Saussurea gossypiphora is a flower found in the Valley of Flowers.

English Name	Costus
Local Name	Phen Kamal, Pheni Kamal, Kapasi.
Family	Asteraceae
Flowering Time	June to September
Habitat	Alpine meadows and at open slopes of Hemkund.
Uses	Plant is considered as a sacred plant. Locally the wool of this flower is used for the treatment of cuts and wounds. The plant is also used for the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, skin diseases and bronchitis.
Location in Valley of Flowers

Saussurea Gossypiphora, Phen Kamal, Pheni kamal

Saussurea gossypiphora — Saussurea Gossypiphora, Phen Kamal, Pheni kamal

Timeless Beauty of the Himalayas – Captured in 2025 💐

Blue Poppy Holidays is India's most trusted and specialized tour operator for the Valley of Flowers trek. Since 2004, we have organized exclusive group tours to this Himalayan paradise, with our own hotels and camps in Auli, Joshimath, and Ghangaria. All the breathtaking photographs you see below are taken by our team or guests — real experiences, not stock photos. We operate only Valley of Flowers tours to maintain the highest standards and guest satisfaction.

Frequently asked questions About the Valley

Can senior citizens visit valley of flowers?

Senior citizens also want to come to this heaven on earth but they are confused about whether they can do it or not. We have been taking senior citizens to the valley. There are options of helicopter and ponies to skip trekking.

What type of shoes is appropriate?

When you go for trek you should wear appropriate type of shoes so that your main concentration is on trekking and enjoying nature. We have seen that shoes of many people breaks while trekking and sometimes people develop blisters.

Minimum age to visit valley of flowers

Whether kids can do the trek or not? What is the minimum age requirement? Please read this full page to get the answer to this question. Couples with young children willing to visit valley of flowers can go through this page.

Minimum number of days required to explore the valley

Minimum number of days recommended going for trek to the valley. Why we need an extra day for the trip. Read full report with pictures of the valley.

How difficult is Valley of flowers trek.

Trek difficulty of the Valley of Flowers trek. Vital statistics are given here. How much altitude is to be gained every day while trekking? How much distance is to be covered every day? What is Fitness level required for the trek?