Travel Guide of Valley of flowers in India by Influencers and Travelers

Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, located in North Chamoli and Pithoragarh, in the state of Uttarakhand and is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora.

Pictures and Stories of Valley of flowers from Influencers

2 pictures of Valley of flowers from Akanksha Sharma, , and other travelers

green mountains under white clouds during daytime in Valley of flowers India

Experienced by @Akanksha Sharma | ©Unsplash

green mountains covered with fog in Valley of flowers India

Experienced by @Akanksha Sharma | ©Unsplash

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How to visit Valley of flowers ?

Why traveling there?

The Valley of Flowers, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers. The valley comes alive with a vibrant carpet of wildflowers during the monsoon season, showcasing more than 500 species of flowers, including rare and endangered species. The breathtaking landscape, coupled with the majestic Nanda Devi and other snow-capped peaks, make this a must-visit destination.

How to get there?

The nearest airport to the Valley of Flowers is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around 280 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Joshimath. The nearest railway station is Haridwar or Rishikesh, well connected to major cities in India.

From Joshimath, you can take a shared taxi to Govindghat - the starting point of the trek. The trek begins with a 13 km hike to Ghangaria, the base camp for the Valley of Flowers. The next day, you will embark on a 3-5 km trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers.

What to book in advance?

It's essential to book accommodations in Ghangaria and Joshimath in advance, especially during peak season. You also need to obtain a permit from the Forest Department to enter the Valley of Flowers. It's recommended to book a local guide (available in Ghangaria) to help you navigate the valley and identify the flora.

What are the costs?

The costs involved in visiting the Valley of Flowers include transportation, accommodations, food, guide fees, and the permit fee (around INR 150 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners). A budget traveler can expect to spend around INR 5,000-7,000, while a mid-range traveler might spend INR 10,000-15,000.

What are the best things to do?

- Trekking to the Valley of Flowers to witness the stunning floral display.
- Exploring the Hemkund Sahib, a sacred Sikh pilgrimage site at 4,329 meters above sea level.
- Photographing the picturesque landscapes, flora, and fauna.
- Spotting rare and endangered species like the blue sheep and Himalayan black bear.

Where to eat?

1. Prem Restaurant in Ghangaria is a popular choice for vegetarian North Indian meals.
2. The Gurudwara langar in Ghangaria offers basic vegetarian food to all visitors at a nominal cost or even for free.
3. Carry packed lunches and snacks during the trek, as there are no eateries in the Valley of Flowers.

Where to stay?

1. In Ghangaria, the Ghangaria Tourist Rest House offers basic, clean rooms at affordable prices.
2. The Gurudwara in Ghangaria provides budget accommodation in dormitories with basic facilities.
3. In Joshimath, the GMVN Tourist Rest House offers comfortable, budget-friendly accommodations.

Off the beaten path

For an unusual travel experience, consider visiting during the winter months when the Valley of Flowers is covered in a blanket of snow. While the flowers won't be in bloom, the snow-capped peaks and frozen landscape offer a unique and otherworldly experience. It's important to note that trekking during this time can be challenging and requires proper planning, equipment, and a skilled guide.