Introduction
Planning a Valley of Flowers trek in 2026? Worried about how to reach Valley of Flowers from Haridwar? This complete Haridwar to Valley of Flowers guide will help you understand travel routes, distances, and modes of transportation for a safe and comfortable trip. Valley of Flowers is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Uttarakhand. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its colourful alpine flowers and breathtaking views.
I have completed this beautiful trek multiple times, and if you are also planning it, then you should read this complete blog, including trek details, routes, and travel tips to ensure a smoother experience.
Why do many trekkers start from Haridwar?
Haridwar is one of the most convenient starting points for the Valley of Flowers, owing to its excellent connectivity to major Indian cities.
Travellers used to combine their Valley of Flowers journey with a visit to Badrinath, so starting from Haridwar makes their journey spiritually enriching and logistically convenient.
This Haridwar to Valley of Flowers guide is a milestone for all those who start their scenic and adventurous journey from Haridwar.
How To Reach Valley Of Flowers From Haridwar?
To reach the Valley of Flowers from Haridwar, travellers must complete a multi-stage journey that involves a road journey to Govindghat, the nearest roadhead, followed by a trek to the valley. The journey from Haridwar to Valley of Flowers takes around 4-5 days, depending on travel modes. The Valley of Flowers is approximately 300-320 km from Haridwar, which is covered in two distinct stages: a long road travel, followed by a mandatory trek.
Quick Overview:
Haridwar to Valley of Flowers Distance: Approx. 300 km by road + 17 km trek
Travel Duration: 4–6 days
Nearest Roadhead: Govindghat / Pulna
Trek Base Camp: Ghangaria
Best Route: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Joshimath → Govindghat
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Haridwar To Valley of Flowers Route (Road + Trek)
The common route from Haridwar to Valley of Flowers is —
Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Govindghat → Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers.
Scenic Stopovers: Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Joshimath, Govindghat
Road Conditions: The journey from Haridwar to Valley of Flowers follows the NH-7 route, which has mixed Himalayan road conditions and involves narrow and patchy sections requiring careful driving, especially in the rainy season.
Here is a stage-wise breakdown of the route:
Phase 1: Haridwar to Govindghat
Explanation: This phase is fully road trip and follows the NH-7 route passing through the five sacred river confluences, called Panch Prayag (Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag).
Phase 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria
Explanation: At Govindghat, your road journey ends and your trek journey starts. Ghangaria serves as the base for the trek.
Phase 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers
Explanation: The final 4 km stretch leads you into the Valley of Flowers National Park.
How To Reach Valley Of Flowers From Haridwar By Road
Valley of Flowers from Haridwar is approximately 300 km by road + 17 km trek, as you cannot reach the valley directly by motorable roads. The road journey ends at Govindghat or Pulna village. After that, you must trek to reach the valley.
Haridwar To Valley Of Flowers By Bus
Travelling from Haridwar to Valley of Flowers by bus is the most economical option to reach it, but you cannot reach the valley directly by bus, as there is no direct road connectivity to the valley itself.
Key Details:
- Distance: Approx. 300 km by road + 17 km trek
- Travel time: 10-12 hours
- Bus Availability: There are a few direct buses available from Haridwar ISBT to Govindghat.
- Bus Operators: Government operators, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, and private operators like GMOU (Garhwal Motors Owner Union).
- Bus fare: Generally, it ranges from ₹700 to ₹1,000 per person.
- Timing: The buses depart early in the morning between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Note: Price can vary by service providers and time of travel.
Onward Journey: After reaching Govinghat, take a 4 km scenic drive via shared taxi to Pulna village, which shortens the trek. From Pulna, you must trek to Ghangaria, the base camp, around 9 km. from there, proceeding to a further 4 km trek to the Valley of Flowers.
Other Road Travel Options From Haridwar
By taxi (comfortable & flexible option)
Traveling by taxi from Haridwar to the Valley of Flowers is a comfortable option; hire directly from the taxi stand. It is a flexible option, allows for the direct drop to Govindghat or Pulna.
Approx. Cost: ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 one-way, depending on service providers or vehicle type.
Haridwar to Valley of Flowers by car (self-drive)
If you want more scenic and adventurous experiences and love long drives, self-driving is another good option. But the journey by self-drive requires experience of hill driving.
Important considerations:
- Avoid Night driving
- Parking is available at Govindghat
- Mostly, roads are hilly, so drive carefully.
Trek Details: Govindghat To Valley Of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers trek from Govindghat is a transition from motorable hills to scenic trails. From here, trekkers must first reach Ghangaria, which serves as the base for both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
Govindghat to Valley of Flowers distance: approximately 17 km one-way.
Breakdown of journey from Govindghat to Ghangaria:
Stage 1: Govindghat to Ghangaria (13 km)
Shortcut: Take a shared taxi for a 4 km scenic drive to Pulna village to reduce the trek to 9 km. From there, you must trek to Ghangaria village.
Terrain: A well-paved path that follows the Pushpawati River. The first 6 km are gradual till Bhundar village, and then the last 3 km is steeper.
Duration: 5-7 hours of walking
Alternative option: Pony/palki and helicopter service is available for this section to bypass the trek.
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Stage 2: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers (last 4 km)
This is the most scenic and rewarding part that leads you to the entrance of the valley.
Distance: 4 km one way
Terrain: Gentle and moderate through dense forest and across the Pushpawati River bridges, which offer breathtaking views of alpine meadows, streams and waterfalls.
Duration: 4-6 hours climb
Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
Itinerary For Haridwar To Valley Of Flowers
Here is the most convenient and common itinerary for the Valley of Flowers.
Day 1: Haridwar to Govindghat
Overview: Start early from Haridwar and reach Govindghat by evening. Overnight stay in Joshimath.
Day 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria
Overview: A trek journey of around 13 km, which takes around 5-7 hours. Reach Ghangaria by evening and have an overnight stay at Ghangaria.
Day 3: Visit to Valley of Flowers
Overview: Start early from Ghangaria, then head on a final 4 km stretch to reach the valley. Explore the valley, capture the surrounding beauty, and return to Ghangaria by evening.
Day 4: Return to Haridwar
Overview: From Ghangaria drive back to Govindghat and then return to Haridwar.
Travel Tips For Haridwar To Valley Of Flowers
Start early: Start your journey every day, especially from Haridwar, to avoid city traffic.
Choose the best time to travel: Choosing the right time to visit the Valley of Flowers is highly important for a comfortable experience. Visit from June to September, when valley is open.
Keep your document ready: Keep personal ID proof, like an Aadhaar card, with you, as it is required to get a permit.
Keep buffer days: Add one extra day in your travel plan for weather delays.
Carry cash: ATMs are limited in this region, and online payment may not be possible due to poor network availability, so carry sufficient cash.
Stay hydrated: Hydration is important at higher altitudes, so drink plenty of water during the trek.
Final note
The journey from Haridwar to Valley of Flowers is a transition from spirituality to untouched Himalayan beauty. The scenic mountain roads, river confluences like Devprayag and Rudraprayag, peaceful trekking routes, and colorful alpine meadows make it the most rewarding travel experience.
Plan wisely, travel responsibly, and choose the right travel option and the right season to make a journey smooth and comfortable.
FAQs
1. How far is the Valley of Flowers from Haridwar?
The Valley of Flowers from Haridwar is approximately 300 km by road. From there, you must trek around 17 km on foot to reach the valley itself.
2. Can we go to the Valley of Flowers by car from Haridwar?
Yes, you can go to the Valley of Flowers from Haridwar by car, but only as far as Govindghat or Pulna. From here, your motorable journey ends, and you must trek on foot to reach the valley.
3. How many days are required for Haridwar to the Valley of Flowers?
The journey from Haridwar to Valley of Flowers takes around 5-6 days, including the road travel to Govindghat, trekking and exploration to valley.
4. Is Haridwar better than Rishikesh to start the Valley of Flowers trek?
Yes, Haridwar is better for long-distance travellers due to stronger rail connectivity and easy access to Joshimath and Govindghat.
5. Is the Haridwar to Valley of Flowers route safe during monsoon?
Yes, the route is generally safe from July to September, but landslides may occur. Keeping buffer days is recommended.
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