How to reach valley of flowers in Uttarakhand?

[Himanshu]

I am in the process of pre-planning my holiday with the family to Uttarakhand, in particular going to the valley of Flowers.

Some guidance on how to reach the Valley of flowers in Uttarakhand would be great.

Please mention of modes of transport, the final way of traveling would be decided upon how easy or quickest way to reach the destination.

 

[Admin]

The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is a lush alpine meadow with a variety of flowers, including more than 500 species of rhododendrons. The valley is also home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer.

The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is during the summer months, from June to September. During this time, the flowers are in bloom and the weather is mild. However, it is important to note that the valley can be crowded during this time of year.

There are a few different ways to reach the Valley of Flowers.

By air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 300 kilometers from the valley. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Govindghat, which is the starting point for the trek to the valley.

By train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is about 270 kilometers from the valley. From the station, you can take a taxi or bus to Govindghat.

By road: The valley is accessible by road from Govindghat, which is about 16 kilometers away. The road is well-maintained and can be traveled by car, bus, or taxi.

Once you reach Govindghat, you will need to trek for about 16 kilometers to reach the valley. The trek is relatively easy and can be completed in about 4-5 hours. However, it is important to note that the altitude of the valley is about 3,300 meters, so it is important to acclimatize to the altitude before you start the trek.

The Valley of Flowers is a beautiful and unique place that is well worth a visit. However, it is important to plan your trip carefully and to be aware of the altitude and the weather conditions.

 

[Prits]

Reaching the Valley of Flowers requires a combination of different modes of transportation, as there is no direct route from major cities. Here are the options to get you there:

1. Reach Joshimath by Air:

• The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (DED) is the closest airport to the Valley of Flowers, at a distance of roughly 292 km.
  
• From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Govindghat, the base camp for the Valley of Flowers trek.
• Several airlines operate flights to Dehradun from various cities in India, making it a convenient starting point.
  

2. Reach Rishikesh by Train:

• Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH) is the closest railway station, situated around 273 km from Govindghat.
  
  Rishikesh Railway Station
• Rishikesh is well-connected to major Indian cities via train networks.
• Upon reaching Rishikesh, you can take a taxi, bus, or shared jeep to Govindghat.

3. Reach Haridwar by Train or Bus:

• Haridwar Railway Station (HW) is another option, located approximately 290 km from Govindghat.
  
• From Haridwar, you can take a taxi, bus, or shared jeep to Govindghat.
• Haridwar is a major transportation hub, well-connected to various cities by trains and buses.
  

4. Road Journey:

• Govindghat is accessible by road from various places in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.
• You can hire a taxi, take a bus, or drive your own vehicle to Govindghat.

Reaching Govindghat:

Once you reach any of the aforementioned destinations, you'll need to travel to Govindghat, the starting point for the Valley of Flowers trek. Govindghat is around 17 km from Joshimath, accessible by shared jeeps, taxis, or private vehicles.

Final leg: Trekking to the Valley of Flowers:

The Valley of Flowers is a 16 km trek from Govindghat. While challenging, the route offers breathtaking scenery and a unique experience. You can either trek independently or hire a guide for assistance.

Choosing the easiest and quickest way:

• Flying to Dehradun and taking a taxi to Govindghat is generally the quickest option, although not necessarily the most budget-friendly.
• Taking a train to Rishikesh and then a taxi or bus to Govindghat might be a more economical alternative, but it will take longer.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences, budget, and time constraints. Consider factors like:

• Budget: Flights are generally the most expensive option, followed by taxis and then buses/shared jeeps.
• Time: Flying is the quickest option, while trains and buses can take longer.
• Comfort: Taxis offer the most comfort, followed by private vehicles and then buses/shared jeeps.

I hope this information helps you plan your trip to the Valley of Flowers! Remember, reaching this destination requires a multi-modal approach, so factor in travel time and connections when making your decisions.