The Valley of Flowers National Park is an alpine valley that bursts into bloom in the monsoon months. It is part of the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks World Heritage Site. The base is Ghangaria, reached by a trek from Govindghat. Hemkund Sahib lies on a separate steep trail from Ghangaria.
About this page: Opening dates, timings and permit places come from 2026 news and travel guides; fees conflict between sources and were not confirmed by the forest department. Other details are approximate and from general knowledge and secondary sources.
Things to see
- Valley of Flowers. A few kilometres of walking trail beyond Ghangaria. The park has entry rules and daily timings.
- Hemkund Sahib. Sikh gurdwara beside a glacial lake, about 4,300 m above sea level, reached by a steep walk from Ghangaria.
- Ghangaria. Small village with lodges and a gurdwara, used as the base.
How to reach Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib
By road
Joshimath to Govindghat is about 20-25 km by road (around an hour). From Govindghat the walk to Ghangaria is about 13 km; ponies and porters are available. Helicopter shuttles run in season.
By rail
Rishikesh, then a long road drive.
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, then road to Joshimath.
The last stretch
From Govindghat you walk or ride a pony to Ghangaria (helicopter shuttles also run in season). The Valley is a further walk from there; the park may close the trail in bad weather.
Where to stay
Lodges and the gurdwara at Ghangaria; Govindghat has basic hotels. Booking ahead is wise in July-August.
Food
Simple vegetarian meals at Ghangaria; langar at the gurdwara.
Budget
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Season and weather
The park opened on 1 June 2026 and was reported to stay open until 31 October 2026. Entry is reported as 7 am to 2 pm with visitors leaving by about 5 pm, and overnight stays in the valley are not allowed. Permits can be bought online or at the forest counter in Ghangaria. Fees are reported inconsistently (Rs 150-200 for Indians, Rs 600-800 for foreigners) and a daily cap of 300 appears in only one source, so confirm with the forest department. Landslides on the route are common in monsoon.
Safety
- Landslides on the Govindghat trail can block the route.
- Altitude: Ghangaria is about 3,000 m; Hemkund is much higher.
- Do not pick flowers or leave the trail.
Tips
- Allow 4-5 days so you can rest at Ghangaria.
- Carry rain gear and warm layers.
Plan around Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib
Itineraries that include it
- Valley of Flowers and Hemkund (7 days)
- Adventure road trip (10 days)
Treks in the same district
- Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Trek (moderate, 6 days)
- Kuari Pass (moderate, 5 days)
- Brahmatal (moderate, 6 days)
Map
Approximate location at town level. Use an official or navigation map for exact directions.
Frequently asked questions
When do the flowers bloom?
Typically from July to September, with the heaviest bloom in July-August. Exact timing varies with the weather.
Sources and verification
Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.