The Valley of Flowers trek is one of the most well-known in India. Every year, nature and mountain lovers eagerly await the monsoon season, when the wildflowers bloom, to visit this scenic destination. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this trek is home to rare flowers, including the sacred Brahma Kamal, that you won’t see growing like this anywhere else in the world.
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On June 1, the trek opened for the 2026 season, ready to welcome tourists from across the globe. Nestled deep between tall mountains, with the Pushpavati River flowing right through it and the stunning Tipra Glacier viewpoint at the far end, the Valley of Flowers is a must-visit destination. So, if you plan to go on the hike, here's everything you should know.
Why is the Valley of Flowers so popular?
Apart from being surrounded by captivating nature, the trek is also popular among tourists because they can climb to one of the world’s highest Gurudwaras, Hemkund Sahib, which is perched by a sacred lake at 14,000 ft above sea level. From here, you get a stunning view of Ghangaria and the Valley of Flowers far below, while standing at the edge of a huge glacial lake right near the gurudwara.
Apart from its cultural relevance, the Valley of Flowers trek is moderate on the difficulty scale, making it a perfect choice for beginners with a fairly good fitness level. The trek usually spans 6 days, and the highest altitude on your journey is approximately 14,107 ft.
Best time to visit
The park is open from June 1 to October 31, but the most vibrant floral displays and best trekking conditions are in July and August.
However, from July to September, new flowers bloom each week. Even in June, before peak bloom, the lush greenery and mountain views are stunning. The valley is home to more than 500 documented flower species.
Trekking route
The trek usually begins from Govindghat. You can drive or take a shared cab to Pulna, which is 4 km and the last motorable village. From Pulna, it's a 10 km trek to Ghangaria, and from there a 3.5 km trek leads you into the Valley of Flowers. The trail is scenic but can be slippery during rain, so proper trekking gear is recommended. It's best to start early, as overnight stays are not allowed in the valley.
Entry timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (about 295 km from Govindghat). From here, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Govindghat.
- Nearest railway station: Rishikesh, around 270 km from Govindghat. Regular buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh to Joshimath/Govindghat.
- By road: Govindghat is well connected to major towns like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Shared jeeps and buses ply regularly during the season.
Entry fee
Before beginning your trek to the Valley of Flowers National Park, you are required to pay an entry fee at the Forest Department checkpoint near Ghangaria.
- For Indian nationals: ₹150 per person for a three-day pass and ₹50 per person for each additional day.
- Foreign nationals: ₹600 per person for a three-day pass and ₹250 per person for each additional day.
- For Hemkund Sahib: You can register online via WhatsApp. Save the number +91 8394833833 in your contacts, send the message "Yatra", and follow the step-by-step automated prompts to submit your details.
Key things to remember
Carry a valid government-issued ID, such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or driver's license, to obtain the entry fee and permit.