It was with a slight trepidation that we ,a group of 9 friends from across India , embarked on the journey for the trek to the much touted Valley of flowers in Bhyunder valley Uttarakhand as the weather was playing truant off late with the heavy monsoon showers resulting in landslides and floods across the state. However since this Unesco world heritage site had been occupying my mindspace for quite some time ,I didn’t think further when my friend Kalpalatha suggested a trip to the valley.Hence despite the initial apprehensions, we started off the day with cheer and enthusiasm and flew to Dehradun.

In the evening ,we visited the Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh along the banks of river Ganga. The river flowing in heavy spate was a spectacle against the crimson sky,the divinity bringing in a strange overwhelming sense of calmness. After performing the Ganga Arati, we stayed overnight at Muni Ki Reti.

Next day early morning , we started off for Joshimath and as luck could have been ,favored by the Gods of the Dev Bhoomi , we reached without much hindrances enroute. The imposing green mountains with its layers wrapped in fluffy clouds and the gurgling river speeding through the valley gave us company all along the journey ,offering breathtaking views soothing to the eyes and mind . We also witnessed in awe the confluence of the rivers Alakananda and Bhagirathi at Devaprayag which further flows as Ganga .

We travelled to Govindghat the following day to begin our onward ascent on horse back to Gangharia about 13 km away which is the last village from where the trek to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib commences.

The rickety ride up on the horse was offset by the magnificent views of the glacier peaks shimmering in the sun, that unfolded before our eyes all along way. After a brief stop for a tea, we proceed further up, the air getting thinner and colder.

The sight of rugged mountain landscape with coniferous pines , papyrus trees and bursts of wild impatience flowers in various hues proved refreshing , kindling the  spirits .

We braced up for the Valley of Flowers trek early morning after a night of restful sleep. The scenic route with verdant green mountains, glacier streams and water falls under clear blue skies was a delight to traverse.

Wild endemic alpine species of Flora in various colors lined the forest trail as bubbly crystal clear Pushpavati flowed down the mountains. We paused in between to admire the pristine raw beauty all around the thickets as well as the many high altitude bird species, the vistas proving more stunning each step as we trudged higher. The woods are also known to have inhabitants like the Himalayan bear and leopards though we didn’t sight any 🙂

The breathtaking view of the valley with its green meadows surround by ice glaciers , water falls and wild flowers in various shades of yellow red pink and white was a sight to behold, leaving us speechless. The panoramic landscape with the geraniums, daisies and bell flowers dancing in the wind was spellbinding .Having been transported to a different world, indeed it was a soul connect with nature where silence spoke a lot.

We explored the valley for a while and as it started to drizzle we started our descent .

Hemkund Sahib was lined up for following day. On way up; we could spot the Himalayan blue poppies in abundance. Scattered across the hills , they painted the mountains blue , a shade darker than the sky.

As we reached the top, we visited the  stunning glacier lake  which painted a serene picture as well as the Gurudwara.

After having – dal kichadi and kheer from the Langar- which tasted heavenly at an altitude of 15k ft, we trekked up the mountain further seeking the Brahmakamal.

The flowers were swaying in the wind, the air carrying its mild scent. The stillness resonated within as we sat amidst the blooms blissfully. I felt lucky to have stumbled across a lone edelweiss too which looked poignant against the backdrop!

Once we were back from hemkund, we walked around Gangharia , checking out the tiny shops and eateries ,tasting Maggi under the clear star peppered sky. Talk of those little delights!

We returned to Govind ghat the following morning on horse backs. In the afternoon we headed for Auli in a rope car and walked around the tranquil green meadows which seemed surreal .

Exploring Joshimath was on agenda next day where in the first halt was at Gauri kund Tapovanam where we had a bath in the hot water springs of the mountains. It was a treat to see the roads lined with apple and apricot trees and yes we couldn’t resist oursleves from tasting those!

We then proceeded to visit Adi Sankara Jyothir mutt, the kalpa vriksh under which he got enlightenment as well as the cave where he meditated as a young boy of 11 years.

The next day, we headed back for Dehradun , reluctantly taking leave of the majestic mountains where we had lost our mind and found our soul.

It was a trip that would be forever etched within us not to forget the  bonds that were forged between us over the 9 days.