A blue Himalayan flower with a bee in the Valley of Flowers, Chamoli (photo: Trek The Himalayas, Unsplash)

Valley of Flowers Itinerary: 6 Days from Rishikesh with Hemkund Sahib

The Valley of Flowers is a high Himalayan meadow in Chamoli that bursts into bloom in the monsoon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is reached from Govindghat via Ghangaria and is open from 1 June to 31 October.

Total6 days Rishikesh to Rishikesh
Walking days4
Add-onHemkund Sahib on day 4

Valley of Flowers in 6 days

Day 1

Rishikesh to Govindghat

Long drive of 10-11 hours along the Ganga and Alaknanda. Overnight in Govindghat or Joshimath.

Day 2

Govindghat to Ghangaria

Jeep to Pulna, then walk about 10 km to Ghangaria (≈ 3,050 m). Ponies and porters are available.

Day 3

Valley of Flowers

Enter at 7 am, walk about 4 km into the valley and explore. Visit Joan Legge's memorial if time allows. Back in Ghangaria by evening.

Day 4

Hemkund Sahib

A steep 6 km climb to the lake and gurudwara at about 4,300 m. Or use this day for a second visit to the valley.

Day 5

Ghangaria to Govindghat

Walk down to Pulna and drive to Govindghat. Optional evening at Badrinath, about 25 km away.

Day 6

Govindghat to Rishikesh

Drive back. In the monsoon, keep a spare day for landslides.

Valley of Flowers Itinerary: FAQs

Can I do the Valley of Flowers in 4 days?

Only if you skip Hemkund Sahib and have no road delays. Five to six days is safer.

Should I do Hemkund Sahib or a second valley visit?

If you are fit, do Hemkund. If you came for the flowers, a second valley day shows you much more.

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