In the Himalayas, there’s a wonderful spot called the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, India. It’s famous for its pretty meadows with lots of colorful flowers. People who love nature and adventures really like coming here. In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know to have an amazing trip to the Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand.
What is the Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand?
The Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand is a special place recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It’s found in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, up in the mountains at different heights from 3,250 meters to 6,750 meters above the sea. People know it for having lots of different kinds of plants and animals, with over 650 types of wildflowers. During the blooming season, the valley looks like a colorful painting because of flowers like the rare Brahma Kamal, blue poppy, and saxifrage.
Valley of Flowers Best Time to Visit?
Planning a trip to the Valley of Flowers? The best time to visit is from July to September. For the most vibrant experience, target the first half of August. During this time, the valley bursts into a riot of colorful blooms. But be prepared for rain—August showers bring flowers but also landslides. Pack sturdy boots and a reliable raincoat! Remember, the valley is open from June to October, but the monsoon season truly brings it to life.
Pro Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. The Opening time of Valley of Flowers is 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Enter between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and exit before 5:00 PM—overnight stays aren’t allowed in this magical place.
Valley of Flowers National Park Photos
How to Reach Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand?
To reach the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, you have several options depending on your starting point and preferred mode of travel:
- By Air:
- The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is well connected to Delhi with daily flights.
- From Jolly Grant Airport, you can hire a taxi to Govindghat, which is the starting point for the trek to Valley of Flowers.
- By Train:
- The closest railway station is in Rishikesh.
- From Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Govindghat.
- By Road:
- Valley of Flowers is accessible by road up to Pulna village, which is 4 km from Govindghat.
- From Pulna, you’ll need to trek for about 13 km to reach the Valley of Flowers.
- Trekking:
- The trek starts from Pulna village after a short drive from Govindghat.
- You can also opt for a helicopter service from Govind Ghat to Ghangaria, which is the base camp for the trek to Valley of Flowers. However, the final stretch from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers must be covered on foot.
Delhi to Valley of Flowers:
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- By Road: You can take a bus or taxi from Delhi to Haridwar, which is approximately 200 kilometers away. From Haridwar, you’ll need to drive to Joshimath, which is about 275-300 kilometers. The total time taken will be around 10-12 hours.
- By Train: There’s no direct train to the Valley of Flowers. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, around 270 kilometers from Govindghat, the closest road head to the trek.
- By Air:Â The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, about 286 kilometers from Govindghat.
Once you reach Govindghat, you can start your trek to the Valley of Flowers. The trek route is approximately 18 kilometers from Govindghat.
Badrinath to Valley of Flowers:
It’s about 25 kilometers from Badrinath to the Valley of Flowers. You can catch a taxi from Govindghat to Badrinath, and that takes about an hour. From Govindghat, you’ll need to walk about 18 kilometers to reach the Valley of Flowers. If you prefer, you can also ride ponies or take a helicopter to Ghangaria, which is the basecamp.
Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand Trek
The Valley of Flowers trek is an amazing adventure through one of India’s well-known national parks in the Himalayas. It’s not just about seeing flowers; it’s a journey that shows trekkers the peaceful and beautiful side of the Himalayas.
Valley of Flowers Trek Best Time:
The best time to go on the Valley of Flowers trek is in the first part of August. That’s when the valley is full of colorful flowers. While you can visit from June to October, August, during the rainy season, gives you the most amazing sights. Just be ready for some rain, which can make the trek even more exciting.
Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand Trek Distance:
The Valley of Flowers Trek Distance is around 37 to 38 kilometers, and people usually finish it in 4 to 6 days. You start at Govindghat and walk through different kinds of places like forests, meadows, and rocky areas before you get to the beautiful valley. It’s a moderate trek, so it’s good to be reasonably fit to enjoy the whole trip.
5 Affordable Hotels Near Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
1. Hotel Nanda Devi
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Joshimath, close to Nanda Devi National Park
- Facilities: Panoramic mountain views, restaurant, basic amenities
2. Hotel Dronagiri
- Rating: 4.0/5
- Location: Ghangaria, near the Valley of Flowers trailhead
- Facilities: Clean rooms, restaurant, room service, free parking
3. Hotel Blue Poppy
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: Govindghat, convenient for trekkers
- Facilities: Garden, cozy rooms, close to trekking routes
4. Hotel Bhagat
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Joshimath, an hour from Badrinath
- Facilities: Mountain views, restaurant, trekking assistance
5. Hotel Kamet
- Rating: 3.2/5
- Location: Govindghat, near the trailhead to Valley of Flowers
- Facilities: Basic comfort, proximity to trekking start point
FAQ’s
Best season to visit Valley of Flowers?
The ideal time to visit the Valley of Flowers is from July to September, when the valley is vibrant with blooming flowers, offering a breathtaking spectacle of colors.
How to go to Valley of Flowers from Delhi?
To reach the Valley of Flowers from Delhi, take a bus or train to Haridwar, then drive to Govindghat. From Govindghat, trek to the Valley or opt for a helicopter service.
Where is Valley of Flowers located in India?
The Valley of Flowers is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, in the upper region of Bhyundar Ganga near Joshimath.
How to reach Valley of Flowers?
To reach the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, India, you have a few options. You can fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, then take a taxi or bus to Govindghat. Another option is to take a train to Rishikesh, followed by a drive to Govindghat.
Is Valley of Flowers open now?
Yes, the Valley of Flowers is open for tourists from June 1 to October 31 every year.
Is there Helicopter service for Valley of Flowers?
Helicopter services are available from Govindghat to Ghangaria, which is the base camp for the trek to Valley of Flowers. The same helicopter service is used for Hemkund Sahib pilgrims.
What is the Valley of Flowers?
The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It’s renowned for its endemic alpine flowers and diverse flora and fauna, set in a high-altitude Himalayan valley.
Is it safe to visit Valley of Flowers in August?
Yes, the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is in August. During this monsoon season, most of the flowers are in full bloom! The valley is accessible only from June to September, as it is encased in snow for the rest of the year.
Is Valley of Flowers trek difficulty?
Yes, the Valley of Flowers trek is moderately difficult.
Which River passes through the Valley of Flowers?
The Pushpawati River flows through the Valley of Flowers in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand
How difficult is trek to Valley of Flowers?
The trek to the Valley of Flowers is moderately difficult, involving various terrains and altitude changes. It requires a reasonable level of fitness and stamina.
