IQUEST OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP AND ADVENTURE CONSULTANTS,, VALLEY OF FLOWERS, HEMKUND SAHIB, BADRINATH 2012,

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1 Established by a strong group of Professionals, iquest Adventures is committed to producing adventurous challenges, professional events and learning programs thatt are fused with our unique brand of fun and creativity. VALLEY OF FLOWERS Valley of Flowers is a fairy-lanaltitude of 3,600 meters above the sea-level, protected by snowy mountains. Unknown to situated high in the Himalayas of the Uttaranchal, at an humans, for centuries this enchanting valley lay frozen during the colder months, and burst into its youthful beauty every year, as the snow melted with the advent of summer. Every year, the valley was splashed with color as it bloomed with hundreds of kinds of flowers, taking on various shades of colors as months progressed. Finally one day, nature condescended to bless humans with this heavenly sight, when Frank Smith - mountaineer, explorer, botanist - chanced upon it in the monsoon of He authored a book called "The Valley of Flowers" which unveiled the beauty and floral splendours of the valley and made the world sit up and watch. It was declared a national park in 1982, and now it is a World Heritage Site. The locals, of course, always knew of the existence of the valley, and believed that it was inhabited by fairies. The valley is home to many celebrated flowers like the Brahmakamal, the Blue Poppy and the Cobra Lily. It is a much sought after haunt for flower-lovers, botanists and of course trekkers, for whom a sufficient excuse to embark on a mission to reach a place, is that it exists! Page 1

2 ITERNARY: Day 01 4 th Aug 12. Meet at 6 pm. Overnight journey. Day 02 5 th Aug 12. Arrive to Haridwar.After Breakfast, Dep Haridwar to Joshimath by bus. Haridwar to Joshimath. Approx Distance Time Altitude gain 252 Kilometers, 8-10 Hours by road (From 1150 ft to 6200 ft). During the 252 km journey from Rishikesh to Joshimath, you will get tired, but you will also be treated to panoramic views of the mountains. The road winds around the green mountains, and one cannot help admire their beauty, and at the same time shudder at downward slopes which can tumble you down into the river Alaknanda, which we follow all the way. We felt reassured seeing numerous warning signs like "main pahaadi naagin hoon - tez chalne waalo ko dasti hoon" (I am the mountain naagin [female cobra] ], and will strike at those who drive fast). The Sumo occasionally stops for a cup of tea, or for lunch. Incidently, the word prayag stands for confluence - so, whenever you come across a Karn-prayag or Dev-prayag, you can look for two rivers joining. One thing to note is that while Rishikesh is at an altitude of 1150FT, Joshimath is at 6200 ft- so, the bus really has to climb on the way. Joshimath is the halt for the night, and gearing up for the next day. Day 03 6 th Aug 12: Distance Time are available on this day at an additional cost) Altitude gain 13 Kilometers, 6-7 Hours by trekking. (Ponies and porters (From 5500 ft to ft) Now comes the interesting part, the 14 km trek from Govindghat to Ghangria. But first we have to reach Govindghat, which is a 21 km drive from Joshimath. After breakfast startt early, latest by 7.30 am to have luxury of moving slowly and enjoy nature during the trek. After three kilometers of trek we will reach a beautiful village called Pulna and our continuous upward trek becomes bit less steep. After seeing this village you will feel like staying here forever. Evening we reach Ghangria, night stay. Page 2

3 Day 04 7 th Aug 12 : and we will be trekking in between this altitude. Ghangaria-Valley of flowers- Ghangaria. Distance 12 Kilometers (6 kilometers one side) Time 6-7 Hours by trekking. (Ponies are NOT available on this day, Although Porters are available) Altitude gain (No altitude gain although Ghangaria is at ft and Valley of flowers height varies from to feet kilometer.evening we will be back to Ghangaria. Soon after starting our trek we will observe a very beautiful waterfall on our right side just in front of Valley of Flowers, check point gate. After taking entry tickets we will enter into the fairyland, 1000 meters from there we will crosss a beautiful river. Soon we will enter into a dense and humid forest filled with beautiful flowers on the way. After crossing iron bridge over Pushpawati River the trek will become steep for about a Page 3

4 Day 05 8 th Aug 12: Ghangaria Sri Hemkund Sahib Ghangaria. Distance 12 Kilometers (6 kilometers one side), Time 8-9 Hours by trekking. (Ponies and porters are available on this day) Altitude changes (Ghangaria feet to Sri Hemkund Sahib and come back). After early breakfast the trek starts for Sri Hemkund Sahib. Though it would be the toughest and tiring trek among all other days of trekking but it s all worth experiencing the view of Sri Hemkund Lake at a height of feet. If you are lucky enough you may get clear sky to watch the nearby peaks surrounding the lake.night stay in Ghangaria. Day 06 9 th Aug 12 : Ghangaria Govindghat- Badrinath. Distance: 13 Kilometers Trek from Ghangaria to Govindghat, 28 Kilometers from Govindghat to Badrinath. Time: 5 Hours by trekking from Ghangaria to Govindghat. (Ponies and porters are available on this day) and one hour by road from Govindghat to Badrinath. Altitude changes (Ghangaria feet Govindghat 5500 feet-badrinath feet). Start early from Ghangaria having breakfast on the way to reach Govindghat by noon. After having lunch at Govindghat take your extra luggage parked on day 1 and by road reach Badrinath. In the evening you can visit Badrinath temple and take bath at hot water ponds (Geothermal energy) near the temple. We will stay here in Badrinath for the night. Page 4

5 Day TH Aug 12: Badrinath Mana-Vasudhara Falls Badrinath. After break fast,we start our journey to Mana. Better known as the last Indian village before the border with Tibet, the village is famed for the dazzling vistas it offers and the intriguing history that is scattered amongst its rustic lanes and idyllic slopes and to experience this first hand we headed for the Mana village from Badrinath. There are two caves in Mana - the Vyaas gufa and Ganesh Gufa, the place where epics like Mahabharatha were written. After 5 kms trek upward to Vasudhara falls, Gushing waters of this cascade falls down with a roaring sound from an elevation of 400 feet. Apart from the gorgeous scenario of a dancing water fall, Vasundhara Falls carries an amazing legend with it. After spending some start trek back to Mana then by bus to Badrinath. Day th Aug 12. Badrinath Rishikesh Distance 300 Kilometers, Time 8-10 Hours by road Altitude loss (Badrinath feet to Rishikesh 1100 feet) Get up early Start road journey latest by 7am, breakfast and lunch will be served on the way and reach Rishikesh by evening. Night stay in Rishikesh. Day th Aug 12. departure Rishikesh. Morning explore Rishikesh visiting temples,if you love to do Rafting you can enjoy. Report back to us afternoon 2pm.and evening Page 5

6 Day th Aug 12. Arrive to Delhi by Morning. trip. Details Cost - Rs.15000//- Per head Ex Delhi Age Group - 15 and above Cost Includes Farewells and Goodbyes with promises to meet again end of Highly experienced, Leaders, Transportation [Bus, TT depending on number of participants] Accommodation Hotels, GMVN Guest house, depending on Availability Food [3 tea/coffee,s nacks] Veg meals a day, Cost Excludes All the personal expenses like drinks, tips etc. Cost of any form of insurance, rescue, evacuation, hospitalization, etc. Travel fare up to Manali and Back (iquest can assist in getting reservations for travel) Any additional cost like hiring Mule, porter service,, insurance upgrade in accommodation at any location,. Registration Form, Packing list, will be Mailed and Detailed pre briefing on the Expedition will be done to All Confirmed Participants. Cancellation Charges:25% of the total cost On cancelling Before 31 st June 50% of the Total Charges On Cancellation between 10 th july and 20 th july. No Refunds on cancellations or not attending the event or if the Participant has to leave During any point of the event After 20 th July 2012 No refunds will be made if the program gets cancelled due to Unavoidable circumstances out of the control of the organizers like Natural calamities, bundhs, strikes, etc. Register now: Contact Sunand Sampath Mobile: contact@iquestindia..com Website: Page 6