Valley of flowers is one of our favorite places in the world and is also a favorite of several of our travelers. Every year, we run multiple trips to the VoF during the monsoon months as the VoF meadows become a riot of colors during this time with the blooming of flowers.
Trips cancelled
This year, because of the unprecedented rains and floods in Uttarakhand, we have cancelled all departures to the VoF. In the last few weeks, several of our friends in and around the VoF, our local guides and partners have suffered heavy losses. It is indeed painful to see pictures of all the destruction that has happened in Pulna village, Govindghat and other adjoining areas.
The latest report
The bridge over Alaknanda in Govindghat which connected Govindghat to the starting point of the VoF trek has been washed off and the trek route is inaccessible for the time being.
Pulna village – Lots of destruction has happened in the village and the trek route at several places around here doesn’t exist any more. Pulna is home to several of our local partners.
Pulna village – trek to Ghangaria from Govindghat
Pulna village – difference of 6 days between pictures
Pulna village innundated
Entry to the VoF – We don’t have confirmed reports, but we hear that the bridge close to the entry of the VoF has been washed off.
In all probability, several small bridges in the VoF have been washed off too and it will take some time before they are reconstructed.
Hemkund Sahib – The trek route from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is unaffected. However, the yatra to the shrine has been cancelled for the remaining part of the year as Ghangaria is accessible only by helicopter as of now.
July and August
More rains are expected during these months which will most likely hamper rebuilding of the area.
Road conditions
The road has been severely damaged at several places in the area. Badrinath is not accessible as of now as the road around Lambagad has been damged.
The area around Lambagad
There are other number big and small damages between Joshimath and Govindghat.
Roads washed away. We’re not sure exactly which point this is
Travel advisory
Avoid your trip to the Valley of Flowers and Badrinath this season as there may be more rains, and in any case, these places are not accessible as of now.
We’re in touch with our friends from the area and are hoping to resume our trips to the area as early as possible.
Hopefully we will be able to participate in rebuilding lives here by helping locals earn their livelihoods through adventure tourism.
Our previous posts from Valley of Flowers are here: http://gomissing.in/travel-stories/category/travel/uttarakhand/valley-of-flowers/
Keep checking this blog for updates.
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