Planning to visit Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand? What to know before you go

Lush greenery, a large expanse of colourful blooms, picturesque views, pleasant weather – this is what awaits tourists at the Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand.

The stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas in the Chamoli district of the state, started welcoming tourists for the season on June 1. The world-renowned destination usually remains open during the monsoon months from June to October.

The Valley of Flowers has for long attracted tourists with its alpine meadows, diverse flora and fauna, and the scenic trek that leads to the national park.

Planning a trip to the Valley of Flowers this season? Here’s all you need to know.

Rich biodiversity of Valley of Flowers

According to the Uttarakhand Tourism website, the Valley is home to over 600 species of flowering plants, including orchids, poppies, marigolds, and daisies. It is also a haven for wildlife species such as the gray langur, flying squirrel, Asiatic black bear, and snow leopard.

How to reach

While the nearest airport to Valley of Flowers is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, the nearest train station is Rishikesh. From there, one can travel by road to Govind Ghat, and then take shared local transport to Pulna, the last motorable village from where the 16-km trek to the national park begins. 

Visitors have to pay an entry fee and take permits before embarking on the trek.

Trek route

From Pulna, it is a 10-km uphill trek to Ghangaria, the last inhabited village on the route and the designated base camp. From here, the Valley of Flowers is another 4 km away.

As the Valley is a protected heritage site, camping and overnight stays are not allowed. Visitors must exit the Valley by 5 PM and return to Ghangaria the same day. The trek route offers stunning views of waterfalls, sparkling streams, and majestic mountain peaks.

Nearby attractions

Apart from the national park, there are several other tourist and spiritual attractions near the trek route. These include Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site, and Joshimath, which is also a gateway to the Badrinath pilgrimage. Auli, a charming hill station in Chamoli, is another tourist attraction.

It is advised to check weather warnings and other advisories before heading for the trek, especially during heavy rainfall months.