7-Day Itinerary for Valley of Flowers in August 2023

1. Day 1: Arrival in Valley of Flowers
   Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
   5-hour drive (190 km) from Jolly Grant Airport

   Upon arrival at Valley of Flowers, check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring the nearby village of Ghangaria. Take a leisurely walk through the village and interact with the locals. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Garhwali dinner.

2. Day 2: Valley of Flowers National Park
   1 km trek from Ghangaria

   Begin your day with an early morning trek to the Valley of Flowers National Park. Witness the vivid colors of the blooming flowers and the panoramic views of the mountains. In the afternoon, trek back to Ghangaria and enjoy your lunch at one of the local restaurants. Spend the evening at leisure.

3. Day 3: Hemkund Sahib
   6 km trek from Ghangaria

   Start your day early and trek to Hemkund Sahib, a picturesque Sikh pilgrimage site situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters. Marvel at the scenic beauty of the place and visit the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. Trek back to Ghangaria and spend the evening at leisure.

4. Day 4: Badrinath Temple
   24 km drive from Govindghat

   Take a day trip to Badrinath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples situated in the lap of the Himalayas. Take a dip in the holy waters of Tapt Kund and visit the Badrinath Temple. On your way back, visit the Mana village, believed to be the last village before the Indo-China border.

5. Day 5: Auli
   58 km drive from Joshimath

   Embark on a scenic drive to Auli, a beautiful hill station known for its snow-capped mountains, skiing, and trekking trails. Take a cable car ride to the Auli Artificial Lake and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Spend the evening at leisure.

6. Day 6: Nanda Devi National Park
   10 km trek from Lata Village

   Drive to Lata Village and trek to Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse flora and fauna. The trek takes you through dense forests and meadows, culminating in a splendid view of the Nanda Devi peak. Trek back to Lata Village and spend the evening at leisure.

7. Day 7: Departure from Valley of Flowers
   5-hour drive (190 km) to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

   Check-out from your hotel and drive back to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun for your return flight. En route, stop at Devprayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers and witness the birth of the Ganges.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Auli Ropeway, the longest cable car ride in Asia, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas. You can also consider a day trip to the nearby town of Joshimath, home to the ancient temples of Narasimha and Ganesha.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Accommodation (6 nights, starting from $50 per night)
• Transportation (round trip from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, starting from $200)
• Meals (starting from $10 per meal)
• Valley of Flowers National Park entry fee ($5)
• Hemkund Sahib entry fee ($1)
• Badrinath Temple entry fee ($2)
• Auli Ropeway ticket ($12)
• Nanda Devi National Park entry fee ($5)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding flights): $500 - $800