Valley of Flowers Trek: Complete 2026 Guide to Itinerary, Flowers, and Permits

The Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the West Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, is widely considered one of India's most legendary trekking trails. Originally discovered accidentally in 1931 by British mountaineers Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth, this "endless sea of blooms" has since become a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.

Technical Overview of the Valley of Flowers Trek

Planning a high-altitude expedition requires precise data to ensure safety and physical preparation.

Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Total Trek Distance: Approximately 42 km over 6 days
Highest Altitude: 14,403 ft (Hemkund Sahib)
Base Camp: Govindghat / Joshimath
Region: Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
Fitness Requirement: Ability to cover 5 km in 35 minutes is recommended for an enjoyable experience

Valley of Flowers Trek Best Time and Blooming Season

The Valley of Flowers is seasonal, officially opening on June 1st and closing in early October.

June: The valley begins to wake up from its winter slumber. You can see the last of the melting glaciers and early-season sprouts.
July and August: This is the peak blooming season. The monsoon rains trigger a vibrant array of over 300 flower species. This is also the best time to see the rare Brahma Kamal and Blue Poppies.
September: The flowers begin to wither and turn to seeds, but the weather becomes crisp and the skies are often clearer for photography.
Winter (October to May): The region transforms into a snowy landscape and becomes inaccessible to visitors.

Valley of Flowers Itinerary: Rishikesh to Valley of Flowers

Desh Videsh Travels offers a specialized 6-day itinerary starting with an overnight journey from Delhi to Rishikesh.

Day 0: Overnight Travel from Delhi to Rishikesh

The adventure begins with an evening departure from Delhi, providing an opportunity for travelers to meet and bond during the overnight journey to Rishikesh.

Day 1: Rishikesh to Govindghat

The journey officially begins from the yoga capital, Rishikesh, to Govindghat. Travelers witness the Panch Prayag—the five sacred river confluences of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Govindghat.

Day 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria

Following light stretching, a short 4 km drive reaches Pulna, the start point of the trek. Trekkers embark on a 10 km moderate trek through the lush Bhyundar Valley to reach Ghangaria. Travelers can visit the Valley of Flowers Information Centre for insights into the rare flora and fauna of this UNESCO site.

Day 3: Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers

A 6 km trek leads into the heart of the Valley of Flowers at approximately 11,811 ft. The trail unveils an explosion of color, featuring poppies, orchids, and bellflowers. Trekkers spend the day exploring wooden bridges and misty waterfalls before returning to Ghangaria by late afternoon.

Day 4: Hemkund Sahib Trek

This challenging spiritual climb reaches 14,203 ft to the world's highest Gurudwara, Hemkund Sahib. Trekkers walk alongside the Laxman Ganga to reach the glacial lake surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks. After paying respects and visiting the nearby Laxman Temple, the group descends back to Ghangaria.

Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat and Badrinath Darshan

After descending to Govindghat, a spiritual detour leads to the Badrinath Temple, one of the revered Char Dham. Travelers can take a dip in the Tapt Kund natural hot spring before heading to Joshimath for an overnight stay and a visit to the ancient Narsingh Temple.

Day 6: Joshimath to Rishikesh

The final leg of the journey returns to Rishikesh. Travelers who joined at Rishikesh conclude their trip here, while others continue the journey back to Delhi.

Desh Videsh Valley of Flowers Tour

Desh Videsh Travels provides comprehensive support for the 2026 trekking season, focusing on safety and a wholesome Himalayan experience.

Inclusions: The package includes pick-up and drop-off from Delhi or Rishikesh, comfortable transport, and forest permits.
Meals and Stay: 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners are provided, along with 2 packed lunches for trekking days. Accommodation includes hotels, guesthouses, or homestays from Day 1 to Day 5.
Expert Support: Every group is accompanied by a Trek Leader, guides, and supportive staff to ensure safety on the 38 km trail.

Flora and Fauna of the National Park

The valley is home to approximately 520 plant species, many of which are endemic and medicinal.

Rare Flowers: The Himalayan Blue Poppy, Brahma Kamal (the official flower of Uttarakhand), Cobra Lily, and Himalayan Bellflower.
Fauna: The park is a high-biodiversity zone where lucky trekkers might spot the Asiatic Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, or the colorful Himalayan Monal.

Mythological Significance

The valley is steeped in Indian epics.

Ramayana: It is believed that Lord Hanuman collected the Sanjivani Booti (life-saving herb) from this valley to save Laxman.
Mahabharata: Legend says Draupadi was enchanted by the aroma of the Brahma Kamal here and sought them for Lord Krishna.

Essential Packing and Gear

Trekkers must be prepared for monsoon conditions and high altitudes.

Trek Gear: Available for rental, including gender-specific gear.
Footwear: High-quality trekking shoes with good grip are essential for the moderate terrain.
Rain Protection: Ponchos or raincoats are mandatory due to the monsoon blooming season.
Services: Backpack offloading and cloakroom facilities are available for those who prefer to walk without heavy loads.

Permits, Safety, and Preparation

Permit Fees: For Indian citizens, the entry fee is ₹150; for foreign nationals, it is ₹600. Permits are valid for three days.
Access Hours: Entry is permitted only between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM. All visitors must depart by 5:00 PM as overnight camping inside the valley is strictly prohibited.
Connectivity: Mobile networks are non-existent or very weak past Govindghat. Carry sufficient cash as ATMs are not available in Ghangaria.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I access a Valley of Flowers travel complete guide PDF? While many guides are available online, Desh Videsh Travels provides all necessary digital information, including fitness plans and packing lists, directly to registered trekkers to ensure they are well-informed before departure.

How do I plan a Valley of Flowers travel complete guide from Hyderabad? Travelers from Hyderabad should fly to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) or take a train to Rishikesh/Haridwar. From there, they can join the Desh Videsh tour starting in Rishikesh or Delhi.

How do I prepare for the Valley of Flowers trek? We recommend starting cardio exercises (jogging/stretching) and strength training (squats/lunges) at least 4-6 weeks before the trek. Increasing water intake and practicing yoga for flexibility is also highly beneficial.

What is the Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers distance? The trek from Ghangaria to the valley entrance is approximately 6 km.

What should I pack for the Valley of Flowers trek? Essential items include a waterproof backpack, high-quality trekking shoes with ankle support, a poncho for monsoon rains, quick-dry tees, and a medical kit containing Diamox for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).