Connect with Us
May 30, 2025
Tucked away in the heart of the Indian Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers is a breathtaking paradise that feels like a scene straight out of a dream. With vibrant blooms carpeting the landscape, snow-capped peaks in the distance, and the gentle hum of nature all around, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for trekkers, nature lovers, and photographers alike. However, getting to this magical location involves a combination of road travel, picturesque hikes, and a dash of adventure. This is also considered one of the famous trekking places in India.
Adventure seekers and ardent travellers can enjoy an amazing hiking experience in Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers at North Chamoli. The journey offers a wonderful experience amidst snow-capped mountains, vividly colourful flowers, and verdant pastures. For the Valley of Flowers best time to visit is during the monsoon season, when wildflowers of all hues bloom, and trekkers from all over the world come to the valley. Some of these flowers are so rare that you will not see them growing like this anywhere else in the world. One of India's most popular hikes is the Valley of Flowers trek.
Considering a Vacation in the Valley of Flowers? Here are some guidelines for getting to the Valley of Flowers.
Visitors will be able to enter Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers National Park on June 1, 2025. The Valley of Flowers opening time is at 7.00 AM, and the last entry is allowed till 2.00 PM. You need to leave the valley by 5 PM. You should be at the entrance gate by 6.45 AM so you can take your ticket earlier and enter by 7.00 AM. The best time to visit Valley of Flowers is from mid-July until mid-August. A unique chance to see various types of alpine flora in full bloom is provided by this UNESCO World Heritage Site. During June, the Valley of Flowers temperature is between 2 °C and 11°C.
The region's environment can be unpredictable, so visitors should verify the recent weather and trail reports before visiting. A safe and pleasurable experience is ensured with proper planning. The Valley of Flowers is one of the best places to visit in July in India.
There are several ways available for how to reach Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. The trek's starting location, Govindghat, is usually reached by rail, aeroplane, bus, road, or helicopter. It is one of the famous offbeat places in Uttarakhand to visit this summer. Ghangaria, the valley's base, may be reached via helicopter or a 13-kilometre hike from Govindghat. Below are the detailed guidelines on how to go to Valley of Flowers:
The Valley of Flowers trek distance from Rishikesh train station is around 273 miles to Govindghat. Rishikesh has excellent train connections to other major Indian towns. Travellers can take buses or cabs from Rishikesh to Govindghat. About ten to eleven hours are needed to get from Rishikesh to Govindghat. The Valley of Flowers nearest railway station is Rishikesh.
Helicopter services operate between Govindghat and Ghangaria, covering the distance in approximately 8 minutes. The round-trip fare is around ?2895 per person. Bookings can be made through the official IRCTC portal: heliyatra.irctc.co.in. This service is especially useful for those unable to undertake the trek.
Regular buses are available from Delhi to Valley of Flowers. Buses and shared taxis run to Joshimath from Rishikesh and subsequently to Govindghat. It takes between 10 and 12 hours, depending on road conditions, to travel the 275 miles from Rishikesh to Govindghat.
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is roughly 292 kilometres from Govindghat, is the closest airport to the Valley of Flowers (one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand). Travellers can take buses or cabs from the airport to Govindghat, which is connected to Rishikesh and Joshimath.
Govindghat has excellent road access to Uttarakhand's largest cities. The about 275-kilometre journey from Rishikesh to Govindghat travels through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli, and Joshimath. The journey to the Valley of Flowers National Park typically takes 10–12 hours.
Major North Indian cities are the starting point for the road trip to the Valley of Flowers, which leads up to Govindghat, the last motorable point. A beautiful walk starts from there. Delhi is roughly 518 kilometres away, though the exact distance varies. Haridwar, Joshimath, and a hike to the valley are usually included in the itinerary.
|
Itinerary |
Distance |
How to Reach |
|
Delhi to Valley of Flowers |
518 km |
Drive or take a bus/train to Haridwar → travel to Joshimath → drive to Govindghat → 13 km trek to Ghangaria → 4 km trek to Valley of Flowers |
|
Ghaziabad to Valley of Flowers |
497 km |
Reach Haridwar via road/train → travel onward to Joshimath and then Govindghat → trek to Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers |
|
Noida to Valley of Flowers |
520 km |
Drive or take a train to Haridwar → reach Joshimath → continue to Govindghat by taxi → trek to Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers |
|
Gurgaon to Valley of Flowers |
552 km |
Travel via Delhi–Haridwar–Joshimath route → proceed to Govindghat by road → trek to Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers |
|
Meerut to Valley of Flowers |
452 km |
Take NH34 to Haridwar → proceed via road to Joshimath and then Govindghat → trek to Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers |
|
Chandigarh to Valley of Flowers |
493 km |
Drive to Haridwar via Ambala → continue to Joshimath and then Govindghat → trek 13 km to Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers |
|
Lucknow to Valley of Flowers |
683 km |
Travel via NH30 to Haridwar → continue road trip to Joshimath and Govindghat → trek to Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers |
|
Shimla to Valley of Flowers |
554 km |
Drive to Haridwar via Dehradun → head to Joshimath and Govindghat → trek to Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers |
|
Jaipur to Valley of Flowers |
791 km |
Travel via the Delhi–Haridwar route → continue to Joshimath and Govindghat → begin the trek to Ghangaria → reach the Valley of Flowers |
The Delhi to Valley of Flowers distance is around 518 Km. Travellers from Delhi can reach the Valley of Flowers by road or a combination of train and road. The journey typically involves reaching Rishikesh or Haridwar by train or bus, followed by a road trip to Govindghat, the base point for the trek to the valley. Below is a brief guide on how to reach Valley of Flowers from Delhi.
Detailed route:
Rishikesh serves as a key transit point for travellers heading to the Valley of Flowers. From here, one can embark on a road journey to Govindghat, passing through scenic locales and religious sites, making the trip both spiritual and adventurous.
Detailed Route:
By Road: Hire a taxi or take a bus from Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers (approximately 10–11 hours).
Govindghat is the last motorable point before the trek to the Valley of Flowers begins. From here, travellers can either trek to Ghangaria, the base camp for the valley or opt for a helicopter ride, depending on their preference and physical ability.
Detailed Route:
Dehradun to Valley of Flowers is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it a convenient starting point for the journey. Travellers can reach Govindghat via Rishikesh, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Himalayan foothills along the way.
Detailed Route:
Badrinath, a prominent pilgrimage site, is located close to the Valley of Flowers. Travellers can journey from Badrinath to Govindghat by road and then proceed to the valley. The journey from Badrinath to Valley of Flowers combines spiritual exploration with natural beauty.
Detailed Route:
Joshimath serves as a hub for various treks in Uttarakhand, including the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Travellers can reach Govindghat from Joshimath by road and then commence their trek to the valley, experiencing the rich cultural and natural tapestry of the region.
Detailed Route:
Haridwar, a significant spiritual centre, ranks amongst the most popular places to visit in summer in India with family. This place is a common starting point for journeys to the Valley of Flowers. Travellers can proceed from Haridwar to Govindghat by road, traversing through picturesque landscapes and sacred towns, enriching their travel experience.
It is one of the best places to visit in India with family for people who want to spend quality time with their loved ones.
Detailed Route:
By Road: Drive from Haridwar to Govindghat via Rishikesh (approximately 10–12 hours).
Auli, known for its ski resorts and panoramic views, is in proximity to the Valley of Flowers. Travellers can journey from Auli to Govindghat via Joshimath and then proceed to the valley, combining adventure sports with nature exploration. The Auli to Valley of Flowers distance is 56 Km.
Detailed Route:
Travellers from Hyderabad can reach the Valley of Flowers by combining air and road travel. Flying to Dehradun and then proceeding by road to Govindghat offers a convenient route, allowing visitors to experience the diverse terrains of India en route to the valley.
Planning ahead and determining the time of travel is an important aspect. Since most travellers from Hyderabad choose June as the preferred location, the Valley of Flowers can definitely be considered one of the best places to visit in June in India.
Detailed Route:
Nainital, one of the best places to visit in North India serves as a serene starting point for the journey to the Valley of Flowers. Travellers can drive to Govindghat, passing through various towns and experiencing the changing landscapes before commencing their trek to the valley.
Detailed Route:
If you include the Valley of Flowers in your Uttarakhand tour packages, then reaching there involves a blend of road travel and trekking. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, the journey is as rewarding as the destination itself. Below are the key steps to reach this enchanting valley in 2025:
Your journey to the Valley of Flowers begins with reaching either Haridwar or Dehradun. These two cities serve as the primary gateways to the region and are well-connected by air, rail, and road.
Most tourists prefer to stay overnight in Haridwar or Rishikesh before continuing the mountain journey.
From Haridwar or Dehradun, the next step is to travel to Joshimath, a picturesque hill town and a popular base for Himalayan treks, including the Valley of Flowers.
In order to prevent landslides or roadblocks during the monsoon, early morning departures are recommended due to the winding and steep road conditions.
Govindghat is the last motorable village before the trek to the Valley of Flowers begins. It lies about 22 km from Joshimath and takes roughly 1 hour to reach by car or taxi.
You can also book a helicopter ride from Govindghat to Ghangaria, the base camp for the Valley of Flowers, if you want to avoid trekking.
From Govindghat, the real adventure begins with a 13 km trek to Ghangaria - the base camp for both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, among the best places to visit during monsoon in India.
Ghangaria has ample guesthouses, lodges, and restaurants catering to trekkers. It is also where you will need to register for entry into the Valley of Flowers National Park.
From Ghangaria, the Valley of Flowers is a 4 km trek, leading you into a heavenly stretch of alpine flora spread over 87 square kilometres.
A trek to the Valley of Flowers in June ranks amongst the most picturesque and fulfilling experiences in India. However, being prepared is key to making the most of your journey. Here are essential tips covering everything from trek difficulty to permits and acclimatisation:
The Valley of Flowers trek is rated as easy to moderate, making it suitable even for first-time trekkers. The initial 13 km trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria involves gradual ascents and rocky paths. From Ghangaria to the Valley, the 4 km trail is relatively easier but can be slippery, especially during monsoon. Carrying a walking stick, staying hydrated, and taking short breaks help to prevent fatigue. It's not as high as Hemkund Sahib, but the 3,600-meter (11,800-foot) height can still be difficult for anyone who has trouble breathing or has poor endurance.
A permit is mandatory to enter the Valley of Flowers National Park. You can either obtain it online through the official Uttarakhand Forest Department website or at the entry gate in Ghangaria.
Rs 150 for Indians and Rs 600 for foreigners (valid for 3 days).
Carry a government-issued ID (e.g., Aadhaar card, passport).
The park opens from the 1st of June, and entry is only allowed between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
You will find no accommodation inside the Valley of Flowers itself, as overnight stays are not allowed. The nearest place to stay is Ghangaria, a small settlement offering affordable lodges, guesthouses, and a few hotels. Basic rooms, hot water, and meals are available. It is advisable to book in advance during peak season (July–August). Those trekking further to Hemkund Sahib can also find gurudwara accommodations.
Acclimatisation is crucial because, although the trek is not too high, it does climb above 10,000 feet. You can give your body time to acclimatise by staying overnight in Joshimath or Ghangaria prior to starting the journey. Do not drink too much alcohol, be hydrated, and do not exert yourself too much on the first day. Prior to the walk, anyone with heart issues or asthma should speak with a physician.
The ideal time to visit is from mid-July to mid-August, when the valley is in full bloom with hundreds of flower species like blue poppies, cobra lilies, and daisies. While the valley opens in June, early months may still have melting snow. By September, the flowers begin to wilt, though the landscapes remain beautiful. Avoid visiting during heavy rains in late August, as landslides are common.
Trip Planners India makes your dream journey to the Valley of Flowers smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable. From customised itineraries and hotel bookings to transport and trekking assistance, we handle it all so you can focus on the adventure. Whether you are a solo traveller or a group, our expert planning, local partnerships, and 24/7 support ensure you travel safely and comfortably.
Beyond the Valley of Flowers, we also offer various curated tour packages in India. Let us turn your travel goals into lasting memories-because every great trip begins with the right planner!
