Valley of Flowers – A Himalayan Wonderland of Blooms and Beauty
The Valley of Flowers is a must-do for every nature lover and trekking enthusiast. Nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its vibrant alpine meadows, rare Himalayan flora, and stunning mountain vistas. Located in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, it attracts thousands of trekkers each year.
Highlights of the Valley of Flowers
Over 600 species of alpine flowers including blue poppies, brahma kamal, and Himalayan bellflowers.
Panoramic views of peaks like Nilgiri Parbat, Gauri Parbat, and Hathi Parbat.
Rich biodiversity with sightings of Himalayan birds, musk deer, and even Himalayan black bears.
Hemkund Sahib, a spiritual pilgrimage site, is an optional extension of the trek.
Trekking Route Overview
Base Village: Govindghat
Main Route: Govindghat → Pulna → Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers (and optionally Hemkund Sahib)
Route
Distance
Duration
Altitude
Govindghat to Pulna (drive)
4 km
20 mins
2100 m
Pulna to Ghangaria
9 km
4 hrs
3,000 m
Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers
4 km (one way)
7 hrs
3,500 m
Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib
6 km (one way)
8–9 hrs
4,300 m
Best Time to Visit Valley of Flowers
Mid-July to Mid-August: Peak bloom season, best time to witness the valley in full color.
June: Lush greenery and the beginning of the bloom.
September: End of season, fewer crowds, clear mountain views.
How to Reach Govindghat for Valley of Flowers
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (295 km from Govindghat).
By Train: Nearest railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh.
By Road: Regular buses and shared taxis available from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Joshimath and Govindghat.
Valley of Flowers Difficulty and Preparation
The Valley of Flowers trek is graded easy to moderate.
Suitable for beginners and families with basic fitness levels.
Daily walking or jogging for 30–45 mins for 3–4 weeks is recommended before the trek.
Stay hydrated and walk at a steady pace to avoid altitude-related issues.
Accommodation