Discover India's Wild Heritage
Explore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksExplore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksA Himalayan Meadow of Blossoms
Uttarakhand
Image: Naresh Chandra / CC BY-SA 4.0Welcome to Valley of Flowers National Park! Use the resources below to plan your adventure in one of India's most treasured wild spaces.
Safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and more
Safari timings, open seasons, and park schedules
Entry fees, safari charges, and camera fees
How to reach by air, rail, and road
Official booking links, permits, and offline reservation guidance
Nearby stays, forest rest houses, and booking resources
Entry permits are typically handled at the Govindghat/Ghangaria forest counters; confirm current trekking registration requirements before travel.
This link opens Booking.com, a third-party site.
This park requires a 17 km trek from the nearest road (Govindghat to Ghangaria, then 3 km to the valley). The trail is steep and involves altitude gain from 1,800 m to 3,658 m. It is not accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. Ponies are available for the Govindghat-Ghangaria stretch but not inside the valley. Good physical fitness is essential.
The Valley of Flowers National Park, nestled in the western Himalayas of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3,658 meters, is one of the most stunningly beautiful places in India. This gentle, hanging valley is renowned for its spectacular alpine meadows that burst into a riot of colour during the monsoon months, when over 600 species of flowering plants bloom simultaneously. The valley was unknown to the outside world until 1931, when British mountaineer Frank Smythe stumbled upon it after a failed attempt on Mount Kamet. UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site in 2005, alongside the adjacent Nanda Devi National Park, for its outstanding natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
| Season | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Open Season (Jun - Oct) | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Day visits only — no overnight stay in the valley |
Visitors must trek from Ghangaria (3 km one way from the valley). No camping allowed inside the valley. Return to Ghangaria by 5:00 PM. The park office at Ghangaria opens at 6:00 AM for permits.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee (Indian) | INR 150 per person (3-day pass) |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner) | INR 600 per person (3-day pass) |
| Porter/Mule (Govindghat to Ghangaria) | INR 1,000 - 2,500 |
| Camera Fee | INR 50 (still) |
The entry fee covers 3 days. There is no vehicle access — you must trek or hire a mule/pony from Govindghat to Ghangaria (14 km). Helicopter services to Ghangaria are available from Govindghat during peak season.
Valley of Flowers National Park, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand 246443
30.7280° N, 79.6050° E
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (295 km). Taxis available to Govindghat via Joshimath (10-12 hours drive). Helicopter services from Govindghat to Ghangaria operate in season.
Nearest railway stations are Rishikesh (273 km) and Haridwar (295 km), well-connected to Delhi. From there, bus or taxi to Govindghat via Joshimath.
Drive to Govindghat on NH-7 (Rishikesh-Badrinath highway). 273 km from Rishikesh (8-10 hours). Uttarakhand state buses and shared taxis run to Joshimath and Govindghat. The drive passes through spectacular Himalayan scenery.
From Govindghat, trek 14 km to Ghangaria (base camp), then 3 km to the Valley of Flowers. Ponies and porters available at Govindghat. Helicopter service to Ghangaria available in season (5 minutes, INR 3,000-5,000).
Over 600 species of flowering plants including many rare and endemic species. Famous flowers include the Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis aculeata), Cobra Lily, Brahmakamal, Saussurea, Potentilla, Geranium, and Primula. The valley is also home to several medicinal plants used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Due to its limited accessibility and high altitude, large mammals are rarely seen. Snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and serow inhabit the area but are elusive. The Himalayan Monal (national bird of Nepal) is commonly spotted. The valley is rich in butterflies and insects.
The Valley of Flowers was discovered by British mountaineer Frank Smythe in 1931 during his return from a Kamet expedition. He was so enchanted that he wrote a book titled 'The Valley of Flowers' (1938), which brought global attention to this hidden paradise. Botanist Joan Margaret Legge spent years studying the valley's flora until her death in the valley in 1939 — a memorial stone marks her resting place. The area was declared a national park in 1982 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, alongside Nanda Devi National Park.
