Sign in with GoogleBest Time to Visit
The valley is only accessible from June 1 to October 31. Peak bloom is from late July to mid-August when over 300 species of flowers are in full bloom — including brahmakamal, the state flower of Uttarakhand. Early June has lingering snow, while September–October offers fewer crowds and post-monsoon clarity. The park is completely closed in winter.
Visit in the first two weeks of August for peak bloom. The crowd is slightly higher but the floral display is unmatched.
The Trek Route
Base: Govindghat (1,828m), reached by road from Joshimath (23km).
Day 1: Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria (13km, 6–7 hrs uphill). Ghangaria (3,048m) is the base camp for both Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
Day 2: Valley of Flowers (4km from Ghangaria, 1–2 hrs). Entry fee: ₹300/day (foreign visitors ₹600). You must exit the valley by 5pm.
Day 3: Hemkund Sahib (6km, 3–4 hrs steep ascent). This sacred Sikh shrine at 4,329m overlooks a stunning glacial lake. Trek back to Ghangaria.
Day 4: Return to Govindghat via Ghangaria.
Wildlife to Watch For
The valley is also a wildlife reserve. Lucky trekkers may spot Himalayan brown bear (rare, keep noise down), snow leopard (very rare), blue sheep (bharal), monal pheasant (state bird of Uttarakhand), and a dazzling variety of Himalayan birds. Sightings of black bear have been reported in the lower sections.
What to Pack
Waterproof trekking boots (trails are very muddy in monsoon), rain poncho, warm fleece (evenings at Ghangaria are cold even in August), trekking poles, camera with extra batteries (no charging at the valley), drinking water and water purification tablets, and sunscreen.
DM Holidays offers a Char Dham + Valley of Flowers combination package (14 days) starting ₹23,500/person. The perfect blend of spirituality and nature!