for any harm or side effects
Will Valley of flowers open in 2014 ? What is the current Position of the Valley of flowers? Is the bridge near Ghangaria constructed to enter the valley of flowers?
This post is necessary to answer the questions of many people who want to come to valley of flowers in 2014 but saw a post on Times of India. This post stated that the Valley of Flowers may not open in 2014 at all. This is very unfortunate that one of the leading news paper is writing this type of wrong news. I could not go to Valley of Flowers personally this season till date, but I sent one of my associates to click pictures of the work done by the authorities in the area. The progress is discussed as follows.
Progress of work between Govindghat and Ghangaria.
They have done a lot of work between Govindghat and Ghangaria and in fact the current trek condition is better than the condition before the floods. They have constructed new bridges at various locations. They have constructed new bridge at Govindghat and another bridge is under construction and this bridge will be motor-able. They also have constructed a new bridge at Bhyuandar Village. Another bridge is under construction at Bhyuandar village, in case the older bridge is not able to stand the river. So there are three bridges at Bhyandar now. Pictures of these bridges along with trek are given below.
Trek netween Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib, there are no damage to this part of the trek.
Newly constructed trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria
Newly constructed trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria
Newly constructed trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria, the pilgrims are coming is good number.
newly constructed trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria
New Bridge at Govindhat.
Helipad near Ghangaria
Govindghat to Ghangaria trek,
Govindghat to Ghangaria trek,
Bridge at Bhyuandar, Newly constructed bridge at Bhyuandar, you can see two completed parallel bridges and the third one under construction.
Other side of the Bridge at Bhyuandar Two Bridges at Bhyuandar and the third one the biggest one is under construction
Position of the Valley of flowers? Will the Valley of Flowers open in 2014
Now the question is what is the position of the bridge which is required near Ghangaria Village to enter the valley? In fact the Times of India says that the Valley of Flowers will not open as there is no bridge. The authenticated news is that the bridge is already under construction and unfortunately the pictures of the same could not be taken by my associate. But that bridge will be constructed by June 25th as per PWD officials. Now the biggest question is about the trek after the bridge. Actually some 1.5 km trek has to be laid after the trek by forest department. As per my sources that trek will also be completed latest by July 10th, and the Valley of Flowers will be opened for general public after that.
Disclaimer : I have written everything to the best of my knowledge and belief, but neither Blue Poppy Holidays Private Limited, Me or our staff will be responsible for any loss due to actions taken by you after reading this page. Please take your decisions carefully.
An account of real pictures of the Valley of flowers after floods in Uttrakhand
I went personally to the valley of flowers after floods and the pictures in this post are all real and taken by me.
2013 is the worst year in the known history of Uttrakhand. In the month of June there were huge floods and countless people lost their life in Kedarnath. Valley of flowers and nearby area was also affected by the floods.
But fortunately the flowering area of the valley of flowers is totally intact. This post is totally an authenticated document as I went personally to the valley of flowers after the floods (I went in first week of October, 2013) and the pictures in this post are proof of the same.
Watch following video of the Valley of flowers after the floods. You can see that the flowering area is totally intact.
I went up to Govindghat earlier also after the floods so the pictures of Govindghat were already put in my earlier posts. As I started my trekking with Mr. Raghuveer Chauhan I saw this shop at Govindghat. Life has started to normalize for some locals.
Tea Shop at Govindghat.
Newly constructed Bridge at Govindghat side view
Newly constructed Bridge at Govindghat – Front view
Newly constructed Bridge at Govindghat
Govindghat bridge at Alaknanda.Old Iron bridge at Alaknanda can be seen in the river. This was washed off by the river during the floods.
Soon I crossed over this bridge over Alaknanda. And we started our trek to Ghangaria. The trek was intact in the starting and we could see few pilgrims going to Hemkund Sahib. The number was really very less. After trekking for about three kilometers I was keen to see Village Pulna as I have seen its pictures after the floods. I was very shocked the village. Mr. Raghuveer Chauhan is a local guy and I saw me his house also. His house was full of boulders up to first floor. Some of the locals have cleared their homes and started living in them.
Between Pulna and Bhyuandar the trek was broken at 4-5 places and a new diverted trek was built. But after seeing the site of Bhyuandar village I was totally shocked as now there was not a single house at all. All of the houses were washed off by floods in June. The old trek right from Village Bhyuandar and the point of crossing river Pushpawati was totally washed off (3 Kilometers). So the authorities made a bridge at Bhyuandar Village itself and the trek now is from the other side of the river and it meets the old trek after 3 kilometers. New trek is nicely made and safe but unfortunately people started putting plastic bottles before authorities could put dustbins. I was very sad seeing this.
Pulna village after the floods in Uttrakhand. At least one floor of most of the houses in under stones.
Govindghat to Ghangraria. Apples on the way.
Pilgrims using ponies between Govindghat to Ghangraria.
Govindghat to Ghangraria trek, Having lunch on the way
Govindghat to Ghangraria, shops on the way.
New trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria
New trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria
Bhyuandar village after the floods in Uttrakhand
Valley of flowers after floods newly constructed bridge at Bhyuandar village on Pushpawati river
By evening I reached Ghangaria Village, I realized that the trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria is now increased by at least 2 kilometers. So you can safely assume the distance between Govindghat and Ghangaria is 16 kilometers instead of 14 kilometers earlier.
Trek near Ghangaria. Starting of trek towards Govindghat near Ghangaria
Next day morning I was keen to visit valley of flowers and see the amount of damage done to valley of flowers after the floods. I and Mr. Raghuveer Chauhan started early and there was no one else except us in the valley. I was shocked to see the power of water as a huge Iron bridge is missing on Pushpawati River and not only the bridge the river has widened its bed but now it was a small stream.
We crossed over the Pushpawati river using a temporary wooden bridge. The old trek of some 300 meters was also not accessible so there was a new raw trek after the bridge, which met the old trek soon. The temporary trek was made after that. The damage to the valley of flowers in floods is limited to the damage to trek to valley of flowers only. The trek was damaged for next 1.5 kilometers and a very raw trek was made after that.
Following are some of the pictures of valley of flowers after the floods in Uttrakhand, taken by us. These pictures clearly show that the flowering area is totally intact in the valley of flowers after the floods. Seeing this we were very happy.
Forest office at Ghangaria, Entry gate of valley of flowers
Valley of flowers after floods, Pushpawati river near the entry gate.
Valley of flowers after floods, New Bridge on Pushpawati river near the entry gate.
Valley of flowers after floods – New trek from forest
Valley of flowers after floods – Trek is damaged, this is newly constructed make shift trek. Next year the trek would be good one.
Valley of flowers after floods – Near the official starting point.
Valley of flowers after floods – Shallow stream, No damage to the flowering area is seen
Valley of flowers after floods – Beautiful shade of October, No damage to flowering area
Valley of flowers after floods – overall view, No damage to the flowering area is seen
Valley of flowers after floods – No damage to the flowering area is seen.
Valley of flowers after floods – Glacier point, Here used to be a huge glacier up month of July.
Bridge over Pushpawati river near Ghangaria
I went to Hemkund Sahib also next day. There was no damage to the trek to Hemkund Sahib. As the season for the flowers was already over, I could see very less flowers. But I saw Neelkanth Peak from Hemkund Sahib. I also saw a tailless rat at Hemkund Sahib.
Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib.
Tailless rat at Hemkund Sahib
After seeing the damage by floods I thought the reason for the damage. I think if the same amount of rain would have come in July or any later date the damage would have been less. The reason behind this is that in the month of June the higher peaks have lot of snow and huge glaciers. This snow melts gradually and gives water to the river Ganges. But on 16th June, 2013 the heavy rainfall caused sudden melting of the snow and Glaciers causing exponential growth in the amount of water in the rivers. For example you can see glacier in the below image. This glacier would have melted in few hours to cause the flood.
So good news is that the Valley of flowers is intact and we can visit this true wonder of nature next year.
Just returned back from Govindghat and a good news that Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara will officially open on 21st September, 2013 and will close on 10th October, 2013. I went to Govindghat in second week of September and just returned few days back. The bridge over Alaknanda at Govindghat is already construed and ponies are crossing it comfortably.
Newly constructed Bridge at Govindghat.
At Govindghat the scene was full of destruction the river bed which increased at the time of flood also went to its normal height and now the river is flowing like a small stream. The construction work of trek was in full swing. Now the trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria is constructed since there was no damage to the trek between Ghangaria and Hemkund Sahib the trek between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib is open now.
View of Govindghat in September 2013. The river shrunk to its original size. Construction work of trek going on at Govindghat. This trek joins motorable road to river bed and you need to trek through river to have an access to the bridge over Alaknanda.
There were some vehicles which were parked at Govindghat but fortunately they didn’t washed off in the flood. There is no hope of getting constructed a road to these vehicles. So people are coming getting their vehicles disassembled into parts and taking those parts to the motorable road and getting them assembled again to save their vehicle.
Stranded vehicles at Govindghat parking. These vehicles are being disassembled and taken to the road. They are assembled again. A porter carrying part of a car to the motorable road, where it will be assembled with other parts.
While coming back from Govindghat we stopped at Vishnuprayag where Dhauliganga River meets Alaknanda River. I was with my wife and Mr. Raghuvir Chauhan, fortunately Mr. Raghuvir Chauchan saw some beautiful Deer on the Hathi Parvat. We were really festinated and saw them for a while.
Deer near Vishnuprayag at Hathi Parvat.
We also saw some beautiful birds also on our trip.
A beautiful Bulbul at Joshimath A bird at Joshimath Common sparrow at Joshimath
So finally a good news has come that the trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria is OK and soon the bridge over Pushpawati River near Ghangaria will also be built and we can have access to Valley of Flowers. But it sure that this year we will not be able to enter the Valley of Flowers. It is also true that next year we will definitely go to Valley of Flowers. I will go to Hemkund Sahib in first week of October if anyone is interested to come along with me can contact me.
After a long time I am happy to announce a good news that the trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria is officially cleared for human beings. But ponies can not cross River Alaknanda at Govindghat using present bridge. Moreover, there is no road/trek from NH-58 to the bridge. Officials hope that everything will be done by 10th September, 2013. The present bridge at Govindghat also needs to be enhanced so that ponies can also cross over. It is very important that ponies cross over because almost all the supplies to Ghangaria are taken over ponies. I have returned from Ghagaria recently and some of the pictures taken enroot are presented below.
The Bridge over Alaknanda at Govindghat. The Bridge over Alaknanda at Govindghat. It is not possible for ponies to reach at the starting point of this bridge in the background you can see crushed buildings of Gurudwara at Govindghat. Govindghat after the flood. Vehicle parking and some of the hotels are washed away. Govindghat before the flood, you can see lot of vehicles parked near the Alaknanda River. Is not we human beings entered in the territory of the river.
The trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria is washed off at many places and I need to trek through the river bed or from forest at some places. I went to Ghangaria 13th August, 2013. Now I have learnt from a local that trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria is fully operational. It means we can easily go up to Hemkund Sahib at any time.
Bhyundar village is completely washed off. New constructed trek near Bhyundar village. Bridge being constructed at Bhyundar.
Trip to valley of flowers may be possible in 2013
There is high possibility of accessing valley of flowers in September 2013. The trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria is constructed.
Earlier we used to cross River Pushpawati somewhere 3 kilometers after crossing Bhyundar Village but now the trek after Bhyundar village is almost washed off so now a new trek is made from the other side of the River Pushpawati right from Bhyundar Village itself and a bridge is constructed on Pushpawati River at Bhyundar Village.
Ghangaria is completely deserted as you can see in the picture below.
Ghangaria Village – only few cows are witnessed at Ghangaria. In this time of the year Ghangaria has never witnessed such dryness of human beings in the history.
While coming back from Ghangaria I saw a bear on the other side of River Pushpawati.
Bear at Ghangaria.
Following is the video of this Bear.
After considering all the news and reports of Valley of Flowers, Ghangaria, Govindghat we can make out that the trek to Valley of Flowers may open by 15th September, the trek to Hemkund Sahib will open by 10th September. There is no official announcement by Gurudwara Committee to reopen Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. But for nature lovers there are many flowers at Hemkund Sahib Lake and nearby areas. A local has recently come back from Hemkund Sahib and told me that he saw lots of beautiful Blue Poppies, Braham Kamal, Bistorta Affinis and many more. In the second half of September the number of flowers at Hemkund Sahib is much more than the number of flowers in Valley of Flowers. So now we can plan for Valley of Flowers trip in September and if we are lucky we can enter valley, otherwise we can definitely go up to Hemkund Sahib and witness the beauty of nature.
