Valley of Flowers Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route

Detailed Route

Valley of Flowers Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps

Valley of Flowers Trek is a 6-day out-and-back from Govindghat, with the UNESCO valley floor fully open on Day 3.

Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.

Duration

6 Days

Total Distance

16 KM

Max Altitude

14,100 FT

Trek Type

linear

Altitude Profile

👆 Interactive Route: Tap map to explore segment insights

10,000 ft · Caution Zone14,000 ft · High Altitude ZoneD1D2D3D4D5D611,500 ft14,107 ft
TREK / CAMP
SUMMIT
PASS
Dashed = Vehicle Segment

Points show end-of-day camp altitude. Summit days show peak altitude reached.

Permits Required Before You Go

Permit Cost

600

Where to Get

National Park gate at Valley of Flowers entrance (Day 3). Paid per person per day of entry.

Documents

Aadhar Card or valid government ID

Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals pay ₹600 per day entry fee. Same documents required.

Foreigner Process

Permit issued at National Park gate; valid for 3 days.

Nearest Embassy Hub

Dehradun

Day by Day Breakdown

Day 1
11 Hrs
274 KM
drive
6,000 FT
Haridwar / RishikeshGovindghat

Drive: Haridwar / Rishikesh to Govindghat

Long drive along the Alaknanda river passing all five Prayags. Last ATM at Joshimath — withdraw cash here. Night halt at Govindghat. Acclimatisation day.

Key Landmarks

DevprayagRudraprayagKaranprayagChamoliJoshimathGovindghat
Day 2
6 Hrs
9 KM
mixed
10,200 FT
Pulna (4km from Govindghat)Ghangaria

Trek: Govindghat (Pulna) to Ghangaria

5km shared jeep ride from Govindghat to Pulna is the actual trek start. Continuous ascent alongside the roaring Pushpawati river. Well-marked trail with tea shops and snack stalls throughout. Ghangaria is the base for all explorations — Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib both accessible from here. Helicopter service available from Govindghat to Ghangaria at extra cost (weather dependent).

Key Landmarks

Pulna VillagePushpawati River TrailBhyundar ValleyGovind Dham GurudwaraGhangaria

Staying At

Ghangaria
Day 3
7 Hrs
12 KM
trek
10,200 FT
GhangariaGhangaria (return)

Day Trek: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and Return

Entry ticket required at National Park gate — collected per person. Trail begins gently then becomes steep after the iron bridge over Pushpawati river. Valley stretches 8km long — you do not need to walk the entire length. Peak bloom mid-July to mid-August: blue poppy, brahma kamal, primulas, orchids, balsam, cobra lily. No food or camping allowed inside the valley. Ponies NOT permitted inside — only porters. Return to Ghangaria for night.

Key Landmarks

National Park Entry GatePushpawati River Iron BridgeValley of Flowers 11,500ftWaterfalls at Valley Entrance

Staying At

Ghangaria
Day 4
8.5 Hrs
12 KM
trek
10,200 FT
GhangariaGhangaria (return)

Day Trek: Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and Return

Toughest day of the trek. Steep sustained climb from 10,200ft to 14,107ft. Start early — weather at Hemkund changes rapidly, clear mornings are common, afternoons often cloudy. Ponies and porters available on this day. Brahma Kamal flowers visible on approach. Glacial lake surrounded by seven peaks. Sikh pilgrimage site — free langar (community meal) available. Return to Ghangaria same evening.

Key Landmarks

Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara 14,107ftHemkund LakeLakshman TempleBrahma Kamal meadows

Staying At

Ghangaria
Day 5
5 Hrs
9 KM
mixed
6,150 FT
GhangariaJoshimath / Pipalkoti

Trek: Ghangaria to Pulna, Drive to Govindghat and then Joshimath / Pipalkoti

Descend the same trail back to Pulna. 4km shared jeep from Pulna to Govindghat. Drive to Joshimath or Pipalkoti for night halt. Some operators offer optional Badrinath visit from here.

Key Landmarks

PulnaGovindghatJoshimath
Day 6
10 Hrs
250 KM
drive
1,050 FT
Joshimath / PipalkotiHaridwar / Rishikesh

Drive: Joshimath / Pipalkoti to Haridwar / Rishikesh

Return drive. Reach Haridwar / Rishikesh by evening 6–7 PM. Book onward trains / buses after 8:30 PM to be safe.

Key Landmarks

ChamoliRudraprayagDevprayagRishikesh

Trek Extensions & Add-ons

Badrinath Pilgrimage

+1 Day

25km drive from Govindghat to the holy temple of Badrinath.

Day by day, camp by camp. Send this to your group so everyone's on the same page.

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Valley of Flowers Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route, Camps & Altitude | MountRoutes