Realm of solitude

Enjoy the Fall season in the heart of Mountains for a perfect solitude ....

VALLEY OF FLOWERS

Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India.

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 315 km/ 196 miles.

Nearest railhead: Hrishikesh, 285 km/ 177 miles.

Nearest roadhead: Govindghat, 16 km/ 10 miles.

Best time to go:

June to August for flowers,

August to early October for trekking.

Where to stay:

GMVN guest house, Ghangharia, is the most reliable option. Book online at http://gmvnl.com/newgmvn/

What to do:

Trek in the Valley of Flowers. Visit Hemkunt Sahib. Watch a film at Ghangharia's Eco Development Center, and buy books, postcards and video CDs.

What to pack:

Comfortable and well-broken walking shoes, spare socks, cap/hat, thermals, rainwear and light to heavy woolens. Camera and binoculars. Energy bars, dry fruit and nuts for the trek. Food is not available inside the park.

What to remember:

Purchase an entry permit from the forest check post at the park entrance; rates vary for Indian and foreign nationals. Private tour operators charge anywhere from Rs 10,000 (about $214) to Rs 20,000 ($429) for a five-day trek in the Valley of Flowers.