How to Reach Valley of Flowers – A Complete Travel Guide
The Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand trek is situated in the lap of the Western Himalayas and is heaven for nature lovers, trekkers, as well as for photographers. The Valley of Flowers, also known as Gangotri, for being situated in the Garwhal Himalayas at an elevation of 3,500 metres (11,480 feet), is famous for its vibrant meadows, which are filled with endemic flora, gushing waterfalls, snow cled mountains and its tranquil environment that earned him the award of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The breathtaking valley is located in the Uttarakhand Chamoli district and is alive during monsoon (July to September) season.
This blog provides you with the complete guide on how to reach Valley of Flowers from Delhi, Dehradun, Badrinath, Joshimath, Govind Ghat, and Ghangaria.
Where is the Valley of Flowers?
Located about 12,000 feet high in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve of Uttarakhand, India, is the Valley of Flowers. Govind ghat is nearest road head of the valley and Trek starts from this road head. From Govind Ghat, one has to reach the base village of Ghangaria, which is a distance of 4 km, and from there to the main valley.
1. Delhi to Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand
The journey begins from the national capital, Delhi, for most of the travelers. Here’s how you can reach:
By Air:
The Valley of Flowers has no direct flight to it. Govind Ghat is closest to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun approximately 290 km away. But if you can fly, then from Delhi to Dehradun and then by road.
By Train:
Haridwar and Rishikesh are the nearest railway stations. There are numerous frequent and hassle free trains from Delhi to Haridwar. Once in Haridwar, take another road journey to Govind Ghat.
By Road:
The road from Delhi to the Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand, is long but scenic. The route usually follows:
Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Nandaprayag → Joshimath → Govind Ghat
It takes about 12–15 hours for the total distance of about 500 km, depending on the road and weather conditions.
2. Dehradun to Valley of Flowers
If you are approaching in Dehradun, here is how to reach the valley:
- Dehradun to Joshimath – You can opt for booking a private taxi as well as a shared cab to reach the Joshimath Valley of Flowers region from Dehradun. It is a distance of about 270 km and takes 9–10 hours.
- Joshimath to Govind Ghat – It was a short drive of 22 km, which is only an hour’s drive from Joshimath to Govind Ghat.
- Govind Ghat to Ghangaria – This is the trek starting point from Govind Ghat to Ghangaria You will have to trek for 13 km uphill to reach Ghangaria.
- Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers – From here it is a 4 km trek to reach Valley of Flowers.
3. Joshimath Valley of Flowers Route
A major transit point in itself, Joshimath is the nearest major town. The medical facilities, ATMs and accommodations are decent. To arrive at Govind Ghat, the trek base, buses, jeeps and shared taxis are available.
This route is followed From Joshimath Valley of Flowers:
- Joshimath → Govind Ghat (22 km drive)
- Govind Ghat → Ghangaria (13 km trek or pony/helicopter service)
- Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers (4 km trek)
4. Badrinath to Valley of Flowers
Among the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, Badrinath is one of the Char Dham Yatra. With a height of 3,100 metres, it is a sacred town dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and thousands of devotees descend on the place each year. If you happen to be visiting Badrinath, you’re almost there to the Valley of Flowers, and due to this fact, it’s a great chance to link the nirvana with a nature stroll. Here’s how to connect:
- Badrinath to Govind Ghat: It is about 25 km approx by road and it can be covered in approx about 1 hour from Badrinath to Govind Ghat.
- The next will be to follow the trekking route — Govind Ghat to Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers.
These two destinations being close to each other makes it sense to visit both without any need for a separate trip. Badrinath to Valley of Flowers route is rewarding in all senses – pilgrim, trekker, photographer, or nature enthusiast, it shows the magic of the Himalaya.
Travel Tips for Valley of Flowers
- Best Time to Visit: This is the time when the valley is in full bloom and best time to visit this place is mid-July to early September.
- Permits: There are entry permits required and can be bought at the Ghangaria Forest Department checkpoint.
- Fitness: Moderate fitness is needed for the trek. Start walking a few of weeks before the trip.
- Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
- Accommodation: If going in peak season, book accommodation in advance at Ghanghari.
- Packing Essentials: Waterproof clothing, trekking shoes, walking stick, torch, and personal medication.
Conclusion
Valley of Flowers is as much a physical & spiritual journey to a place as a landmark or scenic spot as it is being there. Whether you are heading from Delhi to Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand or from Dehradun to Valley of Flowers, the closer you get to the valley of flowers, every mile comes closer to a land which seemed resting on some magic. This trek from Joshimath Valley of Flowers gateway leads one through the tranquil trails from Govind Ghat to Valley of Flowers with a blend of Adventure, spirituality, and untouched nature’s beauty.
Travel with the nearest fully tailored Uttarakhand Holiday package to maximize your trip. Let European Travel curate a complaint-free, seamless, enriching experience of Valley of Flowers trek by expert planning and local know-how.
Plan wisely and prepare well to welcome the journey: The Valley of Flowers is not a destination; it is an experience waiting to be unfolded.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Valley of Flowers located?
The Valley of Flowers is found in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, at an altitude of around 3,500 meters (11,480 feet).
2. When exactly is it best to visit the Valley of Flowers?
The period of monsoon is generally held to be the best time when the valley is flooded with bountiful flowers, mid-July to early September.
3. How do I reach Valley of Flowers from Delhi?
The way to go from Delhi to Haridwar / Rishikesh, then Joshimath and Govind Ghat by road, then road to Ghangaria, and trek to the Valley of Flowers.
4. What is the airport nearest the Valley of Flowers?
Govind Ghat is located 290 km from Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun. The road continues from the airport.
5. From which railway station is the Valley of Flowers closest to?
Major railway stations in this vicinity are Haridwar and Rishikesh. Travelers then have to proceed by road to Govind Ghat.
6. For how long is the trek to the Valley of Flowers?
The trek from Govind Ghat to Ghangaria is 13 km uphill. Around 4 more kilometers from Ghangaria towards the Valley of Flowers.
7. How much is the Badrinath to Valley of Flowers distance?
Badrinath is about 25 km from Govind Ghat by road. From there, follow the trek to Ghangaria and then the Valley of Flowers.
