Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers Distance, Route & Best Time to Visit 

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Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers Distance, Route & Best Time to Visit 

Planning a Himalayan flower trail? This detailed guide covers Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers distance, route options, travel time, buses, trekking details, and the best time to visit. Optimized for tourists queries, it answers all common traveler questions in one place.


Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers – Overview

The journey from Rishikesh to the Valley of Flowers National Park takes you deep into the Garhwal Himalayas and the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The final stretch involves a scenic trek, making this trip a perfect blend of road travel and adventure.


Who Discovered the Valley of Flowers?

The Valley of Flowers was first recorded in 1862 by Edmund Smythe.
Later in 1931, British mountaineers Frank Smythe and P.L. Holdsworth rediscovered the valley while returning from an expedition to Mount Kamet, bringing global attention to its botanical wonders.


Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers Distance

  • Rishikesh to Govindghat distance: ~273 km (by road)

  • Pulna Village to Valley of Flowers trek: ~14 km

  • Total journey: Road trip + moderate Himalayan trek

📌 Distance between Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers:
Approximately 273 km by road + 14 km trek


How to Reach Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand from Rishikesh

Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers by Road

Route (Most Popular):
Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Govindghat → Pulna Village

  • Roads are motorable up to Govindghat

  • From Govindghat, drive 4 km to Pulna Village

  • Start trekking from Pulna

Valley of Flowers in August, The first 15 days is the best
Valley of Flowers in August, The first 15 days is the best

Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers Bus

  • Bus from Rishikesh to Govindghat available (shared & state-run)

  • Overnight buses available during peak season

  • From Govindghat, local transport to Pulna + trek

🚌 Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers bus route:
Rishikesh → Joshimath / Govindghat → Pulna → Trek


How to Reach Valley of Flowers from Dehradun

  • Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport

  • Distance to Govindghat: ~292 km

  • Daily flights from Delhi

  • Taxi or bus available from airport to Govindghat


How to Reach Valley of Flowers – All Transport Options

By Train

  • Nearest railway station: Rishikesh

  • Well-connected to major Indian cities

  • From Rishikesh: bus or taxi to Govindghat

By Road

  • Govindghat connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Chamoli, Srinagar

  • Final road stop: Pulna Village

By Helicopter

  • Helicopter service: Govindghat → Ghangaria

  • Weather-dependent

  • Trek still required from Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers


Govindghat to Ghangaria Trek

  • Distance: ~10 km

  • Time: 6–7 hours

  • Difficulty: Moderate

The trail passes rivers, waterfalls, forests, and mountain villages. The last 3 km is steep but rewarding with panoramic views.

Suggested Read: Valley of Flowers India : 5 Days from Rishikesh
Govind Ghat Joshimath - A Doorway to Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib
Govind Ghat Joshimath – A Doorway to Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib

Ghangaria Village – Base Camp

Ghangaria Village is the base camp for:

  • Valley of Flowers trek

  • Hemkund Sahib

Facilities include:

  • Budget hotels & guesthouses

  • Small restaurants & shops

  • Forest permit counter

  • Local guides available


Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers Trek

  • Distance: ~3 km (one way)

  • Time: 2–3 hours

  • Trail: Birch & rhododendron forests opening into alpine meadows

You’ll spot Himalayan blue poppies, cobra lilies, bellflowers, and birds like the Himalayan monal.

⛔ Overnight stay inside the valley is not allowed – it’s a day trek only.


Where Is Valley of Flowers Located?

  • Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand location:
    Chamoli district, Uttarakhand

  • Altitude: 3,658 meters

  • Lower region near Govindghat is known as Bhyundar Valley


Best Time to Visit Valley of Flowers from Rishikesh

🌸 Best time: Mid-July to mid-August
Peak bloom: August (first 15 days)

  • June: Early blooms, fewer crowds

  • July: Lush greenery, moderate flowers

  • August: Full bloom (BEST)

  • September: Fading flowers, peaceful

Suggested Read: Govindghat to Badrinath: Tips and Travel Insights
Ghangaria Village - A Pleasing stop-off while trekking to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib
Ghangaria Village – A Pleasing stop-off while trekking to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib

Important Distances (Quick Reference)

  • Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers National Park distance: ~273 km + trek

  • Chamoli to Valley of Flowers distance: ~60 km (road + trek)

  • Valley of Flowers to Badrinath distance: ~45 km (via Govindghat)

  • Valley of Flowers National Park to Rishikesh distance: ~273 km


Valley of Flowers Trek – Final Notes

  • It is a day trek only

  • Stay overnight at Ghangaria

  • Carry rain gear, trekking shoes, and ID

  • Respect eco-rules: no plastic, no flower plucking


🌼 Final Thought

The journey from Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers is more than just a trek—it’s a passage into one of India’s most magical natural landscapes. If you plan it during August, you’ll witness the valley at its absolute best.

 

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About me

I am Om. I am a Travel Consultant and a licensed Tourist Guide ( Approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), I am living in Rishikesh. I set up this blog to share my tips and experiences for traveling to inspire and help you to travel Himalayas & Spiritual Places in India.

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