Nestled in the western Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers is situated at an altitude ranging from 3,200 meters to 6,675 meters above sea level. The valley is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, which is known for its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. Surrounded by towering mountain peaks and fed by crystal-clear streams, the valley is a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The Valley of Flowers is most famous for its vibrant and diverse floral species. It is estimated to be home to over 650 different types of wildflowers, many of which are endemic to the region. Some of the prominent species include the blue poppy, cobra lily, Himalayan bellflower, Himalayan balsam, and various varieties of primroses, saxifrages, and orchids. The valley is a riot of colors during the blooming season, which typically occurs from late July to early September.
While the primary focus of the park is its floral wealth, it also supports a range of wildlife, including Himalayan tahr, musk deer, snow leopard, red fox, and various species of butterflies and birds. The park is also a critical habitat for the endangered blue sheep or bharal.
As a component of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, acknowledged as a part of heritage sites, the valley was designated as a national park in 1982. It attained the status of a World Heritage Site on July 14, 2005, as declared by UNESCO.
Permits are required to enter the Valley of Flowers National Park, and they can be obtained from the forest check post at Ghangaria, which is en route to the valley. Accommodation options are available in Ghangaria, where trekkers typically stay overnight before making their way to the valley. Weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, so visitors are advised to be prepared for varying temperatures and potential rain.
The entry fee for Indians is Rs. 150, and for non-Indians, it is Rs. 650. The entry timings are from 7 am to 5 pm.
The official trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria is 14 km, but due to rerouting after the 2013 flood, the total distance has likely increased to approximately 16 km. The trekking time is estimated to be around 8-10 hours. For those who wish to skip trekking, alternative options include hiring ponies from Govindghat to Ghangaria or using a helicopter or palanquin/porter service. However, helicopter services are subject to weather conditions. More information can be found at: https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/valley-of-flowers
The nearest airport to the Valley of Flowers is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 295 kilometers away from Govindghat, which serves as the base camp for the trek to the valley.
The nearest railway station to Govindghat is Rishikesh Railway Station, approximately 273 kilometers away.
Govindghat, located near Joshimath, is the base camp for the trek to the Valley of Flowers. It is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Uttarakhand. From Govindghat, you'll need to start the trek to reach the valley. The trek is approximately 16 kilometers and typically takes around 6 hours.
Uttarakhand
Accommodations available here include Blue Poppy Swiss Cottage Camps and Blue Poppy Resorts in Auli.
When visiting the Valley of Flowers National Park, the area is a high-altitude trekking destination and does not have permanent settlements or restaurants within the park itself. Govindghat and Ghangaria, which serve as the base camps for the trek to the Valley of Flowers, have a few options for dining. You'll find small local restaurants, dhabas, and food stalls that serve basic vegetarian meals.
Hindi is primarily spoken here but tourists can communicate with the locals in English as well.
The park opens on the 1st of June and closes on the 4th of October.
