Ex Haridwar – Chardham with Hemkund Sahib & Valley of Flowers

What makes this package different from a standard Char Dham Yatra?

This is the only SnazzyTrips package that combines all four Char Dhams with two additional Himalayan destinations in a single circuit — Hemkund Sahib, one of the highest Gurudwaras in the world at 4,329 metres, and the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rare alpine blooms including Brahm Kamal and Himalayan Blue Poppy. For pilgrims who wish to pay respects at both Hindu and Sikh sacred sites, or for those who want to add a genuine high-altitude nature experience to the spiritual journey, this 13-day circuit is the most complete Garhwal Himalayan package available.

What is the best time to do this tour — Char Dham with Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers?

This package has a very specific ideal window: mid-July to mid-August. This is when the Valley of Flowers is in full bloom — the only time of year when the meadow's rare Himalayan flora is visible. Hemkund Sahib also opens in late May and is accessible through October. If you do this package outside the July–August window, you will complete the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib darshan but the Valley of Flowers will either be snow-covered (before June) or post-bloom (after September). For pilgrims who want Char Dham alone without the Valley of Flowers, May–June and September–October departures are available as separate packages.

How difficult is the Hemkund Sahib trek and who can do it?

The Hemkund Sahib trek is 6 km one way from Ghangaria, ascending to 4,329 metres — making it one of the highest day treks on this entire circuit. The trail is well-maintained and used by Sikh pilgrims of all ages, but the altitude gain is significant and the final stretch is steep. Most healthy adults aged 18–60 with moderate fitness can complete it. For those above 60 or with cardiac or respiratory conditions, horse and palki (palanquin) services are available from Ghangaria at your own cost. Acclimatisation at Ghangaria the previous night — which this itinerary includes — is essential before attempting the Hemkund trek.

What flowers can I see in the Valley of Flowers?

The Valley of Flowers National Park is home to over 300 species of wild alpine flowers. The most significant include Brahm Kamal (Saussurea obvolata — the state flower of Uttarakhand and a flower sacred in Hindu tradition), Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis aculeata), Cobra Lily, Marsh Marigold, Primula, and several species of Anemone and Geranium. The valley floor and slopes are most densely bloomed between the third week of July and the second week of August. The 4 km trek from Ghangaria into the valley is gradual and suitable for most walkers.

Is the Valley of Flowers trek the same as the Hemkund Sahib trek?

No — they are two separate treks from the same base at Ghangaria. Hemkund Sahib is 6 km from Ghangaria, ascending steeply to 4,329 metres, and is done as a full-day excursion. The Valley of Flowers is 4 km from Ghangaria into the national park, at a lower altitude of approximately 3,600 metres, and is done on a separate day. This itinerary allocates one full day for each — Day 10 for Hemkund Sahib and Day 11 for the Valley of Flowers — so both are covered comfortably without rushing either experience.

How do I reach Ghangaria — is there a road or only a trek?

Ghangaria is accessible only on foot or by helicopter — there is no road beyond Govindghat. The standard route is a 13 km trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria, gaining approximately 1,000 metres in altitude and taking 5–6 hours at a comfortable pace. Helicopter services between Govindghat and Ghangaria are available during the season and can be booked separately if trekking is not possible. This itinerary includes the trek both ways as the standard experience, with overnight stays at Ghangaria on Days 9, 10, and 11.

What is included and not included in the package price?

Included: Accommodation in double/triple rooms throughout, breakfast and dinner daily (except Kedarnath), all road transfers by AC vehicle from Haridwar and back, interstate taxes, toll, parking and driver allowances, and local native assistance at all temples and gurudwara. Not included: Train or flight tickets to/from Haridwar; pony, palki, or porter charges at Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Hemkund Sahib; Kedarnath helicopter tickets; Valley of Flowers National Park entry fee; VIP darshan slips and special puja charges; personal expenses, tips, and gratuities; GST at 5% on total package value; and any costs arising from weather disruptions, road blockages, or landslides.

What is the day-by-day route for this 13-day package?

Day 1 Haridwar → Barkot via Mussoorie · Day 2 Barkot → Yamunotri → Barkot · Day 3 Barkot → Uttarkashi · Day 4 Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Uttarkashi · Day 5 Uttarkashi → Guptkashi · Day 6 Guptkashi → Kedarnath · Day 7 Kedarnath → Guptkashi · Day 8 Guptkashi → Badrinath via Joshimath · Day 9 Badrinath → Govindghat → Ghangaria (13 km trek) · Day 10 Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib → Ghangaria (6 km trek) · Day 11 Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers → Ghangaria (4 km trek) · Day 12 Ghangaria → Govindghat → Rudraprayag · Day 13 Rudraprayag → Rishikesh → Haridwar.

Is Hemkund Sahib only for Sikh pilgrims?

No — Hemkund Sahib is open to all faiths. The Gurudwara, set on the banks of a sacred glacial lake at 4,329 metres, welcomes pilgrims and trekkers of every religion. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated here in a previous birth, and the site holds deep spiritual significance in Sikh tradition. Many Hindu pilgrims visit as part of their Char Dham circuit, and the Gurudwara langur (community kitchen) is open to all visitors without charge. The lake itself, surrounded by seven snow-covered peaks, is considered sacred across traditions.

How far in advance should I book this package?

Because this package must align with the Valley of Flowers bloom window (mid-July to mid-August), departures in this period fill 3–4 months in advance. Ghangaria accommodation is extremely limited — there are very few guesthouses and no large hotels. Kedarnath guesthouses also fill quickly once shrine opening dates are announced. Book by April for July–August departures. Contact SnazzyTrips on +91 9758493545 or book a free 30-minute consultation to confirm availability and lock in your dates before the season opens.