Some of the most breathtaking places in the world are tucked away in remote corners, far from prying eyes. You can't just go there, you've got to earn your right to reach there.
One of these hidden gems is the Valley of Flowers. Discovered as recently as 1931 by Frank S. Smythe, who was part of a team of six British Mountaineers. He came across a valley beyond Bhyundar Pass that had Lush Meadows, embowered amidst flowers.
He writes in his book - Bhyundar Valley was the most beautiful valley that any of us had seen. Our camp was surrounded by so many never-before-seen flowers that "it was impossible to take a step without crushing them."
Today, this valley is called the Valley of Flowers and still retains its pristine, awe-inspiring beauty, thanks largely to its secluded location. It remains cut-off for most of the year, covered by deep snow. It is only for 45 days in a year that the snow gives way to huge 'dance floor' with dazzling flowers grooving in the gentle moist breeze. Giving them company are a few gurgling streams meandering their way through the valley.
Jungli CEO is going to take you there this August when the flowers are going to be in full bloom. Jungli CEO is an offsite networking company that brings together entrepreneurs and decision makers in corporates and takes them to wildlife or adventure destinations. They catalyse the process of forming bonds between the fellow 'Junglies' and create an atmosphere where they eagerly explore ways to help each other in business and personal lives.
This 6 day wild break will feature a 4 day trek. We start with a 14 km trek from Govindghat to Ghagharia. This mild gradient trek is surrounded by panoramic views of mountains and valleys on all sides. We camp overnight at Ghagharia. And the next day, take a 5 km trek to the Valley of Flowers and spend a serene, peaceful day there surrounded by the exotic aromas and sights of flowers. The day after this, we have the option of revisiting the valley again or trekking to Hemkund Sahib, a sikh holy shrine. We trek back to Govindghat on the 4th day.
The trip starts from Delhi and ends at Delhi (August 13 to 19).
This is a full-on all frills wild break where all possible needs of the travellers will be anticipated. Ponies, umbrellas, awnings, impromptu barbecues...
Because of the difficulty level of this trip, kids are not allowed.
Pretty much everything from Delhi to Delhi, including the train fare, the transportation from Haridwar to Govindghat, the porters, the ponies, the nature guides, all meals (except lunch on the last day).
Only your personal expenses and tips and the lunch on the last day are not included.
On Jungli CEO trips, alcohol is brought by the individual junglies for personal consumption. In this case though, we would advise you not to bring alcohol as it may lead to dehydration during the trek. Trust us, you won't need it.
We aim to make it so good that you could put a Jungli CEO Wild Break as part of your annual business development exercise. Each of our Wild Breaks is studded with 12 thoughtfully crafted features which are there to do just one thing – to help you get the most out of the wild break for your business. What about the fun you ask? Oh, that is just the icing on the cake.
We will be trekking approximately 40 kilometers during this wild break. Even though you are advised to trek all of this distance, in case you feel tired, you can avail of the ponies whenever you wish to (except during the visit to the inside of the Valley of Flowers, where ponies are not allowed). There will be picture postcard beauty all around you even before you reach the valley of flowers – lush colourful valleys, gurgling rivers and streams, towering mountains… it will be too beautiful for words. We will be staying at the best possible accommodation at Govindghat and will be camping at Ghagharia. Also, be ready for impromptu Barbecue lunches and dinners besides the normal delicious spread. After trekking to the valley of flowers, you will also have the option to visit the sikh holy shrine of Hemkund Sahib (or visit the valley once again). And if you want to, you can stay back for an extra day to visit the shrine of Badrinath.
You are advised to bring a sturdy, non-slip pair of trekking boots for the trek. You can buy a good pair at Decathlon for less than Rs. 4,000. You are also advised to get your own umbrella as there are good chances of rain during our trek.
The trek to Valley of Flowers is of low to moderate gradient. The trek to Hemkund Sahib is steeper. But don't worry, there will be ponies for you to climb on to, whenever you feel too tired.
The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trek. So, do hit the treadmills and start on those crunches.
Govindghat is a small town with basic lodges and hotels. We will be staying at the most comfortable place in the whole town. Our camp at Ghagharia will have all comforts possible, but please do not expect any luxuries. This wild break is for those who wish to rough it out.
You need to pay 50% amount at the time of booking – Rs. 26,100. The balance will be payable by 30th July.
25% cancellation fee will be applicable if you cancel before 30th July. 50% if you cancel by 10th August. 100% if you cancel after 10th August.
You can contact Mohit Sareen at 9810161465 or Rajesh Madan at 9810237173. They would be happy to help.
Indeep S. Bhatia
CEO, A B Global HR ServicesAshish Kesarwani
Partner, Lakozy Audio ImaginationAtul Jain
Owner, Atul JewelersSuchismita Banerjee
Sales ConsultantKrishna S. Gupta
Y Not TravelManav Malvai
MD, The Parish advertising & marketing solutions pvt. ltd.Vatsala Agarwal
Director & Mentor, ErudionSmita Narayan
Business Process ConsultantSome of the most breathtaking places in the world are tucked away in remote corners, far from prying eyes. You can't just go there, you've got to earn your right to reach there.
We leave for Haridwar by the early morning Shatabdi. Introductions on the way. Vehicles take us to Govindghat for an overnight stay.
We trek to Ghangaria along the scenic Pushpawati river (13 kms). Lunch will be on the banks of the river. We reach the camp by evening. Special Networking Session with a sumptuous Barbecue Dinner over Bonfire.
Next morning, we trek down to Valley of Flowers (5 km) and spend the day there. Lunch will be served on the meadows. Come back by evening to Ghangaria. This trek has moderate gradient.
Trek to Hemkunt Sahib (6 km, steep gradient) or Valley of Flowers.
Trek to Valley of Flowers.
Start back for Govindghat. Stay overnight.
Govindghat to Haridwar and then an overnight train back to Delhi