Discovering the Valley of Flowers, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, is a breathtaking experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Nestled in the Himalayas, this vibrant valley is a national park that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including some endangered species. In this article, we will explore how to reach the Valley of Flowers, in Uttarakhand, and what to expect when you arrive.
Getting to the Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand can be a challenging but rewarding journey. The valley is accessible only during the summer months, from June to October, as heavy snowfall during the winter months makes it difficult to reach. Already, valley of flowers is one of the difficult treks. There are two main ways to reach the valley: by road or by trekking.
The easiest way to reach the valley of flowers is from Joshimath. You have to complete a 17 km trek from Joshimath to reach the Valley of flowers.
Route to Valley of Flowers
The valley is approachable from Govindghat Chamoli. There are 2 different routes to reach Govindghat.
Route 1
Delhi – Rishikesh – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Joshimath – Govindghat(Approx distance of the route is 270 Km(via Haridwar – Badrinath highway)
Route 2
Delhi – Haldwani – Ranikhet – Karanprayag – Joshimath – Govindghat(Approx distance via route 2 is 332 Km)
After crossing the Alaknanda river valley at Govindghat, an ascending bridle path along Bhyundar Ganga leads to Ghangaria which is 13 Kms away from Govindghat, and the valley of flowers is 3 km away from there.
Journey to Valley of flowers
Delhi is a good base to reach the Garhwal hills. The rest of the journey is best undertaken by road. There are buses and taxis from Delhi to Dehradun or Rishikesh.
By Road
The nearest town to the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is Govindghat, which is well-connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand. From Govindghat, you can take a shared taxi or hire a private car to reach the village of Pulna. From Pulna, the trek to the valley begins. The trek is 14 kilometers long and takes around 4–6 hours to complete.
By Trekking
The trek to the Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand is one of the most rewarding experiences for adventure seekers. The trek starts from Govindghat and passes through the village of Ghangaria, which is the base camp for trekkers. The trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria is 9.5 kilometers long and takes around 4–5 hours to complete. From Ghangaria, the trek to the valley is 3 kilometers long and takes around 2–3 hours to complete.
Travel tips for Valley of flowers
When planning your trip to the Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand, it is important to keep in mind the altitude and the weather. The valley is situated at an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level, and the weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and rainfall. It is advisable to carry warm clothing and rain gear, as well as sturdy trekking shoes.
Once you reach the valley, you will be awed by the stunning natural beauty of the place. The Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its rare and exotic species of flowers, including the Himalayan blue poppy, Himalayan bellflower, Himalayan cobra lily, and Himalayan corydalis, among others. The valley is also home to a variety of fauna, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, and blue sheep.
Location of Valley of flowers – Bhyundar Bugyal near Joshimath, Uttarakhand.
Best time to visit the Valley of Flowers – The best time to visit the Valley of flowers is from August to October.
By Air – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport to the valley of flowers, which is 315 Km from the Valley of flowers.
By Rail – Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railway station, 285 Km away from the valley of flowers.
By Road – Govindghat is the nearest bus stand from where you can get vehicles and is 18 Km away from Valley of the flower.
Places to visit nearby Valley of Flowers
Hemkund Sahib
On the way to Valley of Flowers, there are some other major tourist attractions. Shri Hemkund Sahib, situated at an altitude of 4,329 m above sea level, is one of the most important religious sites for Hindus as well as Sikhs.
Popularly known as Snow Lake, Hemkund Sahib is surrounded by some snow covered mountain ranges, which are together known as Hemkund Parvat. In addition, tourists visiting this lake can also explore Gurudwara, Hemkund Sahib and a temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
Nanda Devi National Park Uttarakhand
Apart from these, tourists can also explore the two national parks, which have been recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park are the two national parks. Both these national parks are known for their natural beauty and also serve as home to several endangered species of animals like Brown Bear and Blue Sheep.