Check before you go: driving times are typical estimates for mountain roads, not live traffic. Confirm road status, opening dates and bookings locally.
Day by day
- Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath. Long drive.
Driving: About 9-10 hours · Overnight: Joshimath - Day 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria. 13 km walk.
Driving: About 1 hour plus walk · Overnight: Ghangaria - Day 3: Valley of Flowers. Walk in and return.
Driving: Walk · Overnight: Ghangaria - Day 4: Hemkund Sahib. Steep climb and return.
Driving: Walk · Overnight: Ghangaria - Day 5: Ghangaria to Joshimath. Walk down and drive.
Driving: Walk plus 1 hour · Overnight: Joshimath - Day 6: Joshimath to Rishikesh. Long drive.
Driving: About 9-10 hours · Overnight: Rishikesh - Day 7: Buffer. Buffer day for landslides or rest.
Driving: None · Overnight: None
Is it comfortable or rushed?
Balanced. Balanced; the buffer day is important.
Seasonal alternatives
The valley is open only in season.
Budget
Use the budget estimator with real quotes. No prices are quoted on this page.
Route map
Straight lines between stops are schematic only, not the road route.