Trip planning
Best Time to Visit the Valley of Flowers

Watch · Devkant on the trail, July 2025
घूमने का सबसे अच्छा समय
Best time to visit
“Best time to visit the Valley of Flowers. Actually, when you come to the Valley of Flowers, it's a place you can't easily keep coming back to, so you should know: what is the best time to visit. The valley stays buried in snow…”
2:10 · Hindi with English captions · full screen
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The Valley of Flowers stays under snow for most of the year and opens on 1 June. People often ask us for the single best date to visit, but there is no one answer. The valley is always beautiful — it simply changes. In June it is snow and glaciers with the first green; in July and August it is a sea of flowers; by September it turns to berries, autumn colours and clear mountain views. The best time for you depends on what you want to see.
Which month suits you?
| If you want… | Come in… |
|---|---|
| Snow and glaciers | June |
| Glaciers and flowers together | The first half of July (before 15 July) |
| The most flowers, in the greatest variety | Mid-July to mid-August |
| Less rain on the road | June |
| Fewer crowds | July onwards — the North Indian holiday season ends on 30 June |
| Clear skies, snow peaks and autumn colours | September |
The Valley of Flowers opens from June to September. The best time to visit is July and August, when you will see the maximum variety and quantity of flowers in full bloom. — Devkant Sangwan
June: snow, glaciers and the first green
June is when the snow begins to melt and the glaciers slowly retreat. Through the month the valley changes from white to green: new plants come up and the first flowers appear. It is not the time for flowers — you will see far fewer than in July and August — but watching the valley wake up is fascinating, and if you love glaciers and snow, June is wonderful.

The golden lily is one of the June flowers; you can see it until the second week of July.

Here is a short video of the valley in June: fewer flowers, more glaciers.
Good things about June
- It rains very little, so the trek is rarely disturbed and there are fewer landslides on the road between Haridwar and Govindghat.
- It is the best month for glaciers and snow.
Keep in mind
June is peak holiday season in India and the busiest time for the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage. Ghangaria fills up with Sikh pilgrims, and the path from Govindghat to Ghangaria is crowded with pilgrims, ponies and porters.

July: the valley comes into full bloom
In July the Valley of Flowers comes into full bloom, and stays that way until the end of August. If you love nature, this is your time: greenery and colour everywhere you look. If you also want to see glaciers, come in the first half of July, preferably before 15 July.
By mid-July the monsoon has arrived and the glaciers you would have seen in June are melting away. The valley is full of colonies of golden lily, four-petal anemone and geraniums. You may even find the lady's slipper orchid — but it is so rare that you usually need local knowledge to find it.

This is when the valley is at its peak in both variety and number of flowers, and because different flowers open at different times, its colour changes almost every day. In the third week of July geraniums cover the valley in violet; by the first week of August the balsam (Impatiens) has taken over and painted it pink.
Good things about the first half of July
- You get glaciers and flowers together — the perfect combination for nature lovers.
- The North Indian holiday season ends on 30 June, so Ghangaria is much less crowded than in June.
August: the deepest colours
The valley is still full of flowers in August, but you can see the landscape shifting. As the plants mature their colours deepen, and the valley slowly turns from lush green to yellowish-green and peach. The peak of the bloom ends around mid-August, but the valley stays colourful through the whole month. The later flowers are still out, though in smaller numbers, the glaciers have mostly melted, and berries start to appear.



Hemkund Sahib has its own flowers
Hemkund Sahib, close to the valley, has flowers that you will not find in the Valley of Flowers itself, such as Bistorta affinis and Brahma Kamal. Hemkund is also the best place for the blue poppy, though it grows at one particular spot in the valley too. If you want to see them, plan a day for Hemkund Sahib as well.


September: berries, autumn colours and clear skies
By September most of the flowers have matured and you will see more berries than flowers. It is not the best time for flowers, but the valley's colours change quickly and dramatically, which makes it an interesting time to visit. The skies are clear, the snow peaks in the distance are beautiful, the leaves start to turn and the valley becomes quiet as the season winds down. The plants are setting seed for next year.


October: the end of the season
October is the end of the season. The first snowfall begins to cover the valley, the park closes, and the snow buries the plants and seeds until they grow again the next year.

See the real beauty of the valley
Most people who visit the Valley of Flowers do not see its real beauty — and they are happy, because they do not know what they have missed. The finest meadows are deep inside the valley, far beyond where most visitors turn back. That is why our trips include two full days in the valley, so you have time to walk deep inside. See our gallery of the deeper parts of the valley to see what we mean.
Good to know
- The valley is open from 1 June. Entry is from 7 am to 2 pm, and everyone must leave by 5 pm.
- The entry permit is ₹200 per day for Indians and ₹800 per day for foreign nationals.
Travel with us
We have fixed departures from Haridwar every weekend, and you can choose a mid-week departure to reduce the cost.
- Option 1 — two days in the Valley of Flowers: 7 days from Haridwar. Departs Saturday and Sunday; ends Friday and Saturday.
- Option 2 — two days in the Valley of Flowers, plus Auli and Gorson Top: 8 days from Haridwar. Departs every Saturday; ends Saturday.
Packages cost ₹38,000 to ₹48,000 per person, depending on the standard of hotels you choose. For any questions about the Valley of Flowers, call us on +91 99912 42759 or send us your dates.
Questions travellers asked us
Real questions from readers of this page over the years, answered by Devkant Sangwan. Each one shows its date. Roads, rules and arrangements may have changed since, so please ask us about your own dates.
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Rajeev ·
I am planning for a trip to auli from 29th April to 02nd may.Will it be possible to visit valley of flowers after that ?
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi,
Valley of flowers is not open during this time. It will open on 1st June in 2019. Please see Hemkund Sahib and Valley of flowers Opening date 2019 page -
Abhradeep ·
please send me details for a trip from Dehradun in April.
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi,
Valley opens in June, so, Valley of Flowers trip is not possible in April. Please visit Best Time to Visit the Valley of Flowers for more information. -
Neha G. ·
How about December end? Is it good time to visit?
Devkant Sangwan ·
The Valley of Flowers is open from June first week onwards till September end. For more information you can call us on +91 99912 42759.
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Ukinfo ·
Is May last week is //ukinfo.in/”
Devkant Sangwan ·
The valley of flowers is open from June first week onwards till september end. For more information you can call us on +91 99912 42759.
Sanjay ·
Devkant ji we are in badrinath on 28.5.18 should we able to visit on 28 and 29
Devkant Sangwan ·
The Valley of Flowers is open from June first week onwards till September end. For more information you can call us on +91 99912 42759.
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Sipra B. ·
i want to go mid october,2018,after durga puja,it is correct time to go?
Devkant Sangwan ·
The Valley of flowers will be open from June on-wards till September end. You can call us on +91 99912 42759 for more information.
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Pam ·
All though this blog is about valley of Flowers - which I understood best time to go in July or Sept .. can u pls. suggest some other moderate trek route for two of us near by Chopta ? we are 48 yrs old .. and travel freak ..
duration planned : 6 days ..
pls. suggest ..Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi Sir,
We only organize trip for Valley of flowers. Please inform us if you interested for Valley of flowers.
Show 21 more questions
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Haidar A. ·
Sir please suggest me the best trek we have plan in March end
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi sir,
You can come with us for Auli and Kuaripass trip. -
Jignesh P. ·
is it suitable for Honeymoon in december ?
Devkant Sangwan ·
No sir, Valley of flowers is closed during December, you can come to Auli, we have very beautiful resort at Auli,
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Anjani V. ·
Hi,
I am planning a start my trip from 12th August. I will be accompanied by my wife, 7 month old son (5 months old now) and our domestic help (62 years).
Please help me planning my trip. My son and domestic help will stay at hotel while we trek.
Thank You!Devkant Sangwan ·
We dont recommend you to bring your seven month old son.
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Deveshwari N. ·
Will it be safe to visit during monsoons,as the best suitable time is in August...
Also can you give an idea how many days would be required minimumDevkant Sangwan ·
It should be safe, til date no causalities as per our information in monsoon. All people visiting valley of flowers in monsoon went back safely.
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Pampi ·
Hi
Can u pls let me know when is the best time to visit VOF
Is dec Jan are open ?
Which time is the best to see flowers ?Devkant Sangwan ·
Please read this page for your answer. It is closed in Dec Jan, Valley of flowers opens only for 4 months in a year from June to September.
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Shanth ·
Hi,
I am planning to do this trek alone. is it possible to do trek alone? and also do i need to carry my own tent or staying available on the way ? please let me know.
ThanksDevkant Sangwan ·
Yes, it is possible to do the trek alone. You don't need to carry tents, rooms are available.
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Bharat S. ·
hello i am visiting Badrinath on 24th May’17. is this possible to visit vally of flowers after that on 25th-27th? please let me know so that i can plan my visit.
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi,
The Valley of flowers is closed in May. It will open on 1st June. -
Yogesh ·
i want to see brhamakamal .can i take my mother on trek she is 55 now and fit .can you please give me details about best time to trek
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Mr. Yogesh,
You can surely take your mother along with you. Every year many senior citizens come to the trip. She will definitely enjoy the trek. Keep in mind that she shouldn't suffer from any major disease.
The detailed itinerary has been sent to you along with other information. Kindly check with your mail.
Thanks ! -
Shrikant T. ·
Hi want to visit valley of flowers in mid may. Kindly provide details
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Shrikant,
The detailed itinerary for June has been sent to you. Valley gets open in last week of May only. It remains covered with snow some days afterward. Snow takes time to melt and flowering also starts after snow gets vanish.n Thus our departure starts from June.
Revert with your response via mail.
Thanks -
Annie ·
Hi..
I m planng to visit in month of jan..plz share all the infrmtnDevkant Sangwan ·
Hello Annie,
I would like to inform you that Valley of Flowers opens from 1st June to the initial week of October(by latest). Thus you cannot visit during January.
Itinerary has been sent you. You can now plan accordingly. Contact us for further information and details.
Visit the page for info :Valley of Flowers opening date 2015
Thank you !! -
Muthu ·
Is it good to visit valley of flowers in December/January?
Devkant Sangwan ·
Dear Muthu
I would like to inform you that Valley of Flowers doesn't open in December and January. It will be open from 1st June to the initial week of October (by latest).
Thus you can plan according to this. The detailed itinerary has been sent to you.
Thank you !! -
Gaurav B. ·
Hi,
we're a group of four boys and would like to cover the VOF and auli with the areas nearby. we'd be coming from delhi but don't have many days at hand. can you please suggest what best can be covered in 4-5 days from delhi.
Appreciate the help you're extending to us travellers! Thank you.Devkant Sangwan ·
Sorry for the late reply, actually I was traveling and today I got time to answer the queries. For valley of flowers you will need at least 6 days ex Haridwar
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Vibhu ·
Hi Sir,
Can asthmatic person visit to VOF. Please suggest me. if yes, tell me what is prevention.Devkant Sangwan ·
Dear sir,
Please consult your physician. For more information please visit the link below:
Can Senior Citizens Visit the Valley of Flowers?
Thank You!! -
Sonaal T. ·
Well !! We have a project going on "Himalayan brown Bear (Ursus arctos) Wildlife institute of India!! So is there any chance that we could see Brown Bear or collect their Scats samples?? Please tell asap!! Thanks
Devkant Sangwan ·
You can see them, we can arrange some close look ups, it would be better that we go in October when the season is over. You can see Bear in Ghangaria itself.
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Shradha A. ·
Hi
I want to visit VOF. I have booked tickets from 28th April to 2nd May for Rishikesh, Auli and Gangharia. Can you please set an itinerary for it?Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi Shradha,
Thanks for showing interest in the valley of Flowers, but we are really sorry to tell you that you cannot visit the valley of flowers during May as the valley opens from 1st of June to the end of september. Moreover the minimum days that you require to visit the valley are 6 , so if you could plan again according to that. And for more information please feel free to contact again. :) -
Anh B. ·
Thank you fore sharing very useful information.
Can you help me to answer a question? Is it possible to visit Valley of Flower at the time of "December-January"?
I only stay in India at this time, so it's quite a limitation for me to visit this place. But I really love to see the valley!
Thank you for your help and I look forward to hearing from you soon!Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Sir,
Valley of Flowers opens from June to September every year. You cant visit it in December and January as at that time it remains closed and snow clad.Sangeetha ·
Hi,
Can it be visited during the first/second week of April this year? TIA.Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi Sangeetha Ji,
Valley of flowers opens and accessible from 1st week of June only. It will be open till 4th October. In the month of April the area is snow clad.Saurabh K. ·
Hi,
I stay in Delhi. Can you send me the trekking detail , no. of days, costs , recommended clothing etc.
Thanks.Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi surabh,
We really appreciate your query. The itenary for the trekking details has been mailed to you on your email id if you could please check it and in case of any other query please feel free to contact us, you can provide us with your phone number so that we can help you much better.Wishing to hear it from you soon. :) -
Vikas ·
Hi,
I am vikas, from Bangalore.
Could you please help me how can I reach VOF from here and expected expenses.Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Sir,
A detailed itinerary mail has been sent to you.
From Bangalore you can take a flight up to Dehradun or Delhi. From Dehradun Haridwar is 52 Kms away. So either you can take a bus or taxi. From Delhi Haridwar is 209 kms away. From there you can hire a taxi or a you can take a tain or bus. Janshatabadi is the train timing is 3:30pm or you can take bus directly from ISBT Kashmiri gate to Haridwar. From Haridwar our trip starts and for that i have already sent you a detailed mail. -
Yasir K. ·
Hi ,
Is it a good time to go for valley in september.Devkant Sangwan ·
Definitely it will be a good time as sky will be clear and you will be able to see a lot of flowers.
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Mbl ·
Dear mr.devkant
will it be raining in mid august in valley of flowers this time. Is it ok travel there now thanksDevkant Sangwan ·
Monsoon season is going on so rains will be there in Mid August but it will be a good time to go as you will be able to see full bloom at this time. You can definitely go the routes are open as per now.
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Kul B. ·
Is it advisable to do Char Dham Yatra and trip to VOF together? If yes then preferably in which month? I am 57 years old and my wife 56 years.
Devkant Sangwan ·
Char Dham Yatra and trip to Valley of Flowers is not recommended together as Valley of Flowers trek is of 7 days itself and doing char dham yatra after that will be very tiring for anyone.
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Biplob ·
We are planning for Auli, VOF and Hemkund Sahib in the last week of June but want to enjoy full bloom as well. Is it possible to enjoy the bloom during the month of June.
Also would appreciate if you can share the package cost.Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Sir,
As you asked about the full bloom so in the last week of June there will glaciers as well as flowers but the quantity of flowers will not that much that you will be able to find around July mid. Even you will be able to find some rare flowers in the last week of June which you will not be able to see after mid of July. So the trip at this time will be worthy to go. A detailed itinerary for 28th June, 2015 has been sent to you kindly check.
What travellers say about trekking with us
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★★★★★
Blue Poppy Holidays – Where Passionate Ownership Meets Professionalism Blue Poppy Holidays is where passionate ownership truly meets professionalism. Our experience was simply unimaginable and far beyond our expectations. The hospitality extended by the entire team, led personally by Mrs. Seema Sangwan, the owner herself, sets an exceptionally high standard. The property at…
Read the full review
Blue Poppy Holidays – Where Passionate Ownership Meets Professionalism
Blue Poppy Holidays is where passionate ownership truly meets professionalism.
Our experience was simply unimaginable and far beyond our expectations. The hospitality extended by the entire team, led personally by Mrs. Seema Sangwan, the owner herself, sets an exceptionally high standard.
The property at Joshimath is an absolute pristine beauty. The variety of plants and flowers nurtured there is so incredible that it almost feels like having a little Valley of Flowers within the property itself. Mr. Devkant Sangwan, the owner, takes genuine pride in his garden and personally showed us each and every plant during our visit. His passion and knowledge make the experience even more special.
And then comes the organic food — freshly prepared, delicious, and served with a smile every single time. The cooking is excellent, and the warmth with which everything is served makes you feel less like a guest and more like family. Special mention to Mr. Anuj - Manager & Ajay leading the team.
The staff behaviour is simply beyond excellent — courteous, caring, attentive and always ready to help.
Our experience at Ghangharia was equally wonderful. The tent accommodation was arguably the best one could expect at such an altitude, complemented by excellent service lead by Mr. Shankar and a wonderful team.
A special mention for our guide, Mr. Pramod, who was extremely caring and supportive throughout the trek. He took complete care of our 7-year-old throughout the journey, giving us immense confidence and peace of mind.
We had visited Blue Poppy Holidays almost 10 years ago, in 2016, and returning after such a long gap was an equally memorable experience. It is rare to find a place where the hospitality, people, property, food and attention to detail come together so beautifully.
We will definitely be visiting again — and if you are planning a trip to the Valley of Flowers with your family, we would blindly recommend Blue Poppy Holidays.
Your family deserves nothing less. ❤️
Thank you, Team Blue Poppy, for making our journey so beautiful, comfortable and memorable.
Vishal, Keshani & Arjun 🫶Vishal V. · August 2026
Google review of Blue Poppy Premier, Jyotirmath (Joshimath) -
★★★★★
I stayed in Blue Poppy Resort Auli Branch for about 8 days after trekking to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. I was travelling solo since a couple and a friend who were supposed to travel with me backed out at the last moment. I am 63 and a retired Wg Cdr from Indian Air Force. I had some apprehension of being a bit lonely during my trek and travel and was unaware of my…
Read the full review
I stayed in Blue Poppy Resort Auli Branch for about 8 days after trekking to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. I was travelling solo since a couple and a friend who were supposed to travel with me backed out at the last moment.
I am 63 and a retired Wg Cdr from Indian Air Force. I had some apprehension of being a bit lonely during my trek and travel and was unaware of my fitness level etc. All these turned out to be absolutely unfounded. I immediately made really great friends and the smiles and politeness shown by the youngsters who looked after the guests made the experience very pleasant. Devkant and Seema look after the guests like family. Devkant is huge in his knowledge of the flora and fauna… he is enthusiastic and protective about all environment….. he is an ideal guide who connects with all the participants and educates them. I learnt a lot from him and Seema.. I think they provide excellent hands on service in a clean and natural environment.
The accommodation and food were top class while requiring participants to refrain from wastage and leaving the area cleaner then before they came.
I did a few treks around Auli to Gordon Bugyal and could not go for the 3 day camping trip. Maybe next time when I bring my children and their families.
I had an extremely spiritual experience far away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.
There’s excellent mobile coverage and one can keep in touch with family at all times.
There’s excellent views of the majestic Himalayas all around and Nanda Devi is visible quite often.
Thanks Devkant and Seema. I learnt a lot and relaxed at the same time. Will see you again with family in the next few years when my granddaughter is a little older.
Keep up the good work!Uday K. · August 2021
Google review of Blue Poppy Resort, Auli -
★★★★★
We were picked up from Haridwar by Mr Mukesh and taken by Tempo traveller. Due to landslides we were delayed by two days initially at Kodiyala and then near Chamoli, hence we went direct from Chamoli to Pulna via Gobindhghat. Mr Mukesh is an expert driver and helped us to reach Gobindhghat safely. From here we were transferred to a local transport to climb up to Pulna. Inspire…
Read the full review
We were picked up from Haridwar by Mr Mukesh and taken by Tempo traveller. Due to landslides we were delayed by two days initially at Kodiyala and then near Chamoli, hence we went direct from Chamoli to Pulna via Gobindhghat. Mr Mukesh is an expert driver and helped us to reach Gobindhghat safely. From here we were transferred to a local transport to climb up to Pulna. Inspire of these delays we forged great friendships on the way and I was entertained by the spirit of my companions especially the group from Surat. We had to trek or travel by pony to Ghangria. abhishek our guide joined us at Joshimath and helped us through our trip to Ghangria. Especially the odd straggler.
Rooms at the Swiss cottage Gangaria were good and bathrooms were hygienic and food was excellent .we really had diff foods in each meal. The staff of 4 Ashok Anuj and others were ever smiling and helpful.
Our tour guide Mr Abhishek helped us a lot ,took care of every member in the group .He is really helpful . He really helped anyone feeling unwell or tired.
Last but not the least hot water facility and leg massages after the trek was awesome. Subsequently I extended my stay and spent some great days trekking around Auli branch of Blue Poppy resorts. I will cover this in more detail in a separate review. Mr Devkant and Seema were especially friendly and treated us like guests in his own home.Uday K. · August 2021
Google review of Blue Poppy Swiss Cottage Camps, Ghangaria