Valley of Flowers Trek: A Monsoon Paradise in the Himalayas

If you’re a nature enthusiast or an admirer of the majestic Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers trek is likely to top your monsoon trekking wishlist. This breathtaking high-altitude valley, hidden in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, is not just a marvel of nature but also steeped in mythology and history. The valley was accidentally discovered in 1931 when British mountaineers Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton, and Romilly Holdsworth, returning from their successful Mt. Kamet expedition, lost their way and descended into the Bhyundar Valley through the Bhyundar Khal pass instead of their planned route to Mana village. For the local villagers, however, this alpine meadow was always a known grazing ground and deeply revered in Hindu mythology as Nandan Kanan, the celestial garden of Lord Indra.

Carved by the glacial action of the Pushpawati River, the Valley of Flowers stretches about 10 kilometers in length and 1 kilometer in width, lying at an altitude of approximately 3,200 to 3,600 meters above sea level. The river Pushpawati, named by the Pandavas who saw flowers floating on its waters, originates from this region and later merges with the Laxman Ganga near the sacred town of Govindghat. The valley is flanked by snow-capped peaks and is in full bloom during the monsoon months, from July to August, displaying vibrant hues of pink, blue, violet, and white. Anemone, Balsam, Angelica, Bell Flower, Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy, Forget Me Not, Cobra Lily, and Marsh Marigold are just a few among the hundreds of species that can be found here. The valley is bounded upstream by the Rataban peak and the Tipra glacier and is a botanist’s paradise, an ornithologist’s charm, a photographer’s dream, and a trekker’s delight.

Trek Route and Distance

The trek begins from Govindghat, a small town situated along the Alaknanda River. From here, a motorable road now reaches up to Pulna village, reducing the trekking distance by 4 kilometers. The remaining trail from Pulna to Ghangaria, the base camp for the Valley of Flowers, is around 10 kilometers and follows a mostly gradual ascent along the Pushpawati River. You’ll find several small tea stalls and dhabas along the route, making the journey relatively comfortable. After crossing Bhyundar village, the final ascent leads to the helipad near Ghangaria, from where it’s a short walk to your lodge.

The trail to the Valley of Flowers from Ghangaria is pristine and off-limits to horses, preserving its natural charm. You’ll trek around 8 kilometers (to and fro) inside the valley, enjoying spectacular vistas of alpine meadows and floral diversity. On the following day, the trek continues to Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine located beside a serene glacial lake at 4,000 meters. The path to Hemkund is well paved but steeper and more physically demanding. You can hire a horse if needed, especially for the climb. The terrain becomes rocky and you may encounter snow even in July. This area is especially known for the bloom of the sacred Brahma Kamal.

Total Distance and Altitude Profile

The updated trek distance, considering motorable access to Pulna, is approximately 40 kilometers in total:

• Pulna to Ghangaria and back: 20 km

• Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers and back: 8 km

• Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib and back: 12 km

Trek Difficulty Level

The Valley of Flowers trek is categorized as “Easy,” making it suitable for beginners. Although the trail is relatively long compared to other easy-grade treks, it does not involve any steep climbs. The path is well-marked and mostly paved. The climb to Hemkund Sahib is the most strenuous part but manageable with a slow and steady pace. Being a tea-house trek, you’ll stay in lodges throughout, which is ideal for first-time trekkers. However, one must have basic fitness as you’ll be walking for 6 to 7 hours a day. If carrying a backpack is difficult, offloading options are available (at an extra cost) where your bag can be transported on horseback.

What to Pack

While you don’t necessarily need specialized gear, it’s strongly recommended to wear layered warm clothing and waterproof outerwear. A good quality sports or trekking shoe with a rubber sole is essential. The unpredictable monsoon weather means a waterproof layer is a must.

Best Time to Visit

The Valley of Flowers is accessible only from June to October. While some flowers bloom early in June, the valley is at its colorful best from late July to late August, during the peak of the monsoon. This is the ideal window to witness the valley’s full bloom.

Trek Packages and Costs

We offer fixed departure Valley of Flowers treks that are economical and ideal for group travelers. Accommodations at Govindghat and Ghangaria are on a shared basis (triple or quad sharing), and vegetarian meals are provided. One or more local expert guides accompany the group with basic medical kits and oxygen cylinders stored at the lodges. An accidental insurance plan is included, covering evacuation and hospitalization for the duration of the trek.

Trek Fee: ₹8,800 + 5% GST (Govindghat to Govindghat).
Group discounts are available for bookings of 3, 5, or more persons. Transport from Haridwar to Govindghat and back can be arranged at an additional cost (payable directly to the driver). A Tata Sumo or Mahindra Maxx costs ₹6,500 one way (5–6 people), while a Tempo Traveller costs ₹9,500 (12–13 seats).

Customised Private Trek Options

Private tours offer greater flexibility and allow you to start the trek on your chosen date. The cost varies based on group size and accommodation type. For groups of 6 to 8, expect a price similar to fixed departures. Inclusions remain the same, and you can choose between budget/economy stays or upgrade to standard/premium accommodations. Premium packages include Hotel Bhagat in Govindghat and luxury Swiss tents in Ghangaria — ideal for families or small private groups.

Valley of Flowers National Park Biodiversity

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the Valley of Flowers, along with Nanda Devi National Park, forms the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The park is a hotspot of biodiversity, home to over 520 species of flowering plants and more than 160 species of birds, mammals, and insects. You’ll find endemic and rare Himalayan flora like Himalayan Rose, Himalayan Honeysuckle, Blue Poppy, Brahma Kamal, Himalayan Cinquefoil, Cobra Lily, and many more.

The fauna is equally rich and includes animals like the Asiatic black bear, leopard, snow leopard, brown bear, musk deer, blue sheep, and serow. Birdwatchers can spot Himalayan Monals, Snowcocks, Laughing-thrushes, Vultures, Eagles, Flycatchers, Sunbirds, and many others. Colorful butterflies, bees, and moths also thrive in the region.

How to Reach Govindghat (Trek Base)

To start your trek, you’ll first need to reach Haridwar, which is well-connected by train from Delhi and Kolkata. From Haridwar, we can arrange a vehicle to Govindghat, shared with fellow trekkers. This ride must be paid for separately and directly to the driver. If you prefer public transportation or independent travel, detailed guidance is available under the “Getting There” section.