How to Reach Valley of Flowers Trek – Complete Guide to Reach, Route & Planning
The Valley of Flowers Trek – a picturesque alpine paradise in Uttarakhand – is one of India’s signature treks. Located in Chamoli district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts trekkers, photographers, nature lovers, and pilgrims from across the globe. Reaching this hidden gem from Delhi or Dehradun requires some planning, with multiple travel options available.
In this Valley of Flowers trek complete guide, we’ll break the journey into simple steps – by train, road, or air – to help you reach the Valley in the easiest way possible.
Where is the Valley of Flowers Located?
The Valley of Flowers sits at approximately 12,000 feet in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The closest point accessible by vehicle is Govindghat, about 300 km from Dehradun and 520 km from Delhi. The trek starts from Govindghat to Ghangaria (13–14 km), followed by a 3–4 km trek from Ghangaria to the Valley itself.
Reaching Valley of Flowers from Delhi
Option 1: By Flight (Fastest)
Fly from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) – ~1 hour. From Dehradun, take an airport taxi or bus via Joshimath to Govindghat.
- Distance: ~310 km
- Time: 10–11 hours by road to Govindghat
Tip: Book an early morning flight to avoid late-night travel in the hills.
Option 2: Train + Road Journey
Take a train from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh. Popular options include Shatabdi Express and Mussoorie Express.
From Haridwar/Rishikesh, take a shared cab, private taxi, or bus to Joshimath/Govindghat.
- Train Duration: 5–7 hours
- Road Journey: ~9–10 hours (270 km)
Tip: Reach Rishikesh by night and start your road journey early next morning.
Option 3: Full Road Trip from Delhi
Route: Delhi → Meerut → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Govindghat Total Distance: ~520 km | Driving Time: 12–14 hours (varies with weather & road conditions)
You can break the journey with a night halt at Rishikesh or Joshimath.
Reaching Valley of Flowers from Dehradun
Route: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Chamoli → Joshimath → Govindghat
- Distance: ~310 km
- Time: 10–11 hours by road
Public Transport Options
- Buses and shared jeeps leave from ISBT Dehradun to Joshimath in the morning
- Private taxis are also available for comfort and flexibility
Trek Details: Govindghat to Valley of Flowers
Day 1: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Govindghat
- Distance: 288 km
- Trail: Well-maintained roads, basic amenities and food stalls available
Day 2: Govindghat to Pulna & Pulna to Ghangaria
- Distance: 9 km (one way)
- Trail: Moderate difficulty with gradual ascent
- Forest check post registration required before entry
Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers
- Distance: 10 km (one way)
Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara
- Distance: 12 km (one way)
Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat
- Distance: 9 km (one way)
Day 6: Govindghat to Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Distance: 288 km
- Route: Tempo Traveller or private taxi
Where to Stay
Ghangaria is the last point with accommodation options:
- Budget hotels
- GMVN guest houses
- Basic homestays
- Camping inside the Valley of Flowers is not allowed
Best Time to Visit
- Season: Early June to early October
- Peak Bloom: Mid-July to August
Packing Tips
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- Raincoat/poncho (frequent rain expected)
- Light woollens and thermals
- Power bank & flashlight
- Essential medicines & glucose
Important Tips
- Start your journey early to avoid night driving in the hills
- Carry cash, as ATMs are rare in remote areas
- Mobile network may be weak/unavailable after Joshimath
- Keep 1–2 buffer days in your plan for weather delays
- Entry to the Valley is open from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM only
Conclusion
Reaching the Valley of Flowers Trek from Delhi or Dehradun may take some effort, but the reward is heavenly landscapes, fresh alpine air, and hundreds of rare flower species. Whether you are a solo traveler, spiritual seeker, or mountain lover, this trek is unforgettable.
Pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to step into a living painting of nature.
<br />
<b>Deprecated</b>: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in <b>/home/u293905930/domains/openresume.site/public_html/admin/edit_blog.php</b> on line <b>15</b><br />