How To Reach Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering jaw-dropping views of meadows of unique flora and fauna, all in the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas. Govindghat acts as the final destination to reach the Valley of Flowers. All roadways lead to here. However, it is well connected via air, roadways and railway networks to other parts of the country in and around Uttarakhand. Jolly Grant Airport is the closest domestic airport to Govindghat and Rishikesh is the closest Railway Station. The hike from Govindghat to Ghangaria (base camp) is approximately 16 km but, following the flood in 2013, the trek path has been rerouted.

Read below to find out more about the best ways to reach the Valley of Flowers.

There is no direct flight connectivity to the Valley of Flowers. The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun some 158 km away. However, please note that the journey ends at Govindghat, followed by a 16 km trek on foot being the only way to get to the Valley of Flowers. Visitors can easily hire a cab or bus from the airport to get to Govindghat and back. Alternatively, there is also a helicopter service available between Govindghat and Ghangaria (base camp for the Valley of Flowers). This is one of the quickest ways to get to Govindghat.

The closest visitors can get to the Valley of Flowers by road is via Govindghat. This necessitates a 10 hour drive to Joshimath from Dehradun, followed by another hour-long drive to Govindghat. From Govindghat, visitors will be required to trek up to the Ghangaria base camp some 16 km away. Govindghat is well-connected by roadways to other major cities in and around Uttarakhand. Govindghat is located on NH 58, making it relatively easier to reach. This is one of the easier ways to reach Govindghat.

There are no direct trains to the Valley of Flowers. Rishikesh is the closest station, approximately 272 km away from Govindghat. Govindghat enjoys frequent bus routes and well connected railway networks and roadways to and from Rishikesh. Otherwise, visitors can also hire taxis and rent cars to head back and forth.

Visitors will have to get used to trekking on foot to get in and around the area. The closest visitors can get to Valley of Flowers is from Govindghat. From here tourits will be expected to trek 16 km to the base camp of Ghangaria. It is a slightly strenuous but rewarding journey. Hiring porters or ponies to carry luggage is an additional option for visitors looking to reduce the burden on themselves.