Introduction
Planning to travel from Badrinath Temple to the Valley of Flowers National Park? This journey is one of the most rewarding routes in Uttarakhand, combining spiritual darshan with a scenic Himalayan trek.
Located at a distance of around 40-42 km from Badrinath in the Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers is accessible via Govindghat and Ghangaria and is best visited between July and September when alpine flowers are in full bloom.
This guide explains the exact Badrinath to Valley of Flowers distance, route map, trek details, travel options, and practical tips based on on-ground travel experience of trekkers and pilgrims each season to help you plan a smooth Valley of Flowers from Badrinath Trip.
Overview Of The Badrinath To Valley Of Flowers Journey
The journey from Badrinath to Valley of Flowers trek is very scenic and rewarding, offering views of the Himalayan peaks.
- Distance: Approx. 42 km, including road travel and trek
- Travel Time: 1-2 hours road travel + 3-4 hours for trek
- Starting point of the journey: Badrinath temple
- Base for the journey: Govindghat (nearest motorhead)
- Base for trek village: Ghangaria
Badrinath To Valley Of Flowers Distance & Route Map
The journey from Badrinath to the Valley of Flowers can not be completed entirely by road journey; it requires a combination of a 25 km drive and a multi-stage trek of around 17 km.
| Route segment | Distance | Modes of Transport | Time Taken |
| Badrinath to Govindghat | 24 km by road | Car/Taxi | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Govindghat to Pulna | 4 km by road | Taxi/Shared Jeep | 20 minutes |
| Pulna to Ghangaria | 10 km by trek | Trek and Pony/Palki | 5-7 hours |
| Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers | 3-4 km by trek | Trek only | 2-3 hours |
How To Reach Valley Of Flowers From Badrinath
You can reach the Valley of Flowers from Badrinath by hiring a private taxi or shared jeep to Govindghat and then proceeding on a multi-stage trek journey. There is no direct motorable road into the valley itself.
Here is a step-by-step overview of how to reach Valley of Flowers from Badrinath:
Step 1: Badrinath to Govindghat (By Road travel)
The first leg of a journey is to travel by road from the Badrinath Temple to Govindghat.
- Distance: 24 km by road
- Travel Time: 1 hour to 1.5 hours
- Transport Option: Take a private taxi or shared vehicle.
- Road conditions: The journey follows the NH-7 route, which is a narrow and hilly route that demands careful driving.
Step 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria (14 km Trek Journey)
After reaching Govindghat, the confluence of the Alaknanda and the Lakshman Ganga rivers serves as the starting point for the trek. But initially, due to new road development, you can take a taxi to Pulna village to reduce the trek distance of 4 km. From Pulna, the trek continues towards Ghangaria, the main base village for the Valley of Flowers Trek.
- Trek Distance: 14 km from Govindghat (or 10 km from Pulna, if you take a taxi)
- Approx. Time: 6-8 hours
- Alternative Option: Helicopter and pony/palki service available for this section.
Note: Helicopter service is available from Govindghat to Ghangaria during the peak season (subject to weather conditions and government permissions). Booking is recommended, as flights are often delayed or cancelled due to rain or low visibility.
Step 3: Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers (final stretch)
Ghangaria is the main mandatory base camp for the trek, which provides accommodation for trekkers for an overnight stay.
- Trek Distance: 4 km one-way
- Time Taken: 2-3 hours
- Rules/Restrictions: Mules and palkis are strictly prohibited inside the valley.
Travel Note: You must obtain an entry permit at the forest department checkpoint in Ghangaria. Some charges may be applicable for an entry permit.
Note: Check out our blog on "How to reach Valley of Flowers: By Bus, Train, & Air Guide".
Travel Options For The Badrinath To Valley of Flowers Trip
By Car/Taxi + Trek (Most Popular)
Hiring a private taxi from Badrinath to Govindghat is the most comfortable and convenient option. From Govindghat, you must trek to Ghangaria and proceed to the Valley of Flowers.
- Approx. Fare range: A taxi from Badrinath to Govindghat costs around 1000 to 2000 per person.
By Local Bus + Pony/palki (most economical)
Frequent buses are available for the Badrinath to Govindghat route. You can take any bus from Govindghat that heads towards Joshimath, Haridwar, or Rishikesh. After heading to Govindghat, you can trek on foot or hire a pony/palki to avoid a long trek.
Things To Carry Checklist
Packing is the most crucial part of a trip to the Valley of Flowers to manage challenges such as unpredictable weather and high altitudes.
Must carry essentials for the Valley of Flowers are:
- Sturdy trekking shoes: Carry a comfortable trekking shoe to protect your feet from rugged terrain.
- Rain protection: Comfortable and strong rain gear for protection during heavy rainfall.
- Energy snacks: Pack light energy snacks, such as dry fruits and energy bars, to get instant energy on the trek.
- ID proof (for forest permit): Keep your ID along with you, as it may be required to get an entry permit at the forest checkpoint near Ghangaria.
- Basic medicines: Pack basic medicines for headache, cold, and fever to prevent altitude mountain sickness.
Note: For more details on this topic, read our blog on things to carry for the Valley of Flowers trek.
Can I Visit Valley Of Flowers During The Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, absolutely. You can visit the Valley of Flowers during the Char Dham Yatra. It is usually visited after visiting Badrinath, as both are located in the same district, Chamoli district. After darshan at Badrinath, you can take a taxi towards Govindghat, and from there is a multi-stage trek that leads you to the Valley of Flowers.
Combining a Char Dham Yatra with the Valley of Flowers significantly increases your trip from 9-10 days to 12-13 days, offering a perfect mix of spiritual aura and a Himalayan nature trek.
Key Tip: To combine both the Char Dham and Valley of Flowers trek, you must plan your trip carefully, as the opening times for both partially overlap.
Travel Tips For Badrinath To Valley of Flowers
- Start early: Start your journey early from Badrinath to avoid traffic and reach Govindghat by evening.
- Keep buffer time: Keep at least one extra day for any delay caused by landslides or any other season.
- Carry proper rain gear: High-quality rain gear is highly recommended to protect from downpours during the monsoon season (July-August).
- Connectivity: Network connectivity is very weak beyond Govindghat, so download trek route maps in your mobile phone and choose a SIM card that has a better network connection, like JIO or BSNL.
- Avoid Plastic: Valley of Flowers is an eco-sensitive zone, so avoid plastic bags or any plastic items.
- Book a stay in advance: Book your accommodation well in advance, especially in a peak season, to get better deals.
Conclusion
The journey from Badrinath to Valley of Flowers is short through road travel, but it is very scenic, offering a perfect blend of spiritual and stunning Himalayan experiences.
Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a nature lover, the journey provides an unforgettable experience. If you are planning a trip to Char Dham, then don’t forget to add this beautiful extension.
FAQs
1. How far is the Valley of Flowers from Badrinath?
The Valley of Flowers to Badrinath distance is approximately 40-42 km, involving road travel up to Govindghat, and from there, a 17 km trek that heads to the Valley of Flowers.
2. Is there a direct vehicle for the Valley of Flowers from Badrinath?
Yes, the vehicle, such as a taxi, car, or shared jeep, is available for the Badrinath to Valley of Flowers trip, but the vehicle will drop you off at Govindghat or Pulna village; from there, you must follow a trek journey to reach the Valley of Flowers.
3. Which Dham is near the Valley of Flowers?
The Badrinath Dham, one of the Char Dham, is near the Valley of Flowers. Located in the same district, Chamoli, at a distance of around 25 km by road and 17 km by trek.
4. Can I visit the Valley of Flowers trek directly from Badrinath?
Yes, technically, you can visit the Valley of Flowers in one day from Badrinath, but it could be very tiring. To complete the trek in one day, take a taxi from Badrinath to Govindghat in the early morning. From there, trek to Ghangaria, then the Valley of Flowers. Return to Ghangaria and Govindghat by evening.
