Open only from May to September, the beautiful trek of the Valley of Flowers starts from Govindghat. Due to the long journey from Rishikesh, Dehradun or Haridwar to Govindghat, a lot of trekkers prefer to take a stop in Joshimath. Here’s some information about the route if you’re planning a trek starting from Joshimath to Valley of Flowers.
Joshimath to Valley of Flowers
Joshimath is a very small town, located at the meeting point of Dhauliganga and Alaknanda valleys. It’s set at a height of 6,200 feet. Whether you start the journey from Rishikesh, Dehradun or Haridwar, you’ll easily find taxis and buses to Joshimath. Most of these buses and taxis leave early morning and arrive in the evening. Please note that during the winter season, heavy snowfall cuts off the valley from the rest of the state.
Approximately 20 km before Govindghat, Joshimath is often considered to be the first of three basecamps for a trek to the Valley of Flowers. Taxis are available between Govindghat and Joshimath through the day. From Govindghat, it’s a 14 km trek to Ghangaria, the final basecamp of the valley.
It’s worth mentioning that Ghangaria also serves as the basecamp for Hemkund Sahib, which is a very popular religious site among the Sikh community. The last 4 km trek from Ghangaria is pretty steep. But the effort is worth the views of snow clad glaciers, waterfalls and lush landscape.
If you want to know more about the route from Joshimath to Valley of Flowers or consult with an expert, click here. We have a team of seasoned trekkers to plan the most amazing trekking experience.