Bridge at Govindghat constructed

After bad news at last there is good news that a bridge has been constructed over Alaknanda at Govindghat by the authorities. About 1000 ponies were evacuated for the other side of the river. The repairing and construction of trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria has also been started. A small make shift bridge is also constructed between Govindghat and Ghangaria over Pushpawati River 3 kilometers before Ghangaria.

Iron Bridge at Govindghat which was washed out by floods in Alaknanda.

Front view of newly constructed bridge at Govindghat

Authorities believe that the trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria can be reopened for public by September first week. There is no damage at Ghangaria and between Ghangaria and Hemkund Sahib. It means Hemkund Sahib can be reopened by 15th September, 15 days before official closing date. However opening Valley of Flowers can be done only after construction of another bridge over Pushpawati River 500 meters inside the entry gate. All these washed away bridges are explained in my earlier blog post. There is high probability that the trek to Valley of Flowers from Ghangaria is also damaged at some points. That also has to be repaired, but that can be done only after Ghangaria is accessible and a bridge over Pushpawati is constructed.

Bridge over Pushpawati River between Govindghat and Ghangaria. You can see the trek so near to river. It is washed off now. There are many places where the trek is so near to river.

Some golden moments at the bridge in 2010. I used to sit near this bridge for hours together. You can see beautiful scenes from here. Even Auli grounds are visible from here.

A bridge being constructed between Govindghat and Ghangaria over Pushpawati River just 3 kilometers before Ghangaria.

After considering the above facts it seems possible that Valley of Flowers may be reopened by 15th September, 2013. We have cancelled most of our trips this season but we have opened booking for 15th September and 22nd September departure.

Frequently asked questions About the Valley

Can senior citizens visit valley of flowers?

Senior citizens also want to come to this heaven on earth but they are confused about whether they can do it or not. We have been taking senior citizens to the valley of flowers. There are options of helicopter and ponies to skip trekking.

shoes appropriate for the valley of flowers trek

What type of shoes is appropriate for valley of flowers ?

When you go for trek you should wear appropriate type of shoes so that your main concentration is on trekking and enjoying nature. We have seen that shoes of many people breaks while trekking and sometimes people develop blisters.

Minimum age to visit valley of flowers

Whether kids can do the trek to Valley of Flowers or not? What is the minimum age requirement to visit the valley of flowers? Please read this full page to get the answer to this question. Couples with young children willing to visit valley of flowers can go through this page.

Number of days required to see valley of flowers

Number of Days required in seeing Valley of Flowers

Minimum number of days recommended going for trek to Valley of Flowers. Why we need an extra day for the trip. Read full report with pictures of the valley.

How difficult is Valley of flowers trek.

Trek difficulty of the Valley of Flowers trek. Vital statistics are given here. How much altitude is to be gained every day while trekking? How much distance is to be covered every day? What is Fitness level required for the trek?

Valley of flowers 2013, an update