5-Day Itinerary for Valley of Flowers in July 2023

1. Day 1: Hemkund Sahib
   2 hours 30 minutes (13.5 miles) from Joshimath

   Begin your trip to the Valley of Flowers with a visit to Hemkund Sahib, a sacred Sikh shrine nestled on the banks of a glacial lake at an altitude of 4,632 meters. Start early to avoid crowds and enjoy the scenic trek to the shrine. Afternoon, visit the Gurudwara and explore the lake's surroundings. In the evening, return to your hotel in Joshimath.

2. Day 2: Auli
   1 hour 30 minutes (10.6 miles) from Joshimath

   Take a cable car ride to the charming hill station of Auli, famous for its skiing slopes and scenic views of the Himalayan ranges. Spend your morning taking in the breathtaking views and enjoying the cool mountain air. In the afternoon, visit the local market and enjoy some local delicacies before heading back to Joshimath for the night.

3. Day 3: Valley of Flowers National Park
   1 hour 10 minutes (4.6 miles) from Govindghat

   Get ready for a unique experience in the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Valley of Flowers. Trek through the alpine meadows brimming with colorful flowers of every hue. Keep your camera handy to capture the magnificent scenery and wildlife. In the evening, return to your hotel in Govindghat.

4. Day 4: Badrinath Temple
   1 hour 30 minutes (37.6 miles) from Joshimath

   Drive to the town of Badrinath to visit the famous Badrinath Temple, one of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage destinations. Take a dip in the holy Tapt Kund before entering the temple. Afternoon, visit the Mana Village, the last Indian village before the Tibetan border. Drive back to Joshimath in the evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel.

5. Day 5: Nanda Devi National Park
   2 hours (34.4 miles) from Joshimath

   End your trip with a visit to the Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its diverse flora and fauna. Take a trek to the Nanda Devi peak, the second highest mountain peak in India or visit the nearby villages to experience the local culture. Afternoon, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and then head back to Joshimath for your return journey back home.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, visit the nearby town of Rudraprayag, situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, or take a day trip to the famous Kedarnath Temple. To make the most of your trip, hire a local guide who can provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the region.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Hemkund Sahib (3-4 hours, free)
• Auli (3-4 hours, cable car ride - INR 1000)
• Valley of Flowers National Park (6-7 hours, INR 150 entry fee)
• Badrinath Temple (3-4 hours, free)
• Nanda Devi National Park (6-7 hours, INR 250 entry fee)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1400

For hotel and flight bookings, check out this link.