Route to the Valley of Flowers at a glance
From Ghangaria, the valley entrance is about 4 km further on foot.
Valley of Flowers by bus
Buses and shared taxis leave Rishikesh early in the morning for Joshimath and Badrinath. Get off at Govindghat, or stay in Joshimath and take a shared jeep down the next morning.
- Leave Rishikesh by 5 or 6 am.
- Landslides can stop traffic for hours in the monsoon.
Valley of Flowers by train
Take a train to Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun and continue by road. Arrive the evening before so you can leave at dawn.
- Haridwar has many more trains than Rishikesh.
Valley of Flowers by air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport. In season a helicopter flies from Govindghat to Ghangaria and saves the 10 km walk, weather permitting.
- Do not rely on the helicopter in heavy rain; be ready to walk.
Valley of Flowers by car or taxi
Drive or hire a taxi to Govindghat and park there. Shared jeeps run the last 4 km to Pulna, where the walking path starts.
- Avoid driving after dark on the Badrinath highway.
How to Reach the Valley of Flowers: FAQs
Where does the Valley of Flowers trek start?
At Pulna, about 4 km from Govindghat. You walk about 10 km to Ghangaria, then 4 km into the valley.
Are ponies available?
Yes, ponies and porters are available from Pulna to Ghangaria. Ponies are not allowed inside the valley.
