Trip planning
How Difficult Is the Valley of Flowers Trek?
Watch · Devkant on the trail, July 2025
सुबह जल्दी शुरू करें
Start early — no rush
“We started the Valley of Flowers early this morning, and the big plus: no rush, and we saw the flowers properly Stunning flowers here — and I'd say, if you like flowers even a little, this is a paradise of flowers. The weather…”
0:53 · Hindi with English captions · full screen
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Seniors: pony, palki, porter
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Altitude, oxygen & medicines
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Streams & birch-log bridges
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On this page
This is one of the questions we are asked most. The short answer: the Valley of Flowers trek is moderate to easy. The trail is well defined and well paved. It is steep in places, but on every day except the day you go into the valley itself you can hire a pony to make it easier. The trip needs four days of trekking from Govindghat.
I have personally seen, many times, elderly people trek the whole way while some young people in their thirties take ponies. Fitness and determination matter more than age.
Difficulty day by day
| Day | Route | Distance | Difficulty | Help available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pulna → Ghangaria | 10 km | Moderate; steep in the last 3 km | Pony, palanquin, helicopter (from Govindghat) |
| 2 | Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers | 6 km each way | Easy to moderate; steep for about half of the first 3.5 km, then almost flat | Palanquin or doli (no ponies) |
| 3 | Ghangaria → Hemkund Sahib | 6 km each way | Steep — about 1 km of altitude gain | Pony, porter |
| 4 | Ghangaria → Govindghat | 10 km + 4 km drive | Easy — all downhill | Pony, helicopter |
Day 1: Govindghat to Ghangaria
Distance: 10 km by trek. Helicopter and ponies are available to skip the trekking.
The trek used to start at Govindghat, 25 km before Badrinath. Govindghat is at 5,500 feet and Ghangaria at 10,200 feet. Now you can drive the first 4 km from Govindghat to Pulna village, so you climb about 3,700 feet over 10 km of trekking. The old trek was steep in its first 3 km — now a road — and it is still steep in the last 3 km before Ghangaria.
You can avoid this day's trek with a pony (about ₹2,200 one way from Pulna; rates are set by the EDC) or the helicopter. But the helicopter flies only in clear weather, and the best time to see the Valley of Flowers is the monsoon, so you cannot rely on it. You may or may not get a helicopter; you can always get a pony. For elderly people, palanquins are available too.
Day 2: Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers
Distance: 6 km each way by trek.
This is not a steep day. The official starting point of the valley is about 3.5 km from Ghangaria; in my opinion half of that is a steep climb and the rest is gentle. Once you reach the official starting point, the valley is almost level for the next 3–4 kilometres.
Ponies are not allowed into the valley, so there are none on this day. Palanquins and dolis are available, but you must buy entry tickets for the porters too. You can use them for the first three kilometres and walk after that, as it is almost flat. I recommend walking the whole way — from a doli or palanquin you will miss many of the flowers along the path.
Day 3: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib
Distance: 6 km each way. Ponies and porters are available.
This trek is quite steep: you gain almost 1 km of altitude in about 6 km. I recommend taking a pony at least for the way up — it saves both time and energy — and walking back down. A pony costs about ₹2,200 one way, or about ₹2,800 for the round trip.
If you travel with us, we trek on beyond Hemkund Sahib, where some rare flowers bloom that you will not find even in the Valley of Flowers.
Day 4: Ghangaria to Govindghat
This day is all downhill — Day 1 in reverse. If you want to save time you can take a pony or the helicopter.
So, how difficult is it?
Overall, the Valley of Flowers trek is moderate. Anyone in normal health who walks at their own pace can do it, and ponies, porters, palanquins and the helicopter make it possible even for those who cannot walk far. Read our day-by-day itinerary, and see whether the trek suits senior citizens and children.
Questions travellers asked us
Real questions from readers of this page over the years, answered by Devkant Sangwan. Each one shows its date. Roads, rules and arrangements may have changed since, so please ask us about your own dates.
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Sudip ·
We want to go valley of flowers trek but try to avoid raining. which time should be prefer for us.
Devkant Sangwan ·
You should visiit valley of flowers during end of August this year. Please see our Best Time to Visit the Valley of Flowers page for more information. Feel free to contact us on +91 99912 42759
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Ravi K. ·
The trek from Govindgarh to Ghangharia seems too long and that too steep. 14 KM is a long trek to cover in a day. I walk everyday at home for an hour and longer periods on weekends. But 14 KM appears too much. Please clarify the difficulty of the trek.
Devkant Sangwan ·
We will start from Govindghat and reach Pulna Village by road. Pulna is a small village 3 km from Govindghat. Earlier the trek used to start from Govindghat but now a new road has been constructed between Govindghat and Pulna. From Pulna the trek to Ghangaria is 10 km. You can easily get ponies from Govindghat to Ghangaria. Other option is to take Helicopter or Palanquin/porter. Helicopter will fly only when weather conditions are ok.
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Durgesh S. ·
Hi Dev
We are a group of 4 friends. We are planning to trek valley of flowers to hemkund sahib from 12th May to 15the may....
We don't have any other time slot ..so how is this gonna be possible....
ThanksDevkant Sangwan ·
Hi sir, The valley of flowers will be closed in May.
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Bhagyashree T. ·
What exactly does 'steep' mean with respect to Hemkund Sahib? Will we need to do actual mountaineering type of climbing? Is it recommended for beginners who have never trekked before?
Devkant Sangwan ·
It is a well defined trek. You don't need to climb the mountains.
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Shirish ·
Dear Sir,
I am planning to visit Valley of Flowers in Mid Aug. I can start from Haridwar (Dehradun actually) on 16th Aug and will have to return by 21st evening at dehradun. Please advise:
1. Is is possible to cover Valley of Flowers, HemKund & Badrinath between 16th to 21st Aug (to start and to get back Haridwar.)
2. If the above dates are fixed then what should be tour itinerary. What if instead of 1 day we want to visit valley of flowers for 2 days.?
3. Is it safe for women?
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Sir,
We are having one departure starting on 16th August, 2015 but in that departure you will be able to get back to Haridwar by 22nd August, 2015. If you want to come back up to 21st August evening then you need to take a local or separate transport.
Yes its possible to cover Valley of Flowers, HemKund & Badrinath between 16th to 21st Aug (to start and to get back Haridwar.).
Its totally safe for woman as you can find many solo woman travelers on the trek and even many other women in groups.Kishore ·
Hi
We are 4 men at the moment, may increase, planning to visit valley of flowers. Suitable dates 7th August departure.Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi Kishore Ji,
You have filled in details on our contact form. Hence you must have received a detailed mail regarding cost and other details. Please check and revert. -
Rodi ·
Hi,
I have booked for the valley of flowers trek. Unfortunately, I got a ligament tear in my ankle and doctor has told that it will take 5 weeks to heal.. It will be a total of 6 weeks by the time I come for the trek. Is it advisable to come for the trek? Is the difficulty level very high?Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Mam,
You should consult you doctor regarding this and the trek is moderate ones not the difficult ones.
Show 3 more questions
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A traveller ·
i have booked a trip to valley of flowers in August 7th, is there a chance to go badrinath from gangaria inbetween the trip kindly reply,thank u Devkant sir
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi...
You can go to Badrinath on the same day when you come back from Ghangaria to Govindhgat. You can go to Badrinath and Mana Village and come back to Govindghat same day. -
Gauri ·
Hi
I am going to auli with my husband & sun (6years)
From end of May till first week of June
Was thinking of going to valley of flowers
But seen ur pics of June I would still prefer but worried for son.will it be very cold for him & the other worry is the Hemkund Saheb yantra stars by then so will it be difficult to get the accomadationDevkant Sangwan ·
Hello Gauri Ji,
It would not be very cold by temperatures would be approx 10 to 15 degree Celsius at Ghangaria. You will see lot of glaciers and snow all around, especially at Hemkund Sahib. If you wish we can also arrange for your accommodation/ guide etc. You can call us at +91 99912 42759 for more details. Valley of flowers and Hemkund Sahib will open on 1st June this year. -
Gayathri ·
Hi,
I would like to know if there would be any fitness test before taking this trek?
Also , what are the charges for the 7 day trip? What is the last day to register for the trek starting on June 28th?Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Gayathri Ji,
A detailed mail has been sent to you. You can register as soon as possible. Seats are filling up quickly as valley will be opening after 2 years. Please consult your doctor before you come. The trek is mild to moderate one, even senior citizens can do it. It is dependent upon your mental stamina as well. Body will say no but your mind should say yes. :) You can call me also if you wish on +91 99912 42759
What travellers say about trekking with us
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★★★★★
I stayed in Blue Poppy Resort Auli Branch for about 8 days after trekking to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. I was travelling solo since a couple and a friend who were supposed to travel with me backed out at the last moment. I am 63 and a retired Wg Cdr from Indian Air Force. I had some apprehension of being a bit lonely during my trek and travel and was unaware of my…
Read the full review
I stayed in Blue Poppy Resort Auli Branch for about 8 days after trekking to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. I was travelling solo since a couple and a friend who were supposed to travel with me backed out at the last moment.
I am 63 and a retired Wg Cdr from Indian Air Force. I had some apprehension of being a bit lonely during my trek and travel and was unaware of my fitness level etc. All these turned out to be absolutely unfounded. I immediately made really great friends and the smiles and politeness shown by the youngsters who looked after the guests made the experience very pleasant. Devkant and Seema look after the guests like family. Devkant is huge in his knowledge of the flora and fauna… he is enthusiastic and protective about all environment….. he is an ideal guide who connects with all the participants and educates them. I learnt a lot from him and Seema.. I think they provide excellent hands on service in a clean and natural environment.
The accommodation and food were top class while requiring participants to refrain from wastage and leaving the area cleaner then before they came.
I did a few treks around Auli to Gordon Bugyal and could not go for the 3 day camping trip. Maybe next time when I bring my children and their families.
I had an extremely spiritual experience far away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.
There’s excellent mobile coverage and one can keep in touch with family at all times.
There’s excellent views of the majestic Himalayas all around and Nanda Devi is visible quite often.
Thanks Devkant and Seema. I learnt a lot and relaxed at the same time. Will see you again with family in the next few years when my granddaughter is a little older.
Keep up the good work!Uday K. · August 2021
Google review of Blue Poppy Resort, Auli -
★★★★★
Self and my wife Anjana stayed in Blue Poppy Resort for two days , i.e. 13 th & 14 th August. Before coming to Auli, we had trekked Valley of flowers and Hemkund Sahib. So, we were literally tired. But, the facilities and hospitality of this resort were best suiting to the breathtaking serene Natural beauty of Auli. Instantly, we got energized like kids even at our age of 60 &…
Read the full review
Self and my wife Anjana stayed in Blue Poppy Resort for two days , i.e. 13 th & 14 th August. Before coming to Auli, we had trekked Valley of flowers and Hemkund Sahib. So, we were literally tired. But, the facilities and hospitality of this resort were best suiting to the breathtaking serene Natural beauty of Auli. Instantly, we got energized like kids even at our age of 60 & 56 years. The owner, Mr. Devkant Sangwan himself welcomed us with his wide-open smiling face. The room was well-equipped with all the modern facilities and just facing towards full range of mountain peaks - Nanda Devi , Hati ghora, Palki, Ratnaban etc. Round the clock, Hospitality provided by all the staffs was simply excellent ! In fact, two days were very short period and we promised to ourselves to again visit this place and resort in near future.
Debesh H. · August 2021
Google review of Blue Poppy Resort, Auli -
★★★★★
Blue Poppy Holidays – Where Passionate Ownership Meets Professionalism Blue Poppy Holidays is where passionate ownership truly meets professionalism. Our experience was simply unimaginable and far beyond our expectations. The hospitality extended by the entire team, led personally by Mrs. Seema Sangwan, the owner herself, sets an exceptionally high standard. The property at…
Read the full review
Blue Poppy Holidays – Where Passionate Ownership Meets Professionalism
Blue Poppy Holidays is where passionate ownership truly meets professionalism.
Our experience was simply unimaginable and far beyond our expectations. The hospitality extended by the entire team, led personally by Mrs. Seema Sangwan, the owner herself, sets an exceptionally high standard.
The property at Joshimath is an absolute pristine beauty. The variety of plants and flowers nurtured there is so incredible that it almost feels like having a little Valley of Flowers within the property itself. Mr. Devkant Sangwan, the owner, takes genuine pride in his garden and personally showed us each and every plant during our visit. His passion and knowledge make the experience even more special.
And then comes the organic food — freshly prepared, delicious, and served with a smile every single time. The cooking is excellent, and the warmth with which everything is served makes you feel less like a guest and more like family. Special mention to Mr. Anuj - Manager & Ajay leading the team.
The staff behaviour is simply beyond excellent — courteous, caring, attentive and always ready to help.
Our experience at Ghangharia was equally wonderful. The tent accommodation was arguably the best one could expect at such an altitude, complemented by excellent service lead by Mr. Shankar and a wonderful team.
A special mention for our guide, Mr. Pramod, who was extremely caring and supportive throughout the trek. He took complete care of our 7-year-old throughout the journey, giving us immense confidence and peace of mind.
We had visited Blue Poppy Holidays almost 10 years ago, in 2016, and returning after such a long gap was an equally memorable experience. It is rare to find a place where the hospitality, people, property, food and attention to detail come together so beautifully.
We will definitely be visiting again — and if you are planning a trip to the Valley of Flowers with your family, we would blindly recommend Blue Poppy Holidays.
Your family deserves nothing less. ❤️
Thank you, Team Blue Poppy, for making our journey so beautiful, comfortable and memorable.
Vishal, Keshani & Arjun 🫶Vishal V. · August 2026
Google review of Blue Poppy Premier, Jyotirmath (Joshimath)