I’m just back from an experience of a lifetime and writing this review from the comfort of my home.
While I do enjoy being back with everything familiar and comfortable, the last few days as I undertook the Valley of Flowers Trek has been an unforgettable experience and really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Being someone who gets excited every time I see a bouquet of flowers, experiencing the Valley of Flowers has been on my bucket list for a while. However, little did I anticipate that the Journey to the valley would be as exciting as being in the Valley itself.
Thanks to Bayberry Adventures we were given a detailed itinerary and very clear information on what we could expect and what not to expect while on the trek. Multiple calls were held with the participants to go through details of the schedule, physical conditioning we would need, what we needed to carry -all to help us prepare both physically and mentally for the trek. Not only that, all our doubts and concerns were put to rest by our trek leader Kiran and Col. Asheesh who patiently explained the situation on ground and how safety was their priority at all times.
The accommodation @ the Village Connection homestay was comfortable and enjoyable with big airy rooms and brilliant views of the mountain peaks. The gurgling sounds of the stream next to the property added to the beauty. While the stay at Ghangria was more basic, there are very limited options around and they all look the same. The place is good enough to crash after a tiring day of trekking. The warm service of the staff who catered to our every need, more than made up for what the place lacked in ambience.
The Food throughout the stay was good and though simple was just what we needed to keep up our energy levels. Special inclusions of local delicacies and rhododendron juice just lifted our spirits.
A big shout out to our Trek Leader Kiran Chand, who apart from being highly experienced and knowledgeable was ever present with us, taking care of the group and encouraging us along the way with his many stories. Bhuvanesh was equally competent with his knowledge of flowers and always there to lend a helping hand!
This is the sort of experience, people with a positive attitude and an adventurous spirit would enjoy. We were lucky to have a wonderful group who supported each other and strangers became friends over the 6 days of the trek. The stark beauty of nature, the majestic and mystic mountains, the gushing rivers, the stunning flowers will be something we can never forget, but the true beauty of the trek was having done it with this lovely bunch of people. Truly memories that last.
Thanks to Bayberry adventures and the group for having made this such a wonderful experience.