• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Joshimath

• Meal:  Dinner.

• Altitude: Joshimath (6150 ft).

• Distance: By Road 290 kms

• Time Taken: By Road 8–9 hrs approx.

• Trek Grade: Gradual

Our adventure together commences right in the heart of Rishikesh, where we’ll set off on an awe-inspiring journey along the renowned Badrinath Road. Though the drive to Pipalkoti spans a substantial 9 hours, fear not, for the captivating vistas that unfold along the way will keep you utterly engaged and enthralled from start to finish.

As we gradually ascend, the ever-majestic river that accompanies us on this journey will steadily transform, its once serene waters evolving into a turbulent and spellbinding spectacle.

Prepare to be enchanted as we traverse through four of the five sacred confluences of the Ganga—Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nand Prayag—each offering an abundance of opportunities for both photography and profound, unforgettable experiences. So, with eager anticipation, keep those eyes peeled and your cameras poised to capture every ounce of the divine beauty that awaits us on this remarkable pilgrimage.

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Ghangaria

• Meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Altitude: Ghangarial (10,003 ft), Joshimath (6150 ft).

• Distance: By Trek 9 kms. By Road 24 kms

• Time Taken: By Trek 6–7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr

• Trek Grade: Gradual

Our journey kicks off post-breakfast, aiming to reach Govindghat by 8 am, marking the start of our adventure with a short 4 km drive to Pulna, our initial destination. Today’s travel expenses are already covered, so you can focus solely on soaking in the experience.

The 9 km uphill trek, which runs parallel to the mesmerizing Pushpawati River, is bustling with fellow travelers, ensuring you’re never alone on this exhilarating path. And fret not about hunger pangs along the way, for numerous snack shops dotting the trail offer a variety of beverages, piping hot noodles, omelets with bread, parathas, and other savory treats to keep you energized.

As you ascend, a well-defined path of stone and stairs guides your footsteps, ensuring a safe and straightforward journey. Upon traversing 5 km, you’ll arrive at the charming village of Bhyundar, treating yourself to breathtaking views of Hathi Parvat. Take a moment to savor this picturesque sight, knowing that the real uphill challenge awaits beyond.

By nightfall, we’ll find ourselves nestled in Ghangaria, having conquered an elevation of 10,000 feet. Rest assured, comfortable accommodation awaits us at a cozy guesthouse, offering a well-deserved respite after a day filled with adventure and exploration.

The 9 km uphill trek, which runs parallel to the mesmerizing Pushpawati River, is bustling with fellow travelers, ensuring you’re never alone on this exhilarating path. And fret not about hunger pangs along the way, for numerous snack shops dotting the trail offer a variety of beverages, piping hot noodles, omelets with bread, parathas, and other savory treats to keep you energized.

As you ascend, a well-defined path of stone and stairs guides your footsteps, ensuring a safe and straightforward journey. Upon traversing 5 km, you’ll arrive at the charming village of Bhyundar, treating yourself to breathtaking views of Hathi Parvat. Take a moment to savor this picturesque sight, knowing that the real uphill challenge awaits beyond.

By nightfall, we’ll find ourselves nestled in Ghangaria, having conquered an elevation of 10,000 feet. Rest assured, comfortable accommodation awaits us at a cozy guesthouse, offering a well-deserved respite after a day filled with adventure and exploration.

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Ghangaria

• Meal: breakfast,lunch, and dinner.

• Altitude: Valley of Flower(14,100 ft) , Ghangaria (10,003 ft).

• Distance: By Trek 8 km ( both side)

• Time Taken: By Trek 6–7 hrs approx.,

• Trek Grade: Gradual

Wake up early and have breakfast by 7:00 AM. Day 3 promises an exciting trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers and back. Get ready for unforgettable views of this dreamlike destination, away from the city’s chaos. The trek covers about 4 km to reach the valley, which stretches for 6-7 km. The distance you cover within the valley depends on your preference and stamina.

After 30 minutes, you’ll pass a forest check post, with the Laxman waterfall just before it. Another highlight is the wooden bridge over the Pushpavati river, offering a picturesque scene. The trail, similar to previous days, is steep and stone-paved. Inside the valley, you’ll encounter bridges and landslide areas amidst the serene ambiance of chirping birds and flowing water.

The Valley of Flowers boasts stunning views and unique flora like blue poppy, Himalayan rose, and more. After a 5 km stretch, colorful blossoms give way to a glacier. Don’t miss the chance to relax by the Pushpavati River, offering breathtaking natural vistas.

Weather permitting, catch glimpses of Himalayan peaks like Gauri Parbat and Nilgiri Parvat. Before sunset, we’ll trek back to Ghangaria for a delicious dinner to end the day on a satisfying note.

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Ghangaria

• Meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Altitude: Hemkund Sahib (15000 ft),  Ghangaria (10,003 ft).

• Distance: By Trek 6 kms ( one side)

• Time Taken: By Trek 7–8 hrs approx.

• Trek Grade: Steep

In the early hours of the morning, fueled by a hearty breakfast, we’ll commence our trek towards the revered Hemkund Sahib, a sacred shrine nestled amidst alpine heights and above the tree line. The trail, well-trodden and wide, caters to pilgrims from all corners of the globe seeking divine blessings.

En route from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib, you’ll encounter several tea stalls and dhabas, offering refreshment to weary travelers. As the altitude approaches 4000m, the trail becomes adorned with abundant blooms of the Brahma Kamal, a sight to behold. The ascent, though moderate, is continuous, requiring approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach the revered shrine.

Hemkund Sahib holds profound significance for Sikhs worldwide, being revered as the highest gurudwara globally, perched at an elevation of 4,329 meters. The mist-shrouded lake, particularly enchanting during the monsoon, offers a serene ambiance. Take a moment to relish the tranquility of the surroundings and savor a cup of tea, lovingly served by the Gurudwara committee.

Nestled amidst snow-clad peaks and a serene lake, Hemkund Sahib provides a captivating vista of this mystical locale. During clear skies, marvel at the perfect imprints of the imposing Saptrishi peaks mirrored on the lake’s surface. Fed by the melting ice masses from Saptrishi tops and Hathi Parvat, the lake is meticulously preserved. Adjacent to the lake lies the serene Laxman sanctuary, adding to the allure of the area.

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including vibrant blooms of Brahma Kamal, blue poppy and Vajradanti, the Hemkund Sahib area is a visual feast for the senses. As weather conditions can change swiftly, we’ll commence our return journey to Ghangaria by evening, where a sumptuous and piping-hot meal awaits. Prepare to indulge in this unforgettable experience, cherishing the memories created amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of Hemkund Sahib.

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Hotel in Joshimath

• Meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Altitude:  Joshimath (6150 ft).

• Distance: By Trek 9 km. By Road 24 kms

• Time Taken: By Trek 6–7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr

• Trek Grade: Gradual

Following a hearty breakfast, we begin our descent towards Govindghat, eventually driving back to Joshimath. From there, Badrinath is just 25 km away, a scenic hour-long journey. Weather and road conditions permitting, we may even make a stop at Badrinath to explore its renowned beauty.

Day 5 sees us retracing our steps from Ghangaria to Govindghat, this time with the trek offering a fresh perspective on nature’s wonders. Upon reaching Govindghat, the possibility of continuing on to Badrinath hinges on favorable weather and road conditions. The journey to Badrinath treats us to breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and the majestic river.

However, it’s crucial to note that the route from Govindghat to Badrinath is susceptible to landslides during the monsoon season. In such cases, the safety of our trekkers is paramount. Should our trek leaders deem the conditions unsafe, we’ll opt for a direct return to Joshimath. Arriving in Joshimath by evening or night, we’ll arrange accommodation in a comfortable guesthouse for the nigh.

• Meal: Tea/Coffee

• Altitude: Joshimath (6150 ft).

• Distance:  By Road 290 kms

As we bid farewell to this memorable journey, let’s ensure we savor every moment of our last day. Our departure from Joshimath will be bright and early at 6 AM, embarking on a scenic drive back to Rishikesh. With an anticipated arrival time between 6 to 7 PM, we’ll have ample opportunities to relish the breathtaking landscapes and reminisce about our adventures along the route.

En route, let’s take advantage of the journey to indulge in hearty breakfast and lunch, each a chance to partake in local delicacies and flavors, albeit at our own expense. As we wind through the picturesque roads, framed by towering peaks and cascading rivers, let’s soak in the tranquility and beauty of the Himalayas, cherishing every passing moment as we bid adieu to this enchanting expedition.