Introduction
The Valley of Flowers National Park is a blend of spiritual landmarks, alpine meadows, and high-altitude trekking destinations. This UNESCO World Heritage site attracts thousands of travellers due to its stunning natural beauty.
Many travellers visit the Valley of Flowers every year to witness the vibrant and blooming valley, but they don’t realise that there is much more just beyond the valley.
There are several breathtaking places to visit near Valley of Flowers that many travellers miss. These nearby sites include sacred temples, Himalayan villages, waterfalls, and scenic hill stations, which together complete the Valley of Flowers travel experience.
In this guide, I’m going to tell you about the best places to visit near Valley of Flowers trek and things to do, along with travel tips based on my personal experience in 2023. So let’s start.
Overview Of Places To Visit Near Valley Of Flowers
| Place | Distance | Best For |
| Hemkund Sahib | 10 km | Spiritual trek |
| Badrinath Temple | 35 km | Char Dham pilgrimage |
| Joshimath | 19.4 km | Stay & transit hub |
| Auli | 36 km | Meadows & ropeway |
| Mana Village | 38 km | Culture & mythology |
| Vasudhara Falls | 50 km | Waterfall trek |
| Pandukeshwar | 3 km | Ancient temples |
| Nanda Devi National Park | 12 km | Wildlife & biodiversity |
Places To Visit Near Valley of Flowers
Due to its location in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the valley serves as the gateway to many significant sites. From sacred spiritual sites to peaceful Himalayan villages, there are several places to visit near the Valley of Flowers. Let’s explore them in detail.
Hemkund Sahib: A Sacred Place To Visit Near Valley Of Flowers
Gurudwara at Hemkund Lake is a revered Sikh pilgrimage site dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, situated at an elevation of 4,329 meters (15,000 ft) above sea level.
Located approximately 6 km from Ghangaria village and 9-10 km from the Valley of Flowers, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It is accessible by a trek from the base camp at Ghangaria. Pony/palki are widely available for those who are unable to trek.
Badrinath Temple: Spiritual Destination Near Valley Of Flowers
Badrinath Yatra is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is roughly 25 km from Govindghat and 35 km from the Valley of Flowers. This ancient temple sits on the banks of the Alaknanda River, known for its great spiritual significance and natural beauty.
It offers excellent views of the Himalayas with the backdrop of the Neelkanth peak. The key features of the site include Tapt Kund, evening Aarti, and beautiful architecture. It is accessible by a short drive from Govindghat via Taxi or Jeep.
Joshimath: Nearest Town To Valley Of Flowers
The town is a spiritual and transit hub of the Garhwal Himalayas. It holds great significance, serves as the winter seat of Badrinath, and is also one of the four Mathas established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
Visit the Narsingh temple and the nearby Kalpvrikhsha, a mulberry tree believed to be over 1200 years old. The town sits on the route to the Valley of Flowers, around 19.4 km from Govindghat, and offers better accommodation options and stunning views of the peaks.
Auli: Hill Station Near Valley Of Flowers
It is the primary destination for skiing in India, located at a very short distance of around 36 km from Joshimath, about 30 km from Govindghat.
Auli Uttarakhand, is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, offering the majestic views of the Nanda Devi peaks even in summer.
It is accessible by a short drive from Govindghat. The site provides unique experiences, such as an Auli ropeway ride (one of the longest in Asia), which starts from Joshimath.
Mana Village: First Indian Village
It is the first Indian village, located 30 km away from Govindghat and 3 km from Badrinath. The village sits on the Indian-Tibetan Border, known for its picturesque beauty and unique Garhwali culture.
It holds great mythological significance, featuring ancient caves like Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa, and natural wonders like Bheem Pul and traditional stone horses.
Vasudhara Falls: Majestic Waterfall
Vashudhara Falls is a 400-foot majestic waterfall near Badrinath, Uttarakhand. Located at a distance of around 50 km from Govidghat, it is accessible via a 6 km strenuous trek from Mana village.
It holds great significance, as it is believed that the water only falls on those who have pure hearts and turn away from sinners.
Pandukeshwar: An Ancient Site
Pandukeshwar is a spiritually significant town, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, en route to the Valley of Flowers,3 km from Govindghat. Serves as the transit hub for Badrinath and is famous for an ancient temple, Yog Dhyan Badri Temple.
Deeply steeped in Hindu mythology, linked with the Mahabharat, and believed to be the town established by King Pandu (father of the five Pandav brothers).
Nanda Devi National Park
Another major attraction of the region is Nanda Devi National Park, located at a distance of around 12 km from the Valley of Flowers.
This site is known for its rare Himalayan wildlife, alpine forest, snow leopards, and rich biodiversity, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and eco-tourism enthusiasts.
Places To Visit In Valley Of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is accessible via Ghangaria, and there are so many places to visit in Valley of Flowers, from this central run within a short distance.
Laxman Temple
A small historic temple dedicated to Lord Laxman (the little brother of Lord Rama), located just to the right of the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara at a distance of around 10 km from the Valley of Flowers.
The site holds great significance, believed to be a place where Lord Laxman performed penance to recover from his injuries in the battle of Ramayana.
Pushpawati River Bridge
A scenic bridge over the Pushpawati River, which flows near the Valley of Flowers trek. Located 1.5 km away from Ghangaria.
It is a perfect photography spot, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and blooming flowers.
Laxman Waterfall
A picturesque waterfall located just a 30-minute walking distance from Ghangaria.
It is a majestic and powerful waterfall that sits just right at the forest checkpost, providing the first glimpse of the valley, featuring via some other scenic points like the Blue Poppy viewpoint.
Things To Do In Valley Of Flowers
- Trekking: One of the primary activities to do in the Valley of Flowers is trekking, trek through the alpine meadows. The trek itself is a perfect balance of stunning natural beauty and adventure. The trek offers the views of waterfalls, bridges, and stunning mountain backdrops.
- Nature Photography: For photographers, the Valley of Flowers is a paradise. You can capture the beauty of over 600 species of wildlife flowers, like Blue Poppy and Brahma Kamal.
- Flower Spotting: Valley of Flowers is widely known for its rare flora over 500 species of Himalayan Flowers. Explore the 87 sq valley and see the rare Brahma Kamal, Blue poppy, and Cobra Lily.
- Wildlife Exploration: Valley of Flowers is a biosphere reserve zone, where visitors may spot some endangered species, such as the Himalayan black bear, Red Fox, and Musk deer.
- Birdwatching: This national park is home to over 500 bird species, providing an opportunity for birdwatching.
- Extend your trip to nearby attractions: After exploring the valley, you can also visit nearby places like Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath Temple.
Suggested Travel Itinerary
Here is a 4-5-day suggested itinerary covering the nearby destinations to the Valley of Flowers.
Day 1: Reach Govidghat and trek to Ghangaria.
Day 2: Trek and explore the valley
Day 3: Back to Ghangaria and head to Hemkund Sahib
Day 4: Return to Govindghat and drive to Badrinath, and after the darshan, visit Mana village.
Day 5: You can extend your trip to Auli and Joshimath exploration if you have time.
Travel Tips
- Stay on a Path: Always walk on marked trails for safety concerns.
- Choose the best time: Select the best time to visit Valley of Flowers for a better experience.
- Do not pluck Flowers: Abide by the rules of the valley; visitors do not pluck the Flowers.
- Carry Raincoat: Carry proper rain gear if you visit during the monsoon season.
- Wear trekking shoes: To protect your feet from the rugged terrain, wear sturdy trekking shoes with good grip.
- Follow ecotourism rules: Avoid plastic, as the valley is an eco-sensitive zone. Carry all your waste along with you.
Final Note
Valley of Flowers is more than just a scenic destination; it’s about experiencing nature in its purest form. The best part is that it features multiple nearby places to visit in and around the valley.
From the spiritual peace of Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath temple to the cultural charm of Mana village and Joshimath, these sites offer a perfect mixture of nature and spirituality.
So when you plan a trip to the Valley of Flowers, don't miss exploring places to visit near the Valley of Flowers and things to do there, such as trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife exploration.
Faqs
1. How far is Hemkund Sahib from the Valley of Flowers?
Hemkund Sahib is around 10 km from the Valley of Flowers and 6 km from Ghangaria. The trek from Ghangaria usually takes 6-7 hours to complete. Both (Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib) are located in opposite directions with proximity to Ghangaria.
2. How far is Ghangaria from the Valley of Flowers?
From Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers is approximately 4 km, which is only reachable by trekking on foot, as ponies/palkis are restricted from here.
3. Which is the nearest town to Valley of Flowers?
Joshimath is the nearest town to the Valley of Flowers, which is located around a distance of around 22 km from Govindghat. It provides a wider range of accommodation options and other facilities such as a petrol pump and ATM.
4. Is the Valley of Flowers near Auli?
Yes, the Valley of Flowers is relatively near Auli, with a distance of around 45 km by road and a final stretch of 17 km trek. The road journey from Auli ends at Govindghat, and from there, there is further trekking to reach the site.
Related Guide |
