Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers Trek
Valley of Flowers Trek
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10 Aug → 14 Aug 2026 5D₹12,999Past
Base: ₹12,999
Overview
Valley of Flowers Trek is a trek in Uttarakhand, located in Chamoli district within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It lies inside the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek is known for alpine flora, meadows, waterfalls, forest trails, and views around the Pushpawati River valley. Hemkund Sahib is included in the itinerary as a higher and more strenuous day trek from Ghangaria.
Route and highlights
The trek starts from Pulna, near Govindghat, and goes to Ghangaria, which serves as the base for both Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. The route from Pulna to Ghangaria is described as a well-defined stone-paved trail. From Ghangaria, the Valley of Flowers trail is about 4 km one way and becomes more natural, with some muddy and slippery sections during the monsoon. The Hemkund Sahib trail from Ghangaria is about 6 km one way and involves a steep climb.
The valley is noted for a wide variety of flowers and vegetation during the monsoon season. The source mentions over 500 flower species and specifically names blue poppy, balsam, Brahmakamal, and Cobra Lily. The landscape also includes waterfalls, green meadows, large boulders, and surrounding mountains.
Difficulty and duration
The trek is described mainly as Easy to Moderate. It does not require technical climbing skills, but it includes long walking days, monsoon trail conditions, and a strenuous ascent to Hemkund Sahib. The full itinerary is 6 days including travel from Rishikesh, with the trekking portion spread over about 4 days.
Season and conditions
The source most strongly supports July to September as the best time to visit, when monsoon conditions bring peak flowering. It also mentions June to September in one section, but repeatedly emphasizes July, August, and September for bloom conditions. Trails can be wet, slippery, and muddy during this period, and regular rain is common.
Accommodation and access notes
Camping inside Valley of Flowers National Park is not allowed according to the source. Overnight stays are typically in lodges or guest houses at Ghangaria and along the route. Staying overnight at Hemkund Sahib is also not allowed in the source material.
History
The source states that the valley came to wider attention after Frank S. Smythe and Eric Shipton reached it in 1931. Smythe later returned in 1937 and published The Valley of Flowers. The source also notes that the area became a National Park in 1982 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Essentials
- Layered warm clothing for changing mountain temperatures
- Waterproof jacket or raincoat for monsoon rain
- Fleece and thermals for cold mornings and evenings
- Trekking pants suitable for wet trail conditions
- Waterproof trekking shoes for slippery and muddy sections
- Cap for basic weather protection
- Hydration is emphasized in the source because of altitude and exertion
Itinerary
Drive from Rishikesh to Pipalkoti to begin the trek approach. Overnight stay at Pipalkoti.
- Pipalkoti
Drive from Pipalkoti to Govindghat, continue by local taxi to Pulna, and trek on a stone-paved trail to Ghangaria. The route passes waterfalls, local shops, colourful trees, and the river beside the trail. Overnight stay at Ghangaria.
- Govindghat
- Pulna
- Ghangaria
- Waterfalls
- Stone-paved trail
- River beside the trail
Trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers National Park and return to Ghangaria the same day. The trail includes forest sections and can be muddy and slippery during the monsoon. Inside the valley, the route crosses the Pushpawati River and passes a waterfall, meadows, and boulders before returning to Ghangaria for the night.
- Valley of Flowers National Park
- Pushpawati River
- Forest department check-post
- Bridge over the Pushpawati River
- Waterfall
- Meadows
- Boulders
Trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and return to Ghangaria the same day. This is a steep and strenuous climb on a stone trail to the high-altitude pilgrimage site, with a glacial lake beside the Gurudwara. Overnight stay at Ghangaria.
- Hemkund Sahib
- Gurudwara
- Glacial lake
Descend from Ghangaria to Pulna road head and continue by local taxi to Govindghat, then drive to Pipalkoti. Badrinath visit is mentioned as optional. Overnight stay at Pipalkoti.
- Ghangaria
- Pulna road head
- Govindghat
- Pipalkoti
Drive from Pipalkoti back to Rishikesh to complete the itinerary.
- Rishikesh
What's included
6 days / 5 nights- Flights
- Hotel stay
- Transport
- Tour guide
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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