About Valley of Flowers
With the Himalayas as a backdrop, the Valley of Flowers National Park offers ethereal views and an unforgettable experience for the trekkers. Covering an area of 87 km² in the Chamoli region, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms one of the two main areas (the other being Nanda Devi National Park) of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
The valley is believed to have been discovered in 1931 when three British mountaineers – Led by Frank S Smythe – got lost and stumbled upon this mysterious valley. Being attracted by the beauty of this place, they named it the ” Valley of Flowers “.
As the name suggests, the Valley of Flowers is a place where nature flourishes in full glory and offers an inspiring experience. Unique flowers (more than 600 species) such as orchids, poppies, primroses, marigolds, daisies, and anemones are an attraction. Subalpine birch and rhododendron forests cover parts of the park. A walk in the valley offers mesmerizing sights like gushing waterfalls and forest streams. Located at an altitude of about 3,600 meters above sea level, the valley is also home to rare and amazing wildlife like the gray langur, flying squirrel, Himalayan weasel and black bear, red fox, linden butterfly, snow leopard in the Himalayas, name a few.
Valley of the flower is in Uttarakhand’s top 10 best trekking list. check out our blog on Places near Valley of flowers.
Best time to visit Valley of Flowers
When is the valley of flowers open for tourists?
The Valley of Flowers will open for tourists and trekkers from 1 June 2022
When is the valley of flowers closed to tourists?
Every year valley of flowers closes in October/November.
I visited the valley of flowers in August, we faced strong cold weather and rainfall in the major part of our trip however, we enjoyed a lot our trek. I personally recommended visiting the valley of the flower in June when the snow melting and fresh flower bloom in the valley. I believe it will be the best view of flowers valley. in the Mid July monsoon will start in Uttrakhand so, we will find fog in a major part of your trek you will defiantly enjoy the beauty of the valley in the monsoon but you will miss the rainbow view of the valley of flowers.
The best time to visit Valley of flowers in June
Itinerary for Valley of flowers trek
I was traveling from Vadodara and reached Haridwar by train. I mentioned a detailed itinerary for the valley of flower trek which will help you to plan your trip.
Day 1: Haridwar to Joshimat
Distance: 290 km approx.
you will really enjoy the scenic view of the road. we stayed one day at Haridar for “Ganga Aarti” and left the next day early morning.
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Day 2: Joshimat to Ghangaria
Distance: 20 km approx.
we were packed our lunch at the hotel and started our trek. Ghagaria is the base camp to visit Hemkund sahib and the Valley of flowers trek.
after the 10 -12 km trek, we reached Ghagaria half of the road you can travel by Force or sumo car. local will reach you at the trekking point by their private vehicles.
Uttrakhand government has constructed a new route to reach the “Valley of flowers” and “Hemkund Shahib” after the 2013 flood.
awesome scenic view, big water crossing, and satanic waterfall will never tired you in your 12 km trek.
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Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of flowers
Distance: 10-12 km approx.
finally, the payoff as you will hike for the valley of flowers. after packing lunch from the Ghagaria hotel and starting our awaiting journey toward our beautiful destination. the trek was very difficult for me because the road is not flat, it was made of stones so you will be very careful while trekking.
beautiful Himalayas flowers will refresh your mind with colors and aroma.
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Day 4: Ghangaria to Hemkund Shahib
Distance: 10-12 km approx.
actually, I have a very bad leg cramp so, unable to visit Hemkund Sahib so, the “Bhram Kamal” and “blue puppy” flower pieces we missed seeing However I got the pics of these beautiful flowers.
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Day 5-6 : Ghangaria to Joshimat to Haridwar
Distance: 300 km approx.
we returned home with lifetime memories and experiences of the “Valley of flowers”.