Trek · Valley of Flowers & Hemkund, Garhwal
The trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria
A busy stone path of about 9–10 km up the Lakshman Ganga from Pulna to Ghangaria, shared with Sikh pilgrims, pony trains and porters. Waterfalls, dhabas every kilometre or two, and a steady climb of about 1,100 m.
Photo: Vinayaraj · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsGovindghat, on the Badrinath highway 22 km beyond Joshimath, is the start: there is a gurdwara with langar, parking and a cloakroom. Shared taxis carry you 4 km up to Pulna village, where the walking begins. The path follows the Lakshman Ganga up a forested gorge on a wide stone-paved trail, crossing the river on bridges and passing a string of tea stalls and dhabas.
It is a steady climb rather than a steep one, rising about 1,100 m to Ghangaria at 3,049 m. Walkers take 5–7 hours; ponies take less. In July and August waterfalls pour off the cliffs and the path can be muddy where ponies pass, so step to the hill side when animals come by. Sikh pilgrims, many from Punjab, walk in groups singing shabads, and the mood is cheerful.
Leave Govindghat by 7 am to arrive with daylight to spare. Carry rain gear, water and snacks; food is available along the way. If you hire a pony or porter, use the official counters and agree the rate first. Ghangaria has lodges, the GMVN rest house, a gurdwara and a forest office, and electricity that may cut out at night. Bring a torch and a power bank.
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Questions
Before you book
How long is the trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria?
About 13 km in all: 4 km by shared taxi from Govindghat to Pulna, then about 9–10 km on foot to Ghangaria. Walkers take 5–7 hours with breaks. The path is paved, busy and well supplied with tea stalls.
Is there a helicopter from Govindghat to Ghangaria?
Yes, a short helicopter shuttle operates in the pilgrim season in good weather, typically costing ₹3,000–4,500 one way (indicative). Seats are limited and flights stop in cloud or rain. Book through the authorised operator and check current status before you travel.
Can I leave luggage at Govindghat?
Yes. The gurdwara and some shops at Govindghat keep luggage for a small fee or donation. Take only what you need for three nights to Ghangaria: rain gear, warm layers, a torch, medicines and a change of clothes.