My First Trek to Valley of Flowers with IndiaHikes: Reaching 14,107 ft at Hemkund Sahib
When I decided to venture into trekking, the Valley of Flowers stood out as an ideal starting point. Known for its breathtaking beauty and accessible trails, it felt like the perfect introduction to the world of high-altitude treks. In mid-August, I embarked on this journey, eager to explore the stunning landscapes and discover what the mountains had in store for me. What followed was a week of unexpected challenges, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a look at my trek, the lessons I learned, and my review of IndiaHikes.
Day 1: The Journey from Rishikesh to Karchi
Our journey began at 6 am from Rishikesh, and we reached Karchi at around 6:30 pm. The drive was eventful, with our driver making a stop to show us the confluence at Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganges. The roads were occasionally blocked, causing brief delays, but the scenic beauty of Karchi basecamp made it all worthwhile. Surrounded by mountains, the basecamp was a tranquil start to our adventure.
Day 2: The Challenging Trek from Poolna to Ghangaria
The second day began with a short drive to Poolna, where the real trek began. The 9 km trek from Poolna to Ghangaria was more difficult than I had anticipated, primarily because we had to carry our bags and it was slightly raining. The trail, while beautiful, was demanding, and the weather added to the challenge. However, the camaraderie among fellow trekkers and the stunning views kept us going.
Day 3: The Mesmerizing Valley of Flowers
The third day was all about exploring the Valley of Flowers, the highlight of our trek. The 3.7 km trail each way was lined with vibrant flowers, even though the weather was foggy with slight rains on and off. Despite the challenging conditions, the beauty of the valley was mesmerizing, making every step worthwhile. The valley, with its diverse flora, felt like a reward for all the effort we had put in to reach this point.
Day 4: The Serene Trek to Hemkund Sahib
This day was all about climbing to the highest point of the trek—Hemkund Sahib, at an altitude of 14,107 ft. The path to Hemkund Sahib consists of a series of switchbacks that continuously climb higher. We were lucky with clear weather on our way up, which made the ascent more enjoyable. I reached Hemkund Sahib around 10:30 am, participated in the Paath, had a simple yet delicious meal at the Langar, and visited the nearby Lakshman Temple. Along the way, we were also greeted by the rare Himalayan blue poppy and Brahma Kamal flowers, adding to the trek's beauty.
Day 5: Descent to Poolna and Visit to Badrinath
On the fifth day, we descended swiftly from Ghangaria to Poolna, covering 9 km in just 4 hours. After reaching Poolna, our group decided to visit Badrinath, one of the Char Dhams. Manoj Sir shared fascinating stories about the Nara and Narayana mountains near Badrinath, adding a layer of historical and spiritual significance to our visit. The journey through the various Prayags along the way deepened our connection to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Day 6: The Return to Rishikesh
The final day of our trek involved a long drive back to Rishikesh. The descent back into the plains allowed us to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past week. As we neared Rishikesh, I felt a mix of emotions – fulfillment, gratitude, and a touch of sadness that the trek had come to an end.
After reaching Rishikesh, me and my friends decided to visit Triveni Ghat to witness the Ganga Aarti, which was a serene and spiritual experience. Later, we explored Ram Jhula, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Rishikesh one last time before concluding our adventure.
Learnings from the Trek
The Valley of Flowers trek taught me many valuable lessons:
Willpower over Fitness: While physical fitness is important, willpower is crucial when trekking at high altitudes. Even the most physically fit can struggle without the right mindset.
Minimalism: Carrying only what’s necessary and learning to live with less is liberating.
Teamwork: Trekking is a group effort. Everyone’s safety and success depend on the team working together.
Appreciation for Simple Pleasures: After a long day of trekking, even the simplest food tastes divine.
Respect for Nature and Time: The mountains demand respect. Disregarding time or safety can lead to dire consequences.
Safety First: Never take unnecessary risks, like selfies at dangerous spots or relying on mules at high altitudes, as the mountains can be unforgiving.
Awareness: It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and not be distracted, especially in unpredictable mountain weather.
The Importance of Gear: Good trekking gear, especially shoes with ankle support and trekking poles, can prevent injuries and make the trek more comfortable.
IndiaHikes Review: A Professional and Well-Organized Team
Choosing IndiaHikes for my first trek was one of the best decisions I made. They are incredibly professional and prioritize the safety of their trekkers from start to finish. Our trek leaders – Manoj Sir, Gurpreet Sir and Hemant Sir – were exceptional. Hemanth Sir led from the front, Gurpreet Sir ensured everyone was doing well in the middle, and Manoj Sir kept the group together by sweeping at the back. Their coordination and care ensured that everyone completed the trek safely.
One of the standout aspects of IndiaHikes is their commitment to sustainability. I was impressed by how they emphasize leaving nature cleaner than we found it. There were no dustbins at any of the places we stayed, which encouraged us to minimize waste. Additionally, we were provided with eco bags to pick up any plastic or litter we encountered during the trek. This small but impactful practice made us all more mindful of our surroundings and contributed to preserving the pristine beauty of the Valley of Flowers.
IndiaHikes also added a thoughtful touch with their evening sessions, where stories were shared, and reflections were encouraged. These sessions not only allowed us to bond as a group but also deepened our connection to the experience, making it more meaningful.
The food provided by IndiaHikes was delicious and perfectly timed to keep us energized throughout the trek. The stories shared by Manoj sir, and the “paheli” (riddles) he told us, kept us entertained and helped us bond as a group.
Final Thoughts
The Valley of Flowers trek was a transformative experience for me. It wasn’t just about reaching a destination but about the journey itself – the challenges, the camaraderie, and the spiritual connection to the mountains. If you’re considering a trek in the Himalayas, I highly recommend IndiaHikes. Their professionalism, expertise, and passion for trekking make them the perfect choice for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or someone looking for a spiritual journey, the Valley of Flowers trek has something to offer everyone. Just remember to respect the mountains, stay safe, and cherish every moment of the journey.
