Trip planning
How to Reach the Valley of Flowers

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Reaching the Valley of Flowers from Delhi takes 7 days and 6 nights for the whole trip, including four days of trekking. Here is how each stage works — from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun — with the advice we give our own guests.
The journey at a glance
| Stage | Distance | How |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Haridwar | 200 km | Train, Volvo bus or taxi (by air: fly to Dehradun and drive to Haridwar) |
| Haridwar → Govindghat (stay at Auli, Joshimath or Govindghat) | 300 km, 7–8 hours | By road only — hire a vehicle |
| Govindghat → Pulna | 4 km | Separate local vehicle — your own vehicle is not allowed |
| Pulna → Ghangaria | 10 km | Trek, pony, porter — or helicopter from Govindghat |
| Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers and back | 10–20 km, a full day | On foot (porters available; ponies not allowed) |
Step 1: Delhi to Haridwar (200 km)
You can reach Haridwar from Delhi by train, by bus or by taxi. If you are flying, fly to Dehradun airport and drive from there to Haridwar.
- Train: the best option. Trains run from New Delhi to Haridwar, but book well in advance. If you are coming from another part of India, try to book through to Haridwar.
- Bus: air-conditioned Volvo buses leave from the Anand Vihar Inter-State Bus Terminus in Delhi. If you do not mind a non-AC bus, there is one almost every ten minutes. The journey takes about 5–6 hours.
- Taxi: comfortable, but costly for a one-way trip because drivers charge for both ways. It makes sense if you are three or four people.
Reach Haridwar by evening: you need to leave early the next morning, no later than 5:30 am. If you do not have a train reservation, take the air-conditioned Volvo bus.

Step 2: Haridwar to Govindghat (300 km, 7–8 hours)
This day is by road only. You travel the whole day in the hills along the Alaknanda river, so if you are prone to travel sickness, take a tablet before you start.
Public transport is not good in this region, and you will be on the road for 7–8 hours, so you need a comfortable vehicle. Hire one vehicle from Haridwar for the whole trip — about six days. Being dropped and sending the vehicle back is not a good idea: on the way back it is difficult to find a taxi from Govindghat or Badrinath. The easiest way is to travel on an organised trip, or hire a taxi for the whole trip — we can arrange either.
You can stay the night at Auli, Joshimath or Govindghat; they are close to each other. Sleep early, and divide your luggage into two parts: leave behind whatever you will not need in Ghangaria.

Step 3: Govindghat to Ghangaria
Ghangaria is the common base for the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib — a small village with basic hotels. Electricity reached the village in 2012, so you can charge your camera batteries there.
From Govindghat a separate local vehicle takes you 4 km up to Pulna village — your own vehicle is not allowed on this road. From Pulna it is a moderate 10 km trek to Ghangaria. You have four ways to do it:

1. Trekking
Start as early as possible, and not later than 8 am. Have a good breakfast and carry little luggage, or hire a porter. If you hire a porter, stay with him all the way: you will need things like your umbrella, snacks or camera on the way, and never put valuables in the bag he carries. Do not hurry — you will only get more tired. Enjoy the beauty around you and keep taking photographs. You will reach Ghangaria by evening; stay in a hotel booked in advance (we can book one for you). Read more on our Govindghat to Ghangaria trek page.
2. By pony
A pony takes about four hours to Ghangaria and costs about ₹2,200 one way from Pulna (rates are set by the local Eco Development Committee and change). You could start as late as 9 am, but we recommend starting early, reaching Ghangaria by noon and entering the valley the same day to photograph the first kilometre at leisure — the small flowers near the entrance. That leaves the whole next day for the deeper parts of the valley. Entry to the valley closes at 2 pm, so be at the gate before then, and come out before 5 pm.



3. By porter
If you are a senior citizen, or cannot trek for any reason and the helicopter is not flying, you can hire a porter or a group of four porters to carry you. A single porter is recommended only for a light person, up to about 50 kg; a single porter can also carry a child. The pictures explain it better than words.


4. By helicopter
The helicopter is the fastest way from Govindghat to Ghangaria. It must be booked through Pawan Hans, and rates vary — about ₹8,000 return last season. But in July and August flights are very uncertain because of the weather, so you cannot plan around it. If you do get a seat, you save time and energy — but you miss the beauty of nature between Govindghat and Ghangaria. We do not recommend it: you have come here for nature, not for luxury.
Step 4: Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers
This is the most important day of the trip. Get up early, have breakfast by 6:30 am and be at the entry gate before it opens at 7 am. You must be back out by 5 pm, so be punctual and explore as much as you can. The day is 4–8 km of walking each way, depending on how deep into the valley you go. The entry permit is ₹200 per day for Indians and ₹800 per day for foreign nationals.
Ponies are not allowed in the valley, so you walk; for older people, children or anyone physically weak, porters are available.
After all the time and effort it takes to reach the Valley of Flowers, do not miss its real beauty. Even local guides are often not interested in taking visitors to the core of the valley, where it is most beautiful. We take our guests deep into the core area, provided you have the stamina and speed. This is our hobby turned into our profession — we love what we do.


Plan your trip
- Option 1 — two days in the Valley of Flowers: 7 days from Haridwar. Departs Saturday and Sunday.
- Option 2 — two days in the valley, plus Auli and Gorson Top: 8 days from Haridwar. Departs every Saturday.
Packages cost ₹38,000–48,000 per person, depending on the hotels you choose. For any question about the Valley of Flowers, call +91 99912 42759. See also: how difficult is the trek, minimum age to visit and the best time to visit.
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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Ramesh ·
What are necessary stuff to carry with and what is the best week to be there in September. How many days do we need starting after haridwar
Devkant Sangwan ·
Please check below mention link
What to Bring for the Valley of Flowers Trek -
Saraa ·
Would it be safe to travel to this area in late June? From 19-25 june
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi in the month of June you can see glaciers there.
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Bravo S. ·
Hi Folks,
I have my father aged 70 Yrs who would like to travel to Humkund Sahib. How can the same be planned on a heli ?
ThanksDevkant Sangwan ·
Hi,
Please consult the doctor. Please read Can Senior Citizens Visit the Valley of Flowers? page on our website. -
Shruti ·
Hi, We are a group of 6 people. Planning it for 24th-26th June. Can you please share the details.
We are okay with overnight journey from Delhi on 23rd.
ThanksDevkant Sangwan ·
Hi,
The trip can not be completed in four days. -
Manoj S. ·
Hi me and my friend will reach Delhi on 27th July 11 am....and have a to reach back to Delhi on 1st August by 2 am..can we do a trip of valley of flowers within this period.?
Devkant Sangwan ·
Not possible sir, you need at least 6 days ex Haridwar for valley of flowers trip.
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Simmy ·
Hi
Im coming to haridwar from delhi on 28 th june. I would like to visit valley of flowers. Out return is on 3rd from delhi. Please suggest an itineraryDevkant Sangwan ·
You have too less days, cant do the valley of flowers in four days. Call back on +91 99912 42759
Show 8 more questions
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Pallab G. ·
I want to visit valley of flowers by helicopter in September 2017. Can you tell me how buy the helitickets?
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Sir,
The helicopter shall fly from Govindghat to Ghangaria. You need to trek to Valley of Flowers as the ride will end at the base camp only.
Contact us for further help.
Thanks ! -
Subham D. ·
pls send me the entire details including cost for the month of october.thank you.
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Shubham
Would like to tell you that Valley of Flowers opens for a few initial days in October (that too not certainly).
The detailed plan has been sent you. You can plan to come anytime before it limiting back to June. Kindly check the plan and contact.
Thank you !! -
Pallavi ·
Can you please let me know the cost per person for the trek to Valley of Flowers for the date Aug 14th to 21st Aug
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi Pallavi 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. -
Deepak B. ·
I want to know about the road condition rishikesh to valley of flowers.
Can it will be right choice to visit in month of aug.
And it is possible rishikesh to Govindghat on same day due to Shortage of timeDevkant Sangwan ·
Hello Sir,
Definitely you can go from Rishikesh to Govidnghat on same day. August month will be good to visit Valley of Flowers as you will be able to see flowers at Valley of Flowers and at Hemkund Sahib as well.
To reach Valley of Flowers firstly you need to go from Haridwar to Govindghat and then there will only trekking between Govindghat and Valley of Flowers. Ghangaria is a base camp for Valley of Flowers. -
Malati ·
Hi, we are 7 to 8 people in a group planning to visit the valley of flowers in mid of July. I need your help in customizing my plan. Also, If you can help us with cabs and also hotels to stay.
Please let us know the availability of mule to Ghangria.
Regards
Malati
Kindly send detailed itineraryDevkant Sangwan ·
Hello Mam,
It'll be good if you can share your mobile number with us on [email protected] so that we can discuss it in detail. -
Valay B. ·
Hi,
We are a group of 15 people. Can we visit valley of flowers during 20th to 27th May ?
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi,
Valley of flowers will be opening on 1st June this year Sir, You can postpone it a little bit. -
Sudip M. ·
I would like to visit valley of flowers in 1ST wk of Nov. Is it possible to go on that time.
Rgds,
Sudip.
KolkataDevkant Sangwan ·
Hello Sir,
Valley of Flowers will be closed by that Time. -
Puneeth K. ·
Hi Devkant,
We are a group of 8 people from Delhi and are planning to visit the valley of flowers in the end of May, tentatively between 20th May - 31th May, 2015. It would be of great help if you could help me organize the trip right from travel, stay and most importantly the trek.
Regards,
Puneeth.Devkant Sangwan ·
Valley of Flowers will be officially opened by 1st June, 2015. You can plan your trip after that only. You can choose from our announced departures:-
Valley of Flowers Trek 2015
28th June - 4th July (Open)
5th July - 11th July (Open)
12th July - 18th July (Open)
19th July - 25th July (Open)
26th July - 1st Aug. (Open)
2nd Aug. - 8th Aug. (Open)
9th Aug. - 15th Aug. (Open)
16th Aug. - 22nd Aug. (Open)
23rd Aug. - 29th Aug. (Open)
30th Aug. - 5th Sept. (Open)
6th Sept. - 12th Sept. (Open)
13th Sept. - 19th Sept. (Open)
20th Sept. - 26th Sept. (Open)
What travellers say about trekking with us
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★★★★★
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) -
★★★★★
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 -
★★★★★
We were picked up from Haridwar by Mr Mukesh and taken by Tempo traveller. Due to landslides we were delayed by two days initially at Kodiyala and then near Chamoli, hence we went direct from Chamoli to Pulna via Gobindhghat. Mr Mukesh is an expert driver and helped us to reach Gobindhghat safely. From here we were transferred to a local transport to climb up to Pulna. Inspire…
Read the full review
We were picked up from Haridwar by Mr Mukesh and taken by Tempo traveller. Due to landslides we were delayed by two days initially at Kodiyala and then near Chamoli, hence we went direct from Chamoli to Pulna via Gobindhghat. Mr Mukesh is an expert driver and helped us to reach Gobindhghat safely. From here we were transferred to a local transport to climb up to Pulna. Inspire of these delays we forged great friendships on the way and I was entertained by the spirit of my companions especially the group from Surat. We had to trek or travel by pony to Ghangria. abhishek our guide joined us at Joshimath and helped us through our trip to Ghangria. Especially the odd straggler.
Rooms at the Swiss cottage Gangaria were good and bathrooms were hygienic and food was excellent .we really had diff foods in each meal. The staff of 4 Ashok Anuj and others were ever smiling and helpful.
Our tour guide Mr Abhishek helped us a lot ,took care of every member in the group .He is really helpful . He really helped anyone feeling unwell or tired.
Last but not the least hot water facility and leg massages after the trek was awesome. Subsequently I extended my stay and spent some great days trekking around Auli branch of Blue Poppy resorts. I will cover this in more detail in a separate review. Mr Devkant and Seema were especially friendly and treated us like guests in his own home.Uday K. · August 2021
Google review of Blue Poppy Swiss Cottage Camps, Ghangaria