Valley of Flowers 2025: Opening Dates, How to Reach, and Trekking Guide to This UNESCO Heritage Site in Uttarakhand

Valley of Flowers 2025: Opening Dates and How to Reach

Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand will open from June 1, 2025, inviting nature lovers and adventure seekers to experience one of India’s most breathtaking natural wonders. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, this high-altitude Himalayan valley in the Chamoli district comes alive each year with thousands of wildflowers carpeting the meadows in every imaginable hue.

If you have been dreaming of mist-covered trails, floral landscapes, and snow-capped peaks in the backdrop — this is your sign to pack your bags.

What Makes the Valley of Flowers Special?

Tucked away in the Western Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and vibrant alpine blooms. Over 600 species of flowering plants — including blue poppies, cobra lilies, and Himalayan orchids — flourish here during the monsoon.

With a bit of luck, you may also spot rare fauna like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, red fox, or the elusive musk deer.

How to Reach the Valley of Flowers?

Here is a detailed step-by-step travel guide to India's one of the most scenic national park - Valley of Flowers:

1. Reach Rishikesh or Haridwar: Begin your journey from Rishikesh or Haridwar, both well-connected to major Indian cities via road and rail.

2. Travel to Govindghat: From Rishikesh, drive approximately 270 km (10–11 hours) to Govindghat, the base village. You can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep.

3. Trek to Ghangaria: From Govindghat, embark on a scenic 13 km uphill trek along the Pushpawati River to reach Ghangaria. Ponies and porters are available if needed. Ghangaria is the last settlement before the valley, and an overnight stay is required.

4. Trek to the Valley of Flowers: Start early from Ghangaria for the 4 km trek (one way) to the Valley of Flowers. The valley is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and same-day return to Ghangaria is mandatory.

Trekking Guide & Entry Details

The Valley of Flowers will open on June 1, 2025, and is expected to close around October 31, 2025, subject to weather conditions. Entry fees are Rs 150 for Indian nationals and Rs 600 for foreign nationals (valid for 3 days).

Accommodation is available in Ghangaria in the form of budget lodges, guest houses, and camps. There are no stay options inside the valley — only daytime entry is permitted. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the peak bloom season in July and August.

Best Time to Visit Valley of Flowers

• Mid-July to mid-August: Peak bloom season with meadows in full color
• June: Snow patches and lush green trails
• September: Fewer crowds and a crisp autumn charm

• Hemkund Sahib: A revered Sikh pilgrimage site, just 6 km from Ghangaria
• Badrinath Temple: One of the four Char Dham shrines
• Auli: A scenic destination near Joshimath, known for skiing and cable cars