Trip planning
What to Bring for the Valley of Flowers Trek
Watch · Devkant on the trail, July 2025
कैश और पावर बैंक साथ रखें
Carry cash and a power bank
“When you come to Ghangaria, be sure to bring enough cash because there's no ATM here, and the internet comes and goes, so there's no guarantee online payment will work As for charging your phone, and electricity — it's usually…”
0:47 · Hindi with English captions · full screen
All 22 reels
On this page
This is the list of things we recommend you carry for the Valley of Flowers trek. It is a guideline — you are responsible for bringing the personal equipment you need — but everything on it is here for a reason we have learned on the trail.
Clothes
- Two pairs of lightweight trousers — one for trekking and one to wear at night. You can bring more.
- One pair of shorts — helpful in the rainy season, as they do not get wet at the bottom.
- Two lightweight fleeces or woollen jumpers.
- A woollen hat for mornings and evenings — the temperature then is around 4–8 °C.
- A pair of gloves (optional).
Rain and sun
- A lightweight umbrella or a poncho — it rains almost every day in July and August.
- Sunglasses — the sun shines very brightly during the day.
Shoes
Walking boots or trekking shoes are the most important thing you bring. If you are buying new boots for this trip, make sure they are well broken in beforehand — few things will make you more miserable on the trek than blisters.
- You need to cross some shallow streams, sometimes jumping over round stones, so choose shoes that do not get wet easily. Avoid shoes made of foam and cloth.
- Our recommendation: sturdy Woodland shoes, with a good pair of floaters as a backup.
- Avoid old shoes unless they are in really good condition. Two of our clients once had their shoe soles come off right inside the Valley of Flowers — something nobody wants to happen to them.
- You will also need to take your shoes off to cross some shallow streams.
Read our full page on what type of shoes to wear, or talk to me directly on +91 99911 42759.
Bags
- A duffel bag or large rucksack for your gear — something strong and sturdy.
- A daypack — a small rucksack for what you need while trekking: camera, spare jacket, waterproof jacket, water bottle and packed lunch.
Other essentials
- A small torch with spare batteries — important: power can go off late at night in Ghangaria.
- An empty water bottle — there are many streams on the way where you can fill it. Two kinds of water flow here, spring water and glacial river water; we always ask people to drink the spring water.
- Small towel.
- Toiletries — as few as possible; if you travel with friends, share them.
- A camera — your mobile phone works well too.
- A notebook and pen.
Medicines
- A muscle relaxant
- Some antibiotics
- A crepe bandage
- Medicine for vomiting, if you are prone to it (the road journey is long and winding)
Food for the trail
Carry high-energy, low-weight food for the trek: dry fruits such as figs, cashew nuts and almonds, and some chocolates. Food choices in Ghangaria are limited, so also bring some fruit or biscuits for breakfast and lunch for at least two days on the trail.
What to wear on the trek
More to read
See the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers and how many days you need.
Questions travellers asked us
Real questions from readers of this page over the years, answered by Devkant Sangwan. Each one shows its date. Roads, rules and arrangements may have changed since, so please ask us about your own dates.
-
Jayanta S. ·
Hi myself Jayanta from Kolkata, we the group of 3 are planning for vof on 9th August'19. So It will rain heavy by that time if yes what are the precautions should we measure. It's recommended to trek Hemkund sahib very next day after vof. No. of buffer days required for this circuit. Thanks.
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi,
Relevant itinerary has been mailed to you. Yes, it is a rainy season but monsoon never becomes a hurdle in the trek. Yes, We can trek to Hemkund sahib very next day after Valley of Flowers. no buffer day is required. Please visit Best Time to Visit the Valley of Flowers for more information. -
Bela ·
hi,do you advise to visit vof in august and sept or one shld wait till next season. how is the weather situation, also advise for female solo traveller.
Devkant Sangwan ·
We have every Saturday Sunday departure till September end. You can join us accordingly.
-
Madhav O. ·
Hi Devkant
Me and my wife are planning to visit valley of flowers and Hemkund sahib during 12-16 June,2017.
Will start trekking from ghangaria. But we have never done such trekking and adventure activities. Is it advisable for us to go or we should avoid solo and join some groups. Also let me know the things to carry for trekking and Do's and Don't for the trip.Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Sir,
The detailed itinerary has been sent to you. Kindly check. The trek is till Ghangaria starting from Pulna village (10 kms.). We shall accommodate you in a group of 9-10 people as it is group trekking. These information shall be given to you once you are willing to join.
Thanks ! -
Janhvi ·
Please send me some more details as i am planning for vof trek with my friend.
Around sept mid.
Is this the right time to go?
Sept mid or october?
Please let me know.
Thanks.Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Janhvi
The itinerary for this year has been sent to you. Kindly check your mail. You can come during September mid, it is good of a time. Valley gets close in initial days of October.
So Sep. mid is a good option, you will be able to witness flowers as well.
Contact if intersted this year.
Thank you !!
What travellers say about trekking with us
-
★★★★★
Blue Poppy Holidays – Where Passionate Ownership Meets Professionalism Blue Poppy Holidays is where passionate ownership truly meets professionalism. Our experience was simply unimaginable and far beyond our expectations. The hospitality extended by the entire team, led personally by Mrs. Seema Sangwan, the owner herself, sets an exceptionally high standard. The property at…
Read the full review
Blue Poppy Holidays – Where Passionate Ownership Meets Professionalism
Blue Poppy Holidays is where passionate ownership truly meets professionalism.
Our experience was simply unimaginable and far beyond our expectations. The hospitality extended by the entire team, led personally by Mrs. Seema Sangwan, the owner herself, sets an exceptionally high standard.
The property at Joshimath is an absolute pristine beauty. The variety of plants and flowers nurtured there is so incredible that it almost feels like having a little Valley of Flowers within the property itself. Mr. Devkant Sangwan, the owner, takes genuine pride in his garden and personally showed us each and every plant during our visit. His passion and knowledge make the experience even more special.
And then comes the organic food — freshly prepared, delicious, and served with a smile every single time. The cooking is excellent, and the warmth with which everything is served makes you feel less like a guest and more like family. Special mention to Mr. Anuj - Manager & Ajay leading the team.
The staff behaviour is simply beyond excellent — courteous, caring, attentive and always ready to help.
Our experience at Ghangharia was equally wonderful. The tent accommodation was arguably the best one could expect at such an altitude, complemented by excellent service lead by Mr. Shankar and a wonderful team.
A special mention for our guide, Mr. Pramod, who was extremely caring and supportive throughout the trek. He took complete care of our 7-year-old throughout the journey, giving us immense confidence and peace of mind.
We had visited Blue Poppy Holidays almost 10 years ago, in 2016, and returning after such a long gap was an equally memorable experience. It is rare to find a place where the hospitality, people, property, food and attention to detail come together so beautifully.
We will definitely be visiting again — and if you are planning a trip to the Valley of Flowers with your family, we would blindly recommend Blue Poppy Holidays.
Your family deserves nothing less. ❤️
Thank you, Team Blue Poppy, for making our journey so beautiful, comfortable and memorable.
Vishal, Keshani & Arjun 🫶Vishal V. · August 2026
Google review of Blue Poppy Premier, Jyotirmath (Joshimath) -
★★★★★
I stayed in Blue Poppy Resort Auli Branch for about 8 days after trekking to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. I was travelling solo since a couple and a friend who were supposed to travel with me backed out at the last moment. I am 63 and a retired Wg Cdr from Indian Air Force. I had some apprehension of being a bit lonely during my trek and travel and was unaware of my…
Read the full review
I stayed in Blue Poppy Resort Auli Branch for about 8 days after trekking to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. I was travelling solo since a couple and a friend who were supposed to travel with me backed out at the last moment.
I am 63 and a retired Wg Cdr from Indian Air Force. I had some apprehension of being a bit lonely during my trek and travel and was unaware of my fitness level etc. All these turned out to be absolutely unfounded. I immediately made really great friends and the smiles and politeness shown by the youngsters who looked after the guests made the experience very pleasant. Devkant and Seema look after the guests like family. Devkant is huge in his knowledge of the flora and fauna… he is enthusiastic and protective about all environment….. he is an ideal guide who connects with all the participants and educates them. I learnt a lot from him and Seema.. I think they provide excellent hands on service in a clean and natural environment.
The accommodation and food were top class while requiring participants to refrain from wastage and leaving the area cleaner then before they came.
I did a few treks around Auli to Gordon Bugyal and could not go for the 3 day camping trip. Maybe next time when I bring my children and their families.
I had an extremely spiritual experience far away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.
There’s excellent mobile coverage and one can keep in touch with family at all times.
There’s excellent views of the majestic Himalayas all around and Nanda Devi is visible quite often.
Thanks Devkant and Seema. I learnt a lot and relaxed at the same time. Will see you again with family in the next few years when my granddaughter is a little older.
Keep up the good work!Uday K. · August 2021
Google review of Blue Poppy Resort, Auli -
★★★★★
We were picked up from Haridwar by Mr Mukesh and taken by Tempo traveller. Due to landslides we were delayed by two days initially at Kodiyala and then near Chamoli, hence we went direct from Chamoli to Pulna via Gobindhghat. Mr Mukesh is an expert driver and helped us to reach Gobindhghat safely. From here we were transferred to a local transport to climb up to Pulna. Inspire…
Read the full review
We were picked up from Haridwar by Mr Mukesh and taken by Tempo traveller. Due to landslides we were delayed by two days initially at Kodiyala and then near Chamoli, hence we went direct from Chamoli to Pulna via Gobindhghat. Mr Mukesh is an expert driver and helped us to reach Gobindhghat safely. From here we were transferred to a local transport to climb up to Pulna. Inspire of these delays we forged great friendships on the way and I was entertained by the spirit of my companions especially the group from Surat. We had to trek or travel by pony to Ghangria. abhishek our guide joined us at Joshimath and helped us through our trip to Ghangria. Especially the odd straggler.
Rooms at the Swiss cottage Gangaria were good and bathrooms were hygienic and food was excellent .we really had diff foods in each meal. The staff of 4 Ashok Anuj and others were ever smiling and helpful.
Our tour guide Mr Abhishek helped us a lot ,took care of every member in the group .He is really helpful . He really helped anyone feeling unwell or tired.
Last but not the least hot water facility and leg massages after the trek was awesome. Subsequently I extended my stay and spent some great days trekking around Auli branch of Blue Poppy resorts. I will cover this in more detail in a separate review. Mr Devkant and Seema were especially friendly and treated us like guests in his own home.Uday K. · August 2021
Google review of Blue Poppy Swiss Cottage Camps, Ghangaria