Valley of Flowers National Park

NatureChamoli, Uttarakhand

Last updated August 6, 2026

A high-altitude alpine meadow in the Valley of Flowers carpeted with hundreds of species of wildflowers below snow-capped peaks

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty

Plan your trip

Essential Info

Best Time to Visit

July to September (when flowers are in full bloom)

Entry Fee

₹150 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners

Timings

June to October (park closed rest of the year)

The story

History & Architecture

History

The valley was largely unknown outside the local Bhyundar villagers until 1931, when British mountaineer Frank S. Smythe, descending from an expedition to Mount Kamet, stumbled upon it and was struck enough by its meadows to name it and later publish a book, "The Valley of Flowers" (1938), that brought it international attention. It was declared a national park in 1982 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 (as part of the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks site), recognized for its exceptional concentration of endemic alpine flora amid dramatic Himalayan scenery.

Local lore

Myths & Legends

What locals say

Local and Hindu tradition identifies the valley with Nandan Kanan, a mythical garden of the gods, and some accounts connect it to the Ramayana, holding that Hanuman passed through this region searching for the Sanjeevani herb to revive the wounded Lakshmana — a story often mentioned by local guides pointing out the valley's dense variety of medicinal plants.

Highlights

Main Attractions

300+ species of flowers

Rare Himalayan flora

Stunning mountain vistas

Pushpawati River

Snow-capped peaks

Beyond the obvious

Hidden Gems & Photography

Hidden Gems

•Hemkund Sahib, a glacial lake and Sikh pilgrimage site, is reachable via a separate trail from the same Govindghat base and is often combined with a Valley of Flowers visit
•The Pushpawati riverside trail sections away from the main path see far fewer visitors and are good for spotting Himalayan birdlife
•Early or late in the bloom season (late June or September) offers a quieter visit than the July–August peak, with a different but still striking mix of flowering species

Photography Tips

•Midday light tends to flatten the meadow colors — early morning brings out the flowers best before afternoon clouds typically roll in
•A macro lens or macro mode captures the valley's smaller, less obvious blooms that are easy to miss at a glance
•Weather changes fast at this altitude; keep gear protected and be ready to shoot in sudden mist for atmospheric, moody shots

On the map

Location

Getting there

How to Reach

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport, DehradunDED

Distance: 295 km

By Train

Rishikesh Railway StationRKSH

Distance: 273 km

By Road

•Rishikesh to Joshimath (253 km by road)
•Joshimath to Govindghat (20 km)
•Govindghat to Ghangaria (14 km trek)
•Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers (5 km trek)

Local Transport

TrekkingPoniesMules

Before you go

Safety & Travel Tips

The trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria and on to the valley involves sustained elevation gain; pace yourself and watch for signs of altitude sickness
Weather can shift quickly even in peak season — carry rain protection and warm layers regardless of the forecast
The park closes for the day by early-to-mid afternoon; start early to allow a full visit and safe return to Ghangaria

Travel with care

Responsible Tourism

Picking flowers or removing plant material is prohibited and enforced — the park's value depends entirely on its flora being left undisturbed
No camping is allowed inside the park; all visitors must return to Ghangaria by evening
Stay on the marked trail at all times to avoid trampling the fragile alpine meadow ecosystem
Carry all waste back out — there are no disposal facilities inside the park