Ghangaria is a small village in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It’s a vital base camp for treks to both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. The village is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and serves as a hub for travelers visiting the region. Here’s important information about reaching Ghangaria and what to explore nearby:
How to Reach Ghangaria:
Ghangaria is a base camp for treks to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. To reach Ghangaria, you must trek from Govindghat:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 276 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Govindghat. The trek to Ghangaria starts from Govindghat.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, approximately 258 kilometers away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Govindghat and start the trek to Ghangaria.
- By Road: The journey involves a road trip to Govindghat, which is well-connected by road. Govindghat is approximately 18 kilometers from Badrinath, a prominent town in Uttarakhand.After reaching Govindghat, you need to trek about 14 kilometers to reach Ghangaria.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Ghangaria is during the summer months, between June and September. This is when the weather is pleasant, and the trekking routes to both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib are accessible. The valley is in full bloom during this period.
Connectivity Options:
- Trekking: Ghangaria is a trekking destination, and the only way to reach it is by trekking from Govindghat. The trek is approximately 14 kilometers long and takes about 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level.
- Ponies and Porters: If you prefer not to trek, you can hire a pony or a porter to carry your belongings and help you reach Ghangaria comfortably.
Nearby Places to Visit:
- Valley of Flowers: Ghangaria is the base camp for visiting the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse flora and vibrant meadows. It’s about a 3.5-kilometer trek from Ghangaria.
- Hemkund Sahib: Hemkund Sahib is a significant Sikh pilgrimage site and a beautiful glacial lake situated at an altitude of about 4,329 meters. It’s approximately a 6-kilometer trek from Ghangaria.
- Badrinath: Badrinath, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage town, is about 25 kilometers from Ghangaria. It’s famous for the Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Gaurikund: Gaurikund is a sacred site known for its hot springs and is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath, another important pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand.
Ghangaria is a beautiful place with awe-inspiring natural beauty and should be on the itinerary of anyone exploring this region of Uttarakhand. Make sure to check the weather and trekking conditions before planning your trip and be prepared with appropriate gear and permits.