«Himalayan Blue Poppy»
Meconopsis aculeata
The valley's most famous bloom: sky-blue, papery petals around a golden boss of stamens, on bristly stems among rocks and boulders.
Sky blue · July – September
Recorded in the valley
Uttarakhand · Indian Himalaya
Valley of Flowers
Discover Himalayan wildflowers and plan your journey to the Valley of Flowers National Park.
Valley of Flowers National Park
Tucked at 3,658 m in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that opens only from June to October. Over 600 species of flowering plants bloom here in waves, each month painting the valley a new colour.
The valley runs about 8 km long and 2 km wide along the Pushpawati river, within a national park of 87.5 sq km. Locals knew it as Bhyundar for generations, until British mountaineer Frank Smythe wrote about it in 1931. It became a National Park in 1982 and is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
Many of its plants are endemic to the western Himalaya, including rare medicinal herbs such as Atis and Kutki. The same slopes shelter the Himalayan musk deer, Asiatic black bear, snow leopard and Himalayan monal.
- Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: about 3,200 m to 6,675 m
- Open: June to October
- Base for visitors: Ghangaria (3,050 m)
- No camping or overnight stay inside the park
This site is a living herbarium: every flower, its season, altitude and story.
every flower is a memory of summer
Flowers of the Valley of Flowers
All 92 flowers
«Brahma Kamal»
Saussurea obvallata
State flower of Uttarakhand. Papery cream bracts wrap a dark purple flower head like a lantern; sacred and offered at Himalayan shrines.
Cream bracts, purple head · July – September
Recorded in the valley
«Cobra Lily»
Arisaema propinquum
A hooded, striped spathe that looks like a rising cobra, found in shaded, moist ground along the trail from Govindghat to Ghangaria.
Purple-brown · June – August
Recorded in the valley
«Himalayan Whorlflower»
Morina longifolia
Whorls of tubular flowers that change from white to deep pink after pollination.
White turning crimson · July – September
Recorded in the valley
«Himalayan Marsh Orchid (Salam Panja)»
Dactylorhiza hatagirea
A terrestrial orchid with dense purple spikes and hand-shaped tubers, heavily collected for salep.
Purple · June – August
Recorded in the valley
«Rhododendron (Buras)»
Rhododendron campanulatum
Bell-shaped lilac trusses on dense, shrubby slopes near the treeline.
Lilac · June – July
Recorded in the valleyPlan your Valley of Flowers trek
The trek starts from the Govindghat–Pulna approach, with Ghangaria as the base for visiting the valley. Explore the route, a suggested itinerary and seasonal advice before you travel.
Best time for the Valley of Flowers trek
The valley is usually open from June to October. Mid-July to mid-August is the peak flowering period, but each month has its own character, and monsoon rain is likely from July to August.
June
Early flowers, snow patches and quiet trails.
July
Meadows begin to fill with blooms as the monsoon sets in.
August
Peak bloom, with the valley at its fullest and most colourful.
September
Clearer mountain views, autumn tones and fewer visitors.
Valley of Flowers trek itinerary
A suggested six-day plan from Rishikesh, with a full day in the valley and a separate day for Hemkund Sahib.
Day 1
Rishikesh to Joshimath / Govindghat by road.
Day 2
Govindghat to Pulna by jeep, then trek about 10 km to Ghangaria.
Day 3
Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers and back (about 8–10 km).
Day 4
Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back (about 12 km).
Day 5
Trek down to Govindghat and drive to Joshimath.
Day 6
Drive back to Rishikesh.
Valley of Flowers trek guide
The essentials to know before you set out.
At a glance
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Duration: 6 days from Rishikesh
- Base: Ghangaria (3,050 m)
- Valley altitude: about 3,658 m
- Season: June – October
Permits
Entry permits are issued at the forest check-post near Ghangaria and are valid for three days. Carry a photo ID, and check current fees with the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Camping inside the park is not allowed.
What to pack
- Waterproof shoes, rain jacket, pack cover
- Warm fleece and quick-dry trousers
- Trekking pole, sun cap, sunscreen
- First-aid kit, snacks, power bank
- Photo ID and cash
Valley of Flowers trek FAQs
Where is the Valley of Flowers?
The Valley of Flowers National Park is in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, in the Indian Himalaya. Ghangaria is the base for visiting the valley.
What is the best time for the Valley of Flowers trek?
Mid-July to mid-August is generally the peak flowering period. June brings early flowers and snow patches, while September offers autumn colours. Monsoon rain can affect travel, so check local conditions before setting out.
How difficult is the Valley of Flowers trek?
The trek is generally easy to moderate, but the altitude, sustained walking and wet trails require preparation. Build walking fitness beforehand and allow time to acclimatise.
How many days should I plan for the trek?
The suggested itinerary allows six days from Rishikesh, including road travel, the trek to Ghangaria, a day in the Valley of Flowers and a separate day for Hemkund Sahib.
Do I need a permit to visit the Valley of Flowers?
Yes. Entry permits are issued at the forest check-post near Ghangaria. Carry a photo ID and check current fees and access conditions with the Uttarakhand Forest Department before travelling.
Can I camp inside the Valley of Flowers?
No. Camping and overnight stays inside the national park are not permitted. Stay in Ghangaria and return from the valley before evening.
Which flowers can I see in the Valley of Flowers?
The valley is known for Himalayan wildflowers such as blue poppies, Himalayan balsam, geraniums, anemones and cinquefoils. The species you see depend on the month, altitude and conditions; explore the flower guide for individual bloom seasons.