Uttarakhand · North India
An alpine meadow in full bloom
The Valley of Flowers is a protected alpine valley in Uttarakhand where summer wildflowers bloom beneath glaciated Himalayan peaks. Reached on foot through Ghangaria, it is often paired with Hemkund Sahib, although the two walks have different terrain and altitude demands.
Best time to visit
Top attractions
- Valley of Flowers National Park
- Pushpawati River valley
- Ghangaria
- Hemkund Sahib
- Govindghat
- Bhyundar village
How to reach
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is about 300 km from Govindghat by road.
- By rail: Yog Nagari Rishikesh railway station is roughly 270 km from Govindghat.
- By road: Govindghat is about 20 km beyond Joshimath on the Badrinath road; local vehicles may reach Pulna, followed by roughly 9-10 km of trekking to Ghangaria.
Local food to try
- Garhwali dal with rice
- Mandua roti
- Aloo ke gutke
- Jhangora kheer
- Simple khichdi at trekking lodges
Things to do
Good to know
When is the best time to see flowers?+
The park generally opens from June to October, with July to August the main flowering period. Monsoon rain, landslides and annual opening decisions affect access.
How many days are needed?+
Allow six to seven days from Rishikesh, including road travel, the approach trek and a full valley day; add time for Hemkund and weather delays.
Are permits and overnight restrictions relevant?+
A national-park entry ticket is required, and overnight camping inside the valley is prohibited. Stay in Ghangaria and follow current entry and exit timings.
How difficult is the altitude?+
Ghangaria is around 3,000 m, the valley rises above 3,300 m and Hemkund is around 4,300 m. Build up gradually and do not continue ascending with symptoms of altitude illness.
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