Trip planning
Frequently Asked Questions about 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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On this page
The Valley of Flowers is a place deep in nature, and people come from all over the world to see it. Many of their questions are the same, so we have answered them here — and we keep adding new ones as they come.
Dates and timings
When does the Valley of Flowers open and close?
The Valley of Flowers opens on 1 June every year and closes on 4 October. The Forest Department can change these dates — in some years the valley has stayed open until 10 October. Normally the opening and closing dates are the same as Hemkund Sahib's.
What are the daily timings?
The valley opens at 7 am, the last entry is at 2 pm, and you must be out by 5 pm. Be at the entry gate by 6:45 am so you get your ticket quickly and enter at 7. Start back by 1:30 pm so you are out by 5.
What is the entry fee?
₹200 per day for Indians and ₹800 per day for foreign nationals.
What is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers?
The valley is snow-covered for most of the year and becomes accessible only in June. It is always beautiful — it depends on what you would like to see. For flowers, the best time is July and August, and the maximum number of flowers, in both quantity and variety, is between 21 July and 10 August. Read our full guide to the best time to visit.
Does rain spoil a trip to the Valley of Flowers?
The valley is in full bloom in July and August, which is also the monsoon, so many people worry about landslides. Fortunately the road between Haridwar and Govindghat has improved a lot. You may have to wait a few hours while the Border Roads Organisation clears a landslide; in rare cases, if there are too many, you may have to extend your trip.
Most visitors also go to Badrinath. Between Govindghat and Badrinath is a place called Lambagad where it rains almost every evening, and the road is usually cleared the next morning — so go to Badrinath and come back before 3 pm; the sooner the better. In the Valley of Flowers and Ghangaria it normally rains at night. This is our experience over many seasons, though we cannot promise it is right every time.
Planning the trip
How many days do I need for the Valley of Flowers?
The whole trip takes a minimum of 6 days from Haridwar, and 8–12 days for people coming from far away. Most people spend only one day in the valley — but its real beauty cannot be seen in a day. We recommend two days in the valley. Read how many days you need.
How do I reach the Valley of Flowers?
Reach Haridwar from Delhi by train or road — air-conditioned Volvo buses leave from the Anand Vihar Inter-State Bus Terminus. From Haridwar it is a full day's drive to Govindghat, then a short drive to Pulna and a 10 km trek to Ghangaria. Read how to reach the Valley of Flowers.
Should I add Auli to my Valley of Flowers trip?
Yes. Auli is only 14 km from Joshimath, and by adding a day you can visit Auli and trek to Gorson Bugyal, a beautiful alpine meadow that is a must-see. We have been taking our guests to Auli with the Valley of Flowers since 2014, and all of them have liked it. We also have our own resort in Auli.
How should I prepare for the trip?
Build up your stamina, and buy the things you need to carry well in advance. Consult your doctor before the trip, because you will trek to high altitude — above 14,000 feet if you go to Hemkund Sahib. See our pages on preparing for the trek and what to bring.
Trekking and difficulty
How much do I need to trek on a Valley of Flowers trip?
The trip needs four days of trekking from Govindghat. See the distance for each day, and the options to skip trekking, on our Valley of Flowers trek page.
How difficult is the Valley of Flowers trek?
It is moderate to difficult, and it varies from person to person. Govindghat, 25 km before Badrinath, is at 5,500 feet and Ghangaria at 10,200 feet. Today you drive the first 4 km to Pulna and trek 10 km to Ghangaria. Read how difficult the trek is.
What type of shoes should I wear?
This is a very important question — life can become hell on the trek in the wrong shoes. We recommend sturdy Woodland shoes with a good grip and ankle support, with floaters as a backup. Read what shoes to wear.
What does it cost to hire a helicopter, pony, porter or palanquin?
The helicopter flies between Govindghat and Ghangaria; book it through Pawan Hans — it was about ₹8,000 return last season, and rates vary. A pony costs about ₹2,200 one way from Pulna to Ghangaria, and about ₹2,200 one way or ₹2,800 return from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib; rates are set by the local Eco Development Committee (EDC). A porter charges about ₹3,000 a day, and a palanquin, carried by four porters, about ₹8,000 a day — it can go up to ₹12,000. Both depend on demand and supply, and on the weight. All these rates change with demand, and in June, the high pilgrim season, they can go much higher.
Children and senior citizens
What is the minimum age to visit the Valley of Flowers?
Children can come, but not infants — the child should be old enough to enjoy it. In our opinion the minimum age is 5 years. The trekking is not a problem, as porters are available throughout the trek to carry children. Read about taking children to the valley.
Can senior citizens visit the Valley of Flowers?
Yes. Many senior citizens who keep good health and exercise daily have asked us this, and they can surely do the trip — with a doctor's check-up first, and ponies, porters or the helicopter to save their energy for the valley day. Read how senior citizens can manage the trip.
The valley itself
Was the Valley of Flowers damaged by the 2013 floods?
2013 was the worst year in Uttarakhand's known history: huge floods in June, and countless lives lost at Kedarnath. The area around the Valley of Flowers was affected too. I went to the valley personally after the floods, and the good news was that the flowering area was totally intact — only part of the path from Ghangaria to the valley was damaged, and it was rebuilt. Read our account of the valley after the floods, with my own pictures.
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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Ginesh ·
Hi, Iam planing to visit sep middle valley of flowers I want to know about the medicine specially antibiotic's
Devkant Sangwan ·
Please talk to your doctor for the details. You will be going to an altitude of 14500 feet.
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Prachi ·
Hi,
Is there any effect of the recent forest fires at Valley of Flowers. Do let me know as I am planning to visit Vof this year in August.
Thank you
PrachiDevkant Sangwan ·
Hello Prachi ji,
There is no effect of fire in valley of flowers. The Valley of Flowers is on higher altitude and covered with snow these days. The fire was only in lower region and due to rain its almost put off. The tours are after July month. So you need not worry about that.
Thank You!! -
Harinath ·
Hi Sir,
I wanted to know the feasibility of the below schedule (September) :-
12 : Day 1 : Flight reaches @1p.m. at jolly grant, jolly grant to Rudraprayag
13 : Day 2 : Rudraprayag - Gaurikund
14 : Day 3 : Kedarnath (Gaurikund)
15 : Day 4 : Gaurikund to Badrinath to Govind Ghat
16 : Day 5 : Govindghat to Ghangaria
17 : Day 6 : Valley of Flowers (Ghangria)
18 : Day 7 : Ghangaria to Govindghat
19 : Day 8 : Govindghat to Haridwar
20 : Day 9 : Jolly Grant
And how can I get reservations to the hotels ?
Is there any tour package/ itinerary which includes Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Valley Of Flowers, which could be completed in 13th(Rudraprayag)-19(Rishikesh)th i.e. 7 days ?
ThanksDevkant Sangwan ·
Hello Sir,
We dont operate on this route. You can come with us in our regular departures otherwise we can also customize your trip on the same route that we follow.
A detailed itinerary for regular departure has been sent to you on mail. Kindly check and revert. -
Vineet S. ·
Dear Sir
We are the group of 4 persons and we are willing to visit valley of flowers, will you kindly inform me about when the valley of flower become in Full Bloom and what are your charges for 4 perosns. And what are the posibilities for camping near valley is it possible of not.
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi,
Camping is not possible near the valley, camping is allowed near the helipad. Valley of flowers will be in full bloom in the month of July and August,
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