Valley of Flowers Travel Guide 2024
Situated at an altitude of around 3,600 m above the sea level and with a stunning backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges, the Valley of Flowers National Park presents an ethereal view and an unforgettable experience for visitors. Spread over an area of 87 sq. km in the Chamoli district, Garhwal Region, Uttarakhand. The Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms one of the two core zones (the other being the Nanda Devi National Park) of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. This Beautiful valley is believed to have been discovered in 1931, when Frank S Smyth and two others British mountaineers – lost their way and chanced upon this spectacular valley. Attracted by the beauty of this place they named it the “Valley of Flowers”.
Valley of Flowers is a destination where nature blooms in full glory offering a breath-taking experience. Exotic flowers over 600 species like orchids, poppies, primulas, marigold, daisies and anemones are an eye-catching spectacle. Sub-alpine forests birch and rhododendron cover parts of the park's area. The trek to the valley offers eye-catching spectacles like cascading waterfalls and wild streams.
People and tourists from all over the world come to see its exotic nature creation of flora and fauna , if you are nature lover and love to explore adventures activities , rough routes , Himalayan beauty then valley of flower trek is a must visit place for you
Valley of Flowers trek – One of the famous treks in Uttarakhand
Trekking is one of the most adventurous activities that one can ever indulge in for a tourist. It does not just cater to physical fitness but also upholds and promotes mental health. A trek in the Valley of Flowers is the most satisfying and one of the most chosen trek by tourists. Valley of Flower trek starts from Poolna (Last motorable place. Pulna is 4 km from Govindghat, one can start trekking from Govindghat or can easily get shared taxi from govindghat to pulna.
Then 7km trek is the next step from Pulna to Bhyundar Village , this trek will surely excites you with amazing scenic views including cascading waterfalls, Natural and rare herbs and shurbs , beautiful flowers , rough natural trek and happy faces of tourists . Ghangharia is 2km from Bhyundar Village, the base camp for treks to valley of flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
Ghangharia is situated in 3049 m from sea level, the base camp for valley of flower trek. Valley of Flowers is 3.5 km approx. easy trek from Ghangharia and one can cover within 2 to 3 hours easily. The Swift trail will walk past the thick vegetation consisting of the beautiful rare Himalayan Flowers, wild fauna and natural scenic views. Valley of flower is a full of various rare Himalayan birds, insects and butterflies.
Trek Route to Valley of Flowers from Govindhat
- Govindghat 4km- Pulna Village (Trek or local taxies available )
- Pulna Village -7 km- Bhyundar Village (Trek)
- Bhyundar Village – 2km – Ghangharia Village (Trek- Base camp)
- Ghangharia Village -3.5km- Valley of Flowers( trek)
Things to Do in Valley of Flowers | Activities to do near Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers Trekking : Valley of Flowers trek is one of the most famous and opted trek to explore , full of adventure , nature beauties , wild animals to see, rare Himalayan birds, Rare flowers about 600 or more species , waterfalls etc. This 12 km valley of Flowers trek distance will surely give you next level experience.
Sustainable Tourism / Village Tourism: Ghangharia and Bhyundar village are the last inhabited village in valley of flowers trek. One can explore and connect with raw and authentic beauty of nature and way of living life within natural resources.
Bird watching in Valley of Flowers: This whole valley is a hub of various Himalayan birds, one can capture clicks of beautiful rare Himalayan birds and scenic views of nature.
Pilgrimage site: Valley of Flowers and Hemkund sahib (one of the most revered Sikh shrines in Uttarakhand) world’s heighest Gurudwara connects same route till Ghangharia Village. One can explore Gurudwara and take blesing, you will surely fell relaxed and satisfied.
Places to explore near Valley of Flowers| Famous Tourist attractions near Valley of Flowers
Situated at an altitude of around 3,600 m above the sea level and with a stunning backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges, the Valley of Flowers National Park presents an ethereal view and an unforgettable experience for visitors. If you are planning to visit Valley of Flowers, you can add famous nearby places in your journey to explore great experience in valley. Few of nearby places are:
- Govindghat Town
- Badrinath Dham Temple
- Vasudhara Fall Trek
- Auli
- Joshimath
- Hemkund Sahib
- Ghangharia Village
- Vishnuprayag
Valley of Flowers Travel Tips
- Valley of Flowers trek is opened to public on 1st June every year. The park remains open from the month of June to October.
- Valley of Flowers is a world heritage site and therefore you need to enter your names in the register, pay the entry fees accordingly and declare all plastic bottles you are carrying along.
- Entry to Valley of Flowers opens at 7.00 am every day and last entry is allowed till 2.00 pm. You should start back around 1 pm so as to reach back by 5.00 pm.
- Carry pair of Socks, trekking stick, Torch, Raincoats, and extra Batteries for your Camera.
- Though the Valley is beautiful in May, June and September. But for maximum number of flowers in July and August are most preferred months when flowers blooms.
- Be updated about the weather and road conditions especially during the monsoons, before planning their trip to Valley of Flowers.
Valley of Flowers Entry fees for 2023
Entry Fee for Indian Citizen: 150 INR , additional : 50 INR for each day
Entry Fee for Foreigner Citizen: 600 INR, additional: 250 INR for each day