The Valley of Flowers is a protected alpine valley in Chamoli district, between roughly 3,350 and 3,650 metres, and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers about 87 square kilometres and holds hundreds of plant species, which flower in a rush once the monsoon arrives and the snow has gone. A group of British mountaineers, including Frank Smythe, came across it in 1931 after a Kamet expedition, and it became a national park in 1982.
There is no road into the valley. Most visitors drive to Govindghat, take a short ride to Pulna, and walk the paved path along the Lakshman Ganga to Ghangaria, the last village, at about 3,050 metres. From Ghangaria the valley is a day walk, and so is Hemkund Sahib, the gurdwara beside a glacial lake that draws large numbers of Sikh pilgrims each season. Many people do both, on separate days, with a rest between.
This is a small destination with a tight timetable. The park is generally open from about June to October, entry is allowed only in the morning hours and everyone must be out by evening, and overnight stays inside are prohibited. Mid-July to mid-August is usually peak bloom, but it is also peak rain, so the practical question is how much weather and altitude you are prepared to live with.
For older travellers it is demanding but not impossible. The trail is paved, ponies and a seasonal helicopter reduce the climb, and langar and basic lodges are available along the way. Allow extra days for acclimatisation at Joshimath or Govindghat, keep the first day at Ghangaria slow, and be prepared to turn back.
Before you plan
Valley of Flowers at a glance
- Best months
- Mid-July to mid-August for peak bloomMid-July to mid-August for peak bloom; the park is generally open from about June to October and snowbound otherwise. June is early, September quieter and fading.
- Ideal trip length
- 4 to 5 days from Rishikesh or…4 to 5 days from Rishikesh or Haridwar: two for the road, two or three at Ghangaria for the valley and Hemkund Sahib
- Airport
- Jolly Grant Airport, DehradunJolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED), the nearest major airport; the road to Govindghat takes a long day, roughly 10 to 12 hours depending on conditions
- Railway station
- RishikeshRishikesh (Yog Nagri Rishikesh) and Haridwar Junction (HW) are the usual railheads, about 275 km from Govindghat by road
- Getting around
- Private car or shared taxi to GovindghatPrivate car or shared taxi to Govindghat, a short ride to Pulna, then walk, pony or palanquin to Ghangaria; a seasonal helicopter runs Govindghat to Ghangaria
- Daily budget
- Varies widely: lodges at Ghangaria…Varies widely: lodges at Ghangaria are basic, ponies and helicopters are priced by operators, and permit fees are small; confirm costs locally
- Senior comfort
- Demanding: long paved climbDemanding: long paved climb, thin air, cold nights and basic rooms; possible with slow pacing, a pony or helicopter, and medical advice
- Language
- Hindi and Garhwali locallyHindi and Garhwali locally; a Bhotia dialect in the high villages; English understood at the permit counter and some lodges
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Valley of Flowers: July, August. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Valley of Flowers itinerary
One good day
1 day in Valley of Flowers
Only realistic if you are already sleeping at Ghangaria. Collect your permit, set off early with rain cover and a packed lunch, cross the Pushpawati bridge and walk up into the meadows at your own pace. Turn back when your energy or the weather decides, and leave the park before the evening cut-off. Rest at Ghangaria in the afternoon.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Valley of Flowers
Take a shared taxi from Govindghat to Pulna and walk the paved path along the Lakshman Ganga to Ghangaria, using a pony or the helicopter if needed. Check in, drink water, eat lightly and rest. Collect the permit in the evening if the counter is open.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Valley of Flowers
Walk or ride up from Pulna to Ghangaria. Settle in, rest and keep the afternoon free for acclimatisation.
Day-by-day plan →
