Valley of Flowers Trek

The best time to trek in the Valley of Flowers is from June to early October, i.e., in the summers and monsoons, when trekkers can enjoy the transforming, stunning landscape.

In Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers trek is located amidst the gigantic popular mountain ranges like the Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, etc.

The ‘Valley of Flowers’ temperature here from May to September is between 10°C and 25°C. In October and November, it remains somewhere between 5 °C and 20 °C. The temperature drops significantly during the winter, often reaching below freezing. The weather is usually pleasant and cool.

On average, the Valley of Flowers is completed in around 6-7 days. The participants must prepare themselves physically and mentally to complete this trek without too much difficulty, enjoying their once-in-a-lifetime experience.

People who are not fit or resilient enough could find the Valley of Flowers trek difficult, but individuals who are into physical fitness would find this trek moderate and manageable.

Hiring a guide for the Valley of Flowers trek is quite beneficial as they are familiar with all the possible trekking routes and weather conditions. Their knowledge regarding the entire surroundings, including the alpine flora and fauna, and histories related to the place, can make your trekking experience a great adventure with their support.

The Valley of Flowers trek is 11,900 feet high (3628 meters). This high-altitude trekking experience must be on every adventure enthusiast’s bucket list to not miss this exciting thrill.

A one-day trek to the Valley of Flowers is not recommended. To enjoy every bit of the astonishing glimpses this trek offers, hikers must complete this around 5-6 days with an easy and delightful experience. 

No, the route doesn’t take you directly to the Valley of Flowers by car. The route to reach the Valley of Flowers from Delhi passes through Haridwar or Rishikesh, which is 240 km away from Delhi. From Haridwar or Rishikesh, one has to reach Pipalkoti, covering a distance of around 275 km. En route to Govindghat, 40 km apart from Pipalkoti. Commence a 9-kilometre trek to reach Ghangaria Village. Further to the Valley of Flowers trek, with a trek distance of approximately 4 km.  

Hikers can feel safe planning a trip to the Valley of Flowers because the trail gets easier and more manageable with the help of a local guide and local inhabitants along your way. Just strengthen your physical endurance and fitness, and you’re good to go.

Yes, a permit is required to enter Ghangaria before proceeding for a trek to the Valley of Flowers and before approaching the Valley of Flowers. Also, carry your identification cards for a smooth experience.

The general duration of the Valley of Flowers trek is 6 days, 5 nights, where every bit of nature’s charm is witnessed.

Yes, the Valley of Flowers trek is suitable for fit individuals and also for experienced trekkers.

The closest railway station to the Valley of Flowers is Rishikesh, which is located roughly 270 kilometres from the Valley of Flowers National Park.

The only location where the BSNL network can function well is Ghangaria, and there are plenty of STD options there as well, giving hikers easy ways to contact home. Travellers will only have reasonable network coverage up until Joshimath; however, there will not be any mobile networks available until the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. 

Delhi -> Haridwar/Rishikesh (240 km) -> Pipalkoti (275 km) -> Govindghat (40 km) -> Ghangaria Village (Trek 9 km) -> Valley of Flowers (3.7 km Trek)

• To reach the Valley of Flowers trek, you first need to reach either Rishikesh or Haridwar from Delhi. Grab a bus or a cab to get there.
• Once you reach Rishikesh or Haridwar, you need to reach Pipalkoti, which is around 250 km. It is a 10 to 11-hour drive; prepare yourselves beforehand.
• From Pipalkoti, you need to travel another 40 km to reach Govindghat, which is the base camp of the trek. You can easily find a bus or a cab that will take you there.
• From Govindghat, there is a 9-kilometre trek to reach Ghangaria.
• After reaching Ghangaria, you will be trekking for another 3.7 km to reach the Valley of Flowers.

Spring (March to April): During the spring season, you can expect an average temperature between 5 and 15 °C. You may see mountains covered with the old snow of winter and closed paths due to the same. During this season, trekking is closed because of unfavourable conditions.

Summer (May to June): The climate is warmer and more pleasant during the summer. All the paths during this season are easily accessible, and the conditions are favourable. During the summer, the temperature ranges from 10 °C to 25 °C.

Monsoon (July to August): Monsoon is the best time to do the Valley of Flowers Trek, as you get to see the magnificent blooming flowers. However, one needs to be cautious because paths are slippery, and there are safety concerns. The temperature during this season is around 15 to 25 °C.

Autumn (October to November): The early months of the autumn season are pleasant for trekking, but as November approaches, the temperature starts dropping, which may cause discomfort for trekkers. Temperatures remain between 5 and 20 °C.

Winter (December to February): You can expect heavy snowfall during this season, due to which all the trails become inaccessible, and paths are closed. It is not recommended to go on this trek in the winter season. Temperatures go below -10 °C during the winter.

Age: The minimum age limit suggested for the Valley of Flowers Trek is 12 (must be

accompanied by their guardians or parents), and the maximum age limit is 61.

If you are above 61, it is advisable to consult a doctor before participating in this trek.

Fitness: 

• If a person can run 4 kilometres in around 30 minutes, they’re considered a decent fit for this trek.
• To improve your fitness level, start with stretching (to avoid any muscle pain or strain) and move on to exercising vigorously daily for about an hour.
• Climbing stairs, jogging, lunges, squats, cycling, and push-ups are some of the suggested fitness regimes that you should follow to boost your stamina and experience a lifetime experience without struggling physically or mentally.

If you’re planning a trek to the Valley of Flowers, you’re expected to carry some of the essential items. The essential trekking items are mentioned below:

• Any of the mentioned government identity proof cards, such as the Aadhar card, driver’s license, voter ID, or passport. (for identification purposes).
• Trekking essentials include a rucksack or a backpack (waterproof) to carry all your essentials. Also, bring a rain cover or a raincoat.
• Clothing: a fleece T-shirt and a lower, waterproof, and warm jacket, a warmer, a pair of warm gloves, a pair of warm socks, UV-protected shades, and a cap or hat to get relief from the scorching sun.
• Shoes: Good-branded trekking shoes will be a great option that will provide a great grip on uneven or slippery surfaces, which regular shoes lack. Trekking shoes from a good brand will protect you from strains or bruises. Quechua is one of the best brands that you can go for.
• Toiletries: One must carry a small pack of toothpaste, a face wash, a toothbrush, napkins, paper soap, hand sanitisers, sunscreen with good SPF, moisturisers, and lip balms (to avoid any cracks or dryness).
• Instant Energy: For instant energy while on the Valley of Flowers trek, kindly carry chocolate bars, dried fruits, and some snacks to get energised instantly.

• Medication: Also, carry any pain relief sprays to get immediate relief from spasms, sprains, joint pain, etc. Bandages, anti-allergy tablets, and pain relief tablets—antiseptic solutions to heal a wound—need to be carried.
• Miscellaneous: a map, GPS, torch light, power bank, and camera to capture nature’s mesmerising beauty. Also, keep checking the weather forecast to prepare and pack all the required stuff accordingly.