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Home›Treks›Valley of Flower

Valley of Flower

Uttrakhand

Valley of Flowers The trek to Valley of Flowers passes through thick forests, glaciers and waterfalls on the way, along with the Pushpawati River. Until 1931, the presence of this awe-inspiring valley was unknown to the world. Three British mountaineers Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth while returning from an outstanding expedition of Mt. Kamet stumbled upon this fascinating valley full of blooming flowers. Captivated by the astonishing beauty of this place, they named it the ‘Valley of Flowers’. Later on, Frank S. Smythe also wrote a book about this valley with the same title. Hemkund Sahib The Sikhs started to search for Hemkunt sahib, the “Tap Asthan” (the place of meditation) of their tenth Guru, in the late nineteenth century. The first Sikh to trace the geographical location of Hemkund was Pandit Tara Singh Narotam in 1884. The Gurudwara is situated at an altitude of 15,200 ft above sea level and is considered to be one of the highest Pilgrimage in the world.

Highlights

Key features and unique experiences

UNESCO World Heritage Valley: Explore the world-famous Valley of Flowers National Park, a protected alpine valley renowned for its vast carpets of seasonal wildflowers and rare Himalayan plant species.
Sacred Hemkund Sahib: Trek to the revered Sikh pilgrimage site of Hemkund Sahib (4,329m), a glacial lake surrounded by seven snow-clad peaks, visited by thousands of devotees every year.
Exceptional Alpine Flora: Walk through meadows blooming with blue poppy, cobra lily, primula, anemones, and dozens of medicinal herbs found only in the high Himalayas during the monsoon season.
Snow-Fed Glacial Landscapes: Experience dramatic scenery shaped by ancient glaciers, with cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and towering cliffs along the Pushpawati River valley.
Mythological & Spiritual Significance: Discover sites associated with Lakshman of the Ramayana near Lokpal Lake and the spiritual legends linked to both Hindu and Sikh traditions.
Rich Himalayan Wildlife: Spot rare fauna such as the Himalayan black bear, snow pigeon, bharal (blue sheep), and colorful butterflies within this protected biosphere reserve.
Scenic Himalayan Villages: Pass through charming mountain settlements like Ghangaria, offering breathtaking views, warm local hospitality, and a peaceful base for both treks.
6
days

Duration

Complete journey time

Perfect length
12000 ft
m

Altitude

Peak elevation

High altitude
Hotel/Tents
nights

Accommodation

Stay arrangement

Comfort stays
Hard

Difficulty

Challenge intensity

Skill required

Detailed Itinerary

Govindghat is the base for the trek of Valley Of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Rishikesh is well connected with Delhi and the rest of India via flights, trains, buses, and taxis. The journey from Rishikesh to this beautiful valley of flowers starts with great eagerness and zeal. It will be a 12-hour journey via Rishikesh and Devprayag –where the river Bhagirathi and Alaknanda confluence to form the mighty River Ganga, to Govindghat through Joshimath. Stay overnight in Govindghat with a hot and delicious dinner and the trek briefing For the next day.

Inclusions

Transport support from Rishikesh to Rishikesh.

All vegetarian meals start from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

Hotel accommodation throughout the trek on a Quad sharing basis.

Professional guide, cook and support staff.

Forest entry charges for Indian nationals.

All Tolls and tax.

Exclusions

Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.

Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above.

Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions.

Accommodation in Rishikesh.

Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks etc.

Porter/mule charges to carry personal luggage can be arranged at an additional cost.

Packing Essentials

1
Layered Clothing
Moisture-wicking thermals, fleece mid-layers, and a heavy down jacket capable of handling sub-zero temperatures at Siagoru.
2
Trekking Footwear
Sturdy, high-ankle waterproof trekking shoes with good grip, plus a pair of lightweight sandals for the campsite.
3
Weather Protection
High-quality rain poncho or waterproof jacket and a backpack rain cover to handle sudden Himalayan showers.
4
Accessories
UV-protected sunglasses (essential for snow reflection), woolen cap, sun hat, and waterproof gloves.
5
Hydration & Health
Two 1-liter water bottles, personal medical kit, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and lip balm.
6
Lighting & Power
LED headlamp with extra batteries and a power bank (as there are no charging points on the trail).

Safety Considerations

1
Fitness & Physical Preparation
A moderate level of fitness is required to handle the steep forest inclines. We recommend a preparation routine of jogging 5 km in 35-40 minutes and leg-strengthening exercises (squats/lunges) starting 2 weeks before the trek.
2
Weather & Temperature Management
The Himalayas are unpredictable; temperatures at the base camp can drop to -5°C even in non-winter months. Trekkers must use a 3-layer clothing system (base, insulation, and shell) to prevent hypothermia during cold nights.
3
Winter Trail Protocol
During winter (Dec-Feb), the trail above the Nag Devta temple often turns into hard ice or 'verglas'. The use of micro-spikes and gaiters is mandatory in these conditions to prevent slips on steep summit sections.
4
Altitude & Hydration
While Nag Tibba (9,915 ft) is below the typical threshold for severe AMS, rapid ascent can cause mild headaches or fatigue. Consuming 3-4 liters of water daily and ascending at a steady, rhythmic pace is crucial for acclimatization.
5
Camping & Amenity Reality
Expect basic wilderness camping with dry pit toilets and no electricity or running water. Trekkers should carry fully charged power banks and avoid wandering away from the designated campsite after dark to ensure group safety.
6
Wildlife & Trail Etiquette
The Nag Tibba range is a habitat for bears and leopards. Trekkers must stay with the group, avoid playing loud music, and ensure no food waste is left outside tents, as this can attract wild animals to the campsite.

Best Time to Visit

Ideal seasons and weather conditions

1
Peak Bloom Season (July to August)
This is the best and most popular time to visit the Valley of Flowers when the entire valley transforms into a vibrant carpet of alpine blooms such as blue poppy, primula, and cobra lily. The monsoon showers enhance the freshness of the landscape, and waterfalls are at their fullest.
2
Early Season (June)
During early June, the valley begins to open after winter with melting snow and fresh greenery. Flower variety is limited compared to peak season, but the trails are quieter and surrounded by snow-clad peaks, offering a peaceful trekking experience.
3
Late Season (September)
By September, the flowers begin to fade and the valley turns into shades of gold and green. Skies are clearer after the monsoon, making it an excellent time for mountain views and photography, with fewer crowds on the trail.
4
Off-Season (October to May) - NOT ACCESSIBLE
The Valley of Flowers remains closed due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions. Trails are buried under snow, and trekking routes are unsafe and inaccessible during this period.

Physical Requirements

1
Difficulty Level
Categorized as Challenging/Tough (Level 6), involving technical glacier and pass crossings
2
Prior Experience
Mandatory completion of at least 2 high-altitude treks ranging between 3,500m and 4,500m
3
Fitness Level
Requires high cardiovascular endurance, core strength, and physical flexibility for technical terrain
4
Age Range
Typically recommended for fit individuals within the 18-48 years age bracket

How to Reach

1
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, approximately 290 km from Govindghat. From the airport, you can travel to Rishikesh or directly toward Joshimath by taxi or bus, and then proceed to Govindghat, which is the base point for the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib trek.
2
By Rail
Rishikesh Railway Station (YNRK) and Haridwar Junction (HW) are the nearest major railheads. Both are well connected to Delhi and other major cities. From Rishikesh or Haridwar, regular buses and shared taxis are available to Joshimath and Govindghat via Devprayag and Chamoli.
3
By Road (To Govindghat)
Govindghat is well connected by road from Rishikesh and Haridwar. The road journey of around 270 km takes approximately 10–12 hours, passing through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Joshimath. Government buses and shared jeeps run daily on this route, especially during the trekking and pilgrimage season.
4
Trek Route (Govindghat to Valley of Flowers)
From Govindghat, a trek of about 10–13 km leads to Ghangaria, the last human settlement. From Ghangaria, the Valley of Flowers National Park is another 6 km trek, which usually takes 3–4 hours. The same route is used to return, as overnight stay is not permitted inside the valley.

FAQ

Everything you need to know before booking

You can explore this natural treasure all year round but here are some things to keep in mind when visiting - The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand is from May to October because this causes flowers to bloom abundantly. - You can also visit between November to April if you want to avoid the rush.

The Valley of Flowers is a beautiful and enchanting place in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. It is an Indian national park known for its rich flora and fauna. It is 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level. Every year numerous hikers and travellers visit the Valley of Flowers.

The total trip of Valley of Flowers takes a minimum of 6 days from Haridwar and for the people coming from far areas of the globe, the trip becomes 8-12 days. Ironically, people spent so much time reaching the Valley of Flowers and still spend only one day in it.

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Major Attractions

Discover the must-visit places along your journey

9 attractions across 9 categories

Filter by Category

Valley of Flowers National Park

Nature/Alpine Meadow#1

Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara

Religious/Spiritual#2

Hemkund Lake (Lokpal Lake)

Nature/Glacial Lake#3

Ghangaria Village

Cultural/Base Camp#4

Pushpawati River Valley

Nature/Riverside#5

Waterfalls on Valley Trail

Nature/Waterfalls#6