Uttarakhand is the doorway to the matchless beauty in North India. Every corner you explore, every attraction you take over, a beautiful feeling will follow you. Talking about one such breathtaking place that spends its days waiting for that perfect time to bloom is the Valley of Flowers. Spreading its charm over an expanse of 87 km, it is a high-altitude Himalayan valley that is tucked in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It also holds a mention in the Hindu Mythology, according to which when Hanuman was called upon to fetch the Sanjeevani Buti (an herb), he came upon here.
Charming meadows and endemic alpine flowers showcase outstanding natural beauty. Around 520 species of flowering plants bloom in this botanical garden smiling along the Pushpawati River. And that's not all, this botanical garden is also a loving shelter for some endangered species, namely snow leopard, blue sheep, brown bear, and Asiatic black bear.
History of Valley of Flowers Trek
It was unknown for several years due to its placement in the Western Himalayas. Then, in 1931, mountaineers Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth were heading back from their expedition to Mt. Kamet when they lost the way and landed in the valley. Intrigued by the beauty, the Mountaineers eventually named it 'Valley of Flowers.
'By the year 1982, this tourist attraction was declared a national park. In 2004, Valley of Flowers National Park was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The following year, the region was expanded to include Valley of Flowers National Park and a larger buffer zone. It was then given the name Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks.
Why Should You Visit Valley of Flower?
The soothing aura of the Himalayan flowers in this national park pulls many mountaineers and botanists all year round. The valley remains covered in snow half the year and opens up on the 1st of June and closes on the 4th of October every as the winters set in and it is the time of fresh snowfall.
However, the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is after the first monsoon rain, i.e., mid-July to mid-August. The landscape is refreshed at this time and contrasts the rugged mountains of Nanda Devi National Park. The months after experiencing snowfall, the region gets covered with snow layers.
How to Reach Valley of Flowers
When it comes to planning a Valley of Flowers tour, travelers' only option is to opt for trekking. Dehradun Airport and Rishikesh Railway Station are the easiest way to commute. From there onwards, travelers have to reach Joshimath from Dehradun, approximately 12 hours drive and an additional one-hour drive to Govindghat.
From here on, the trek to the Valley of Flowers begins. For the same, enthusiasts have to cover 13 km from Govindghat to Ghangaria to reach the base point. For travelers' convenience, cabs from Govindghat to Pulna/Poolna are made available to cover another 4 km. Upon reaching the base, just a distance of 3.7 km is to be trekked.
One of the popular places to visit near the Valley of Flowers is Shri Hemkund Sahib. An important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Sikhs, the shrines are nestled adjacent to a glacial lake surrounded by seven peaks with the holy Nishan Sahib (a sacred symbol) on each cliff. For more information, check out the below Valley of Flower Travel Guide. Read More...
Best Time to Visit Valley of Flowers
Though the Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand remains covered with snow the majority of the year, it remains open only from June until October. However, the best time to visit is from mid-July to mid-August. During this time, the flowers are in full bloom and present a sight to behold. Read More...
Valley of Flower Opening Timing
Opening Timings to visit Valley of Flowers is from 8:00 am 5:00 pm.
Valley of Flowers Entry fees
Entry fees of Valley of Flowers national park are INR 150 (For Indians). However, for foreigners, it is Rs. 600, i.e., around $10.
Valley of Flowers Trekking Package
Day 1: Haridwar – Govindghat
On your arrival at Haridwar, meet our tour representative and get transferred to Govindghat. Overnight stay at Govindgaht.
Day 2: Govindghat – Ghangaria (13 km / 7 hours)
Today, from Govindghat, you indulge in a 13 km trek to Ghangria, which takes 7 hours to complete. A night stay is scheduled at Ghangria.
Day 3: Ghangria - Valley of flowers – Ghangaria
On the third day of your Valley of Flowers trek tour, continue your trek from Ghangria to the Valley of Flowers. Enjoy the charming scenic beauty and serenity of the place. Now trek back to Ghangria. Overnight stay at Ghangria.
Day 4: Ghangaria – Hemkund – Ghangria
Today, from Ghangria, you trek to the holy site of Hemkund. Offer sincere prayers and get the blessings of the almighty. Then, done with darshans and poojas, trek back to Ghangria. Homestay at Ghangria.
Day 5: Ghangria – Govindghat
On the fifth day, continue your return trek from Ghangria to Govindghat. Night stay at Govindghat. You may also opt to visit Badrinath (two and a half hours drive from Govindghat), Joshimath, or Auli (2 hours drive from Govindghat).
Day 6: Haridwar – Delhi Railway Station
On the sixth and last day, from Govindghat straight away, drive to Haridwar. On reaching Haridwar, take the night train to Delhi for your onward journey.
Apart from this, we have an extensive list of Valley of Flowers trek packages. You can browse the list and pick the most suitable one for you. We also provide customization to give you a high level of comfort throughout your tour. So, book your tour package and modify it as per your desire and preferences.
