Valley of Flowers Tour

Valley of Flowers is a national park located in the state of Uttarakhand, India, and is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique flora. The park is situated at an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The valley is home to several species of flowers, including the Himalayan blue poppy, Himalayan bellflower, and Himalayan cobra lily. The park attracts a large number of nature lovers and trekkers every year, who come to witness the beauty of the valley.

Best Getting to the Valley of Flowers

The best way to reach the Valley of Flowers is by road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located at a distance of around 300 km from the valley. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is located at a distance of around 280 km from the valley. From the airport or railway station, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to Joshimath, which is the nearest town to the valley.
From Joshimath, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to Govindghat, which is the starting point of the trek to the valley. The trek from Govindghat to the valley is a 16 km long trek and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. The trek passes through several picturesque villages and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The trek to the valley is considered moderate and can be done by anyone with basic fitness levels. However, it’s recommended to carry enough water and snacks and wear comfortable trekking shoes and clothes.

The Trek to Valley of Flowers

The trek to the Valley of Flowers starts from Govindghat and passes through several scenic villages like Pulna, Bhyundar, and Ghangaria. The trek is considered moderate and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. The trek starts from Govindghat, which is at an altitude of 1,828 meters above sea level and climbs up to Ghangaria, which is at an altitude of 3,050 meters above sea level.

The trek passes through the lush green forests of oak and pine and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trek is considered moderate and can be done by anyone with basic fitness levels. However, it’s recommended to carry enough water and snacks and wear comfortable trekking shoes and clothes.

On the way to the valley, visitors can stop at Hemkund Sahib, which is a popular Sikh shrine located at an altitude of 4,329 meters above sea level. The shrine is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated in his previous birth. The shrine is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys.

Upon reaching Ghangaria, visitors can take a rest and explore the nearby surroundings. Ghangaria is a small village located at the base of the valley and is the last point where visitors can stay overnight. There are several hotels and guesthouses in Ghangaria that cater to the needs of visitors, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. It’s recommended to book the hotels well in advance, especially during the peak season, to ensure availability and a hassle-free stay.

Exploring the Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers is a stunning natural wonder that is home to several species of flowers, including the Himalayan blue poppy, Himalayan bellflower, and Himalayan cobra lily. The valley is open to visitors from June to October, and the entry fee is nominal.