Solo in the Himalayas: Priyanka’s Review of the Valley of Flowers Trek with Thrillophilia
As a software engineer, my days are mostly spent in front of screens, immersed in coding. The hustle of the city, combined with the monotony of work, had me craving an escape. I wanted to disconnect and rediscover the peace that nature offers.
After researching different trekking destinations, I stumbled upon the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib trek on Thrillophilia, and something just clicked.
My journey began in Haridwar, where I hopped onto a shared cab to Joshimath. The drive was long but scenic- winding roads, towering mountains, and the Ganga flowing alongside for much of the way. As we ascended, the air grew crisper, the noise of daily life faded, and I felt the adventure unfolding. After a night in Joshimath, I continued to Govindghat, where the trek officially started. I was excited, nervous, and filled with anticipation.
There’s something about the mountains that stirs the soul; they are both majestic and humbling, reminding you of how vast and beautiful the world is.
The lovely, dark and deep woods of Govindghat
The trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria was about 13 kilometres, and I found myself traversing a well-defined path alongside fellow trekkers. The route was challenging but rewarding. Small waterfalls trickled along the trail, and there were moments when I would stop just to absorb the surroundings. There’s a line from Robert Frost that plays on repeat in my head: “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep…” It felt fitting as I walked through stretches of dense greenery.
Ghangaria, the base camp for both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, greeted me with its charming, small settlement vibe. It’s a tiny village with basic accommodations, and after the long trek, I was glad to rest and refuel for the next day. I remember lying in bed that night, listening to the quiet murmur of the mountains and feeling content with my decision to embark on this journey.
The Magical Valley of Flowers
The next day was like a fairytale. We woke up early to begin the trek to the Valley of Flowers. The path was narrower and more serene, and as I entered the valley, I was greeted by an explosion of colours. Flowers in hues of pink, purple, yellow, and white stretched out before me. The air smelled sweet and fresh, and I felt like I had stepped into a painting.
It’s hard to describe how breathtaking it was- every step felt like walking through a dream. At that moment, a line from William Wordsworth’s “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” seemed so fitting: “And then my heart fills with pleasure, and dances with the daffodils.”
Though there weren’t daffodils here, the sheer variety of blooms made my heart sing. I spent hours walking around, clicking pictures, and just sitting in quiet contemplation. There’s something truly meditative about being surrounded by such pristine beauty. It felt like nature was healing me in ways I didn’t even realize I needed.
Under his Blessings...
On the third day, I geared up for the trek to Hemkund Sahib, the sacred Sikh shrine located at a height of 15,200 feet. This was the toughest part of the trek, and as I ascended, the air grew thinner and the path steeper. The chants of “Wahe Guru” from fellow pilgrims echoed through the mountains, giving me the strength to keep going.
Reaching Hemkund Sahib was an emotional moment for me. The Gurudwara sits by a serene glacial lake, and the entire atmosphere is one of peace and spirituality. I dipped my hands into the icy waters of the lake- freezing but rejuvenating- and sat for a while just soaking in the tranquillity. There’s a sense of accomplishment in reaching such a height, both physically and spiritually. The langar at the Gurudwara was simple but satisfying, and the warmth of the people there left me feeling connected to something bigger than myself.
The Journey Back
The trek down was a lot quicker, though my legs were tired from the steep climbs. As I retraced my steps back to Ghangaria and then to Govindghat, I felt a mix of satisfaction and bittersweetness. The mountains had given me so much in just a few days—a sense of peace, accomplishment, and a deeper connection with nature and myself.
If I could sum up my experience in one line, it would be: “Not all those who wander are lost.” The Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib trek reminded me of the beauty of wandering and the joy of discovering new parts of the world—and yourself.
So, if you’re ever looking for a break from the chaos of life, if you need to find some peace or challenge yourself in new ways, I highly recommend this trek. Thrillophilia did an excellent job organizing the trip, ensuring everything was seamless from start to finish, leaving me free to focus on the journey ahead.
And who knows, you might just find a part of yourself amidst the wildflowers and snowy peaks.
Read more: Uttarakhand Trek Reviews