Valley of Flowers Trek Overview

No matter what your experience levels are when it comes to trekking, if you haven’t embarked upon the Valley of Flowers trek of Uttarakhand, you haven’t trekked enough. Nestled in the Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most well-known Himalayan treks in the world, and the oldest trek of India. Discovered by a group of British mountaineers in 1931, the awe-inspiring valley is a sight to behold, and lives up to its name in the most enchanting ways.

Open to visitors from the months of June to September, the monsoon-drenched valley spreads through the Himalayas and is a vibrant abode of alpine flora. Home of more than 600 different varieties of flowers, including some rare and exotic variants, Valley of Flowers brings the most beautiful fairytale of nature to life. Located at an altitude of more than 10,000 feet, the serene valley offers a bewitching glimpse into the Himalayan beauty that encompasses tall mountains, lush green valleys, crystal clear streams, and a purity that remains unmatched.

Trek to Valley of Flowers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers trekkers, both experienced and amateur, an adrenaline rush that stunningly contrasts with the soothing spiritual aura of Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and the tranquil blooms of nature.

Book Valley of Flowers Trek Package

Joshimath - Joshimath
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Highlights
  • Ascend a stairway to heaven, to the Valley of Flowers, where you'll behold a carpet of blue, yellow, and pink flowers gracefully flowing as far as the eye can see.

  • With an incredile journey of faith, trek to the Hemkund Sahib, known as the highest Gurdwara in the world. 

  • Reconnect with nature, listen to the whispers of the mountains, and rediscover yourself, as you wander through the Valley of Flowers.

  • Feel the refreshing mountain air fill your lungs, with raw beauty and thrilling trails, as you witness the majestic Himalayan landscape.

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Must Know Before You Go
  • The trek takes place through an eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites. Travellers littering may be fined.
  • Water is very precious, so conservation is appreciated.
  • Avoid using earphones during the trek; this might hinder your audibility.
  • Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations.
  • In case, the trek needs to be cancelled, the authorities should be informed beforehand.
  • Please provide a valid ID at the time of check-in.
  • The exact location will be shared with you post-booking.
  • Neat and clean vehicle for the journey with experienced driver especially for hilly terrains available.
  • All the activities depend upon the weather.
  • Carry dry snacks/food from home (you will save a lot of money). Carry water bottles with you, so that you can refill.
  • Keep your luggage minimum; the more you carry, the more you hassle.
  • Since Valley of Flowers is a monsoon trek, there are possibilities of roadblocks due to landslides. Account for this by adding a buffer day in your travel plan.
  • The management reserves all the right to modify the trek during any emergencies or natural calamities.
  • Professional guide(s) are available to ensure high safety and more information and personal attention which are necessary to appreciate a trek.
  • Hotels are basic in nature. One must not expect luxuries. Electricity may be available only at a few locations.
  • Mobile & laptop charging points may/may not be available at a common point.
  • Avoid consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicants during the Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand trek.
  • Permit charges are not included in the Valley of Flowers trek.
  • It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes, raincoat and the right kind of shoes for the trek.
  • Pay heed to the trek leaders and guide in order to enjoy a safe and sound trek.
  • Transportation to and fro from Haridwar Railway Station is available on additional charges on request
  • Any personal expenses, items of personal nature, meals not mentioned, etc. will not be in part of the Valley of Flowers Trekking package.
  • Children below the age of 7 years are not recommended for Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand Trek.
  • Some of the locations covered in the trek are time constrained, so in order to make the most out of the package try adhering to the timelines shared by the trek leaders.
  • Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Thrillophilia'' reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which Thrilllophilia or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. Thrillophilia reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
  • Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like a change in flight and train schedule, cancellation of flights/1trains, political disturbances, natural phenomenon, roadblocks, etc. will not be accommodated in the package cost. No bill will be reimbursed for any missed service/facility.
  • During a trip, in case the roads are blocked due to landslides or a reason that is beyond control, Thrillophilia will rearrange the itinerary for the travellers real-time, however, the cost of alternative accommodation will be borne by the customer as the hotels pre-booked execute their cancellation policies and are nonrefundable.
  • Because of any reason natural or personal, if the Trek or a particular activity is not completed, no refund will be processed.
  • The difference in the cost shall be borne by the client in case of any amendment in the package due to change in the number of guests, hotel change, itinerary change, etc.
  • If in case any traveller wants to or decides to leave the trip in the middle, all the expenses from that point onwards will be borne by the traveller. Neither the operator nor Thrillophilia will be held responsible for such decisions or for any refund.
  • The refund or compensation is also not issued if for any reason you have to come down from the trek. The trek leader may send you down from the trek, owing to reasons like lack of fitness, AMS, blood pressure, turn-around-time, health issues, or if you are found smoking/ drinking, or breaking the rules of the trek. refund or compensation are issued only when the whole trek is cancelled or called off on behalf of Thrillophilia.
  • At Thrillophilia, we almost never call off or cancel our treks. But in the rare event we might have to call off or cancel a trek due to any unforeseen natural catastrophes like continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity or other issues like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situations that might prevent a safe trekking experience. In such cases, Thrillophilia will issue a Credit note summing up to the same amount as your trek fee that can be redeemed on any of the treks over a period of the next year.
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Haridwar - Haridwar
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Haridwar Haridwar
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Starts at
9,807
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8,499.4
/per adult
Highlights
  • Ascend a stairway to heaven, to the Valley of Flowers, where you'll behold a carpet of blue, yellow, and pink flowers gracefully flowing as far as the eye can see.

  • With an incredile journey of faith, trek to the Hemkund Sahib, known as the highest Gurdwara in the world. 

  • Reconnect with nature, listen to the whispers of the mountains, and rediscover yourself, as you wander through the Valley of Flowers.

  • Feel the refreshing mountain air fill your lungs, with raw beauty and thrilling trails, as you witness the majestic Himalayan landscape.

Scroll down to read more
Must Know Before You Go
  • The trek takes place through an eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites. Travellers littering may be fined.
  • Water is very precious, so conservation is appreciated.
  • Avoid using earphones during the trek; this might hinder your audibility.
  • Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations.
  • In case, the trek needs to be cancelled, the authorities should be informed beforehand.
  • Please provide a valid ID at the time of check-in.
  • The exact location will be shared with you post-booking.
  • Neat and clean vehicle for the journey with experienced driver especially for hilly terrains available.
  • All the activities depend upon the weather.
  • Carry dry snacks/food from home (you will save a lot of money). Carry water bottles with you, so that you can refill.
  • Keep your luggage minimum; the more you carry, the more you hassle.
  • Since Valley of Flowers is a monsoon trek, there are possibilities of roadblocks due to landslides. Account for this by adding a buffer day in your travel plan.
  • The management reserves all the right to modify the trek during any emergencies or natural calamities.
  • Professional guide(s) are available to ensure high safety and more information and personal attention which are necessary to appreciate a trek.
  • Hotels are basic in nature. One must not expect luxuries. Electricity may be available only at a few locations.
  • Mobile & laptop charging points may/may not be available at a common point.
  • Avoid consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicants during the Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand trek.
  • Permit charges are not included in the Valley of Flowers trek.
  • It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes, raincoat and the right kind of shoes for the trek.
  • Pay heed to the trek leaders and guide in order to enjoy a safe and sound trek.
  • Transportation to and fro from Haridwar Railway Station is available on additional charges on request
  • Any personal expenses, items of personal nature, meals not mentioned, etc. will not be in part of the Valley of Flowers Trekking package.
  • Children below the age of 7 years are not recommended for Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand Trek.
  • Some of the locations covered in the trek are time constrained, so in order to make the most out of the package try adhering to the timelines shared by the trek leaders.
  • Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Thrillophilia'' reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which Thrilllophilia or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. Thrillophilia reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
  • Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like a change in flight and train schedule, cancellation of flights/1trains, political disturbances, natural phenomenon, roadblocks, etc. will not be accommodated in the package cost. No bill will be reimbursed for any missed service/facility.
  • During a trip, in case the roads are blocked due to landslides or a reason that is beyond control, Thrillophilia will rearrange the itinerary for the travellers real-time, however, the cost of alternative accommodation will be borne by the customer as the hotels pre-booked execute their cancellation policies and are nonrefundable.
  • Because of any reason natural or personal, if the Trek or a particular activity is not completed, no refund will be processed.
  • The difference in the cost shall be borne by the client in case of any amendment in the package due to change in the number of guests, hotel change, itinerary change, etc.
  • If in case any traveller wants to or decides to leave the trip in the middle, all the expenses from that point onwards will be borne by the traveller. Neither the operator nor Thrillophilia will be held responsible for such decisions or for any refund.
  • The refund or compensation is also not issued if for any reason you have to come down from the trek. The trek leader may send you down from the trek, owing to reasons like lack of fitness, AMS, blood pressure, turn-around-time, health issues, or if you are found smoking/ drinking, or breaking the rules of the trek. refund or compensation are issued only when the whole trek is cancelled or called off on behalf of Thrillophilia.
  • At Thrillophilia, we almost never call off or cancel our treks. But in the rare event we might have to call off or cancel a trek due to any unforeseen natural catastrophes like continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity or other issues like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situations that might prevent a safe trekking experience. In such cases, Thrillophilia will issue a Credit note summing up to the same amount as your trek fee that can be redeemed on any of the treks over a period of the next year.
Scroll down to read more

Quick Facts of Valley of Flowers Trek

Quick Facts of Valley of Flowers Trek
  • Maximum altitude – 14,107 feet
  • Grade – Easy to Moderate
  • Duration – 6 days & 5 nights
  • Trekking distance – 38 kilometres
  • Trail Type – Walking trail with well-defined pathways and steep ascents and descents at some points.
  • Rail Head – Rishikesh Railway Station, Uttarakhand.
  • Airport – Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. An alternate method is landing at Delhi’s IGI Airport and taking a bus or train to Haridwar.
  • Base Camp – Govindghat
  • Best Season – From July to September
  • Region – Located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in the Himalayan Mountain ranges.
  • Who can participate – Anyone with good fitness levels.

Short Itinerary for Valley of Flowers Trek

The itinerary for a standard six-day Valley of Flowers trek package starts from and ends at Haridwar.

Day 1: Reach the base camp at Govindghat.

Day 2: Reach Ghangharia from Govindghat, the first stop en route to Valley of Flowers, via Poolna.

Day 3: Trek to Valley of Flowers from Ghangaria and return along the same path to Ghangaria.

Day 4: Head to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara from Ghangaria and trek back to Ghangaria.

Day 5: Trek from Ghangaria to Poolna and take a ride back to Govindghat base camp.

Day 6: Head back to Haridwar from Govindghat base camp.

Valley of Flowers Trek Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 1

Reaching the base camp at Govindghat

Distance: 300 kilometres

Duration: 10 hours

Elevation: 6,215 feet

  • Assemble at the pre-decided location in Haridwar as per your Valley of Flowers trek package, from where your guide will provide a short overview of the journey ahead.
  • Embark on a 10-hour drive up to Govindghat from Haridwar. Food will be available aplenty on this route so no need to carry some.
  • Drive along the stunning Alaknanda River and also experience the beauty of Devprayag, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to form the holy River Ganges.
  • Pass through Joshimath, which is one of the most popular destinations en route to religious pilgrimages.
  • Stay at Govindghat for the night. Govindghat is the final point where mobile networks are available before the trek, hence make all the calls you need to before starting your journey.

General Trivia About Valley of Flowers Trek

General Trivia About Valley of Flowers Trek
  • Valley of Flowers is among the most popular attractions of Uttarakhand and is the epitome of Himalayan exquisiteness. From lush greenery to vibrant blooms, experience nature at its finest as you trek through the valley and witness snow-clad peaks, tall mountains, and flowing rivers amidst a sea of flora.

  • It was in 1931 that a group of British mountaineers, lost on their way to Mt Kamet, stumbled upon a valley full of alpine flowers, and named it ‘The Valley of Flowers’. Locals, however, knew of the valley as a land of the gods and fairies.

  • The legend also mentioned how when one went to the valley, they were captured by the fairies and never came back. By 1980, the Indian government had recognised this abode of nature as a National Park, and it was in 2002 that the site got its most prestigious tag, that of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • While the traditional trek route is known to be the Govindghat – Ghangaria route, there once existed another route that has recently been reopened to visitors. It was in 1970 that the alternate route, known as the Kunthkhal – Hanuman Chatti route, was closed for visitors due to the rising popularity of the Ghangaria route.

  • After a long period of no human contact, the Kunthkhal route is more adventurous and has stunning visual treats that can’t be found on the traditional route. So, if you are looking for a trek that indulges your explorer instincts, try out this alternate route for your Valley of Flowers trek.

Know Before You Go to Valley of Flowers Trek

Tips for Valley of Flowers Trek
Trekking Routes
Best time to Do
Trekking Essentials
How to Reach
Tips for Valley of Flowers Trek

Valley of Flowers trek package offers an easy to moderate trekking experience, but it's not that simple! From amateurs to senior trekkers, all those opting to embark on this trek need to remember a few important tips to ensure they make the best out of this journey to the crowning jewel of Himalayan treks.

  • It is advised that you rest for at least a night at Haridwar before starting your Valley of Flowers trek. This would help you be well-rested and acclimated to the high altitude before your trek.
  • Much of the essentials, like shoes, backpacks, padded jackets, and rainwear, are available for rent at the stores near the base camp, in case you miss out on carrying any of the items.
  • Remember to carry the necessary medications and do not consume any general medications without consulting your trek leader. Also, trek leaders carry a plethora of life-saving drugs in case you need immediate care during the trek.
  • It is always recommended that you wear a minimum of three layers of light woollens on your trek. Carrying and wearing one thick woollen is tiresome and at times inadequate, hence layers are a better solution.
  • Ensure that your belongings are water-resistant or can withstand rains and snow, as the Valley of Flowers trek package offers a monsoon trek, with heavy rains lashing the valley throughout the trekking season.
  • It is highly recommended that you stay hydrated at all times throughout the trek. Carry a few ORS packets and an insulated water bottle so you don’t experience dehydration during the long day hours of the Valley of Flowers trek.

Why to Go for Valley of Flowers Trek?

If a Himalayan trek is on your bucket list, there’s no better destination than the Valley of Flowers to tick that off the list! Whether you are an amateur trekker or have years of experience, the Valley of Flowers trek offers an unmatched sight for the eyes and an adventure that is one-of-a-kind. Located at an altitude of more than 10,000 feet, the trek has an easy-to-moderate difficulty level, making it the perfect combination of thrilling yet comfortable. While the well-defined Govindghat-Ghangaria route is ideal for regular trekking, if you are looking for something challenging, take the Kunthkhal-Hanuman Chatti route. And if trekking for you is a way to get close to nature, the Valley of Flowers has everything from the mighty Himalayas and clear streams to flowers that bring to life every colour under the sun.

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FAQ's of Valley of Flowers Trek

How Difficult is the trek to Valley of Flowers?

    The difficulty level of a trek is determined based on many factors, which range from weather conditions and the nature of the terrain to the distance covered each day and the highest altitude. The Valley of Flowers trek, which at its highest altitude elevates 14,107 feet, has been rated as an easy to moderate level trek. Well paved and defined, the trek has several easy exits, with ponies available for hire if you wish to reduce the difficulty level of the trek.

    Recommended for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, those choosing the Valley of Flowers trekking package need to have good fitness levels. If you plan to trek through the enchanting valley and want to know if you meet the required fitness levels, a simple test is running for five kilometres in less than forty minutes.

    Make your workout consistent by aiming to complete 20 kilometres of jogging in a week to prepare for your Himalayan trek. Fitness is an important factor as you would have to walk approximately six to eight kilometres every day, walk through tricky patches and small streams, and experience deep ascents and descents.

How long is the Valley of Flowers trek?

How fit do I need to be to do the Valley of Flowers trek?

How safe is the Valley of Flowers trek?

What are the opening hours for Valley of Flowers?

Is there an entry fee for Valley of Flowers?

Why it is Known as Valley of Flowers?

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