Ghangaria

Ghangaria also known as "Gobind Dham" is a small village on the way to Hemkund Sahib, a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs which is about 6 km from here and the Valley of Flowers, a national park known for its variety of flowers about 5 km from here. It is located in the northern Himalayan ranges at an altitude of 3049 meters in Uttarakhand state of India.

Ghangaria is situated at the confluence of the river Pushpawati, which forms Lakshman Ganga, that later meets the river Alaknanda at Govindghat. It is the last human habitation in the Ghangaria valley. This place is usually used by travelers as a base camp to visit Hemkund Sahib and Valley of flowers. It is only open from June till October. The rest of the year, the valley is covered under snow.

Ghangaria can be reached after a trek of less than 14 km. From Govindghat shared taxis are available up to 4 km to Pulna, then from Pulna the trek begins to Ghangaria. Ghangaria has a helipad and the helicopter is accessible to valley of flowers as well. One can also hire a porter or mule or a helicopter to avoid this strenuous trekking. There is no clear road, only a path made of rocks. Latest track is good for walking. A walking bamboo stick will be helpful, available in Gobindghat for only 20-30inr.

For stay options the Govindghat has few options and Ghangaria has various camps stays. Restaurants serving Punjabi, Chinese, Garhwali dishes, shops, camping grounds and a big Gurdwara to accommodate pilgrims. Other than this Joshimath have a good options for a stay. Services are limited being in the a great heights. The roads till Joshimath are a good and has a steep walking trek. The network of major service provider are available.. Going up for 600 meters take left for Valley of flowers after having ticket. Straight up is way to Hemkund Sahib. The Ghangaria is the gateway for Valley of flowers as well as Hemkund Sahib.

Recent floods in the area
Flooding in Uttarakhand on 16 June 2013 affected the accessibility of Ghangaria. Ghangaria village is accessible now.