Trip planning
Can Senior Citizens Visit the Valley of Flowers?
Watch · Devkant on the trail, July 2025
सीनियर सिटिज़न: पोनी, पालकी, पोर्टर
Seniors: pony, palki, porter
“When senior citizens want to visit the Valley of Flowers, or people who aren't very fit — since it involves trekking — how to manage it? The tour needs four days of trekking Govindghat to Ghangaria, Ghangaria back to Govindghat…”
2:03 · Hindi with English captions · full screen
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On this page
Many senior citizens call me to ask whether they can do the Valley of Flowers trip. Most of them keep good health and exercise every day. The answer is yes — but there are some important things to take care of, which I explain below.
First, see your doctor
Get a check-up before you book. The trip means trekking about 12–14 km a day for at least four days — although ponies are available on three of those days, every day except the day into the valley. The Valley of Flowers is at about 11,000 feet and Hemkund Sahib at about 14,000 feet. You should not have had altitude sickness in the past.
The Uttarakhand administration has also issued an advisory for senior citizens and for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or asthma:
Govindghat to Ghangaria: do not trek — save your energy
A senior citizen should not trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria: save your energy for the day in the valley. You have three other ways up:
- Pony: about ₹2,200 one way from Pulna. Rates are set by the local Eco Development Committee (EDC) and change.
- Porters: porters can carry you in a doli or palki (palanquin). A palanquin needs four porters and costs about ₹8,000 a day — it can go up to ₹12,000, depending on demand and on your weight. A single porter can carry only a light person.
- Helicopter: from Govindghat, booked through Pawan Hans — about ₹8,000 return last season. It flies only in good weather.
The day in the Valley of Flowers
On the valley day there are no ponies and no helicopter; you depend on porters. Porters go only up to 3 km inside the valley. Of those 3 km, about 2 km is a steep but beautiful climb.
Depending on your strength, walk or take a porter for the first 3 km, then walk on for about 2 km more. Your porter can wait for you at the 3 km point and carry you back to Ghangaria — or you can walk back yourself, which is not difficult, as the way back is a gradual descent.
Hemkund Sahib
The trek to Hemkund Sahib is very difficult. Take a pony or porters on that day — or skip Hemkund Sahib altogether; some of you may be tired after the valley.
Read a senior citizen's own account
One of our senior citizen guests, Dr. Tapan Chakrabarti, wrote about his trek with us in 2012. Read his Valley of Flowers travelogue in his own words.
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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Chandrika R. ·
I am 63 yr old with high BP since 10 yrs.I walk about 4kms every day at moderate speed.Most people discourage me from visiting the valley.Kindly give me your opinion,and suggestions to make it somewhat easier,and enjoyable.
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hi,
We can cater you but you need to come along with your family member. -
Sharad J. ·
I am 70 year old but physically fit. Is it mandatory that someone from my family should me accompany during your trek?
Devkant Sangwan ·
Yes, we would like that some one from your family or friend accompanies you.
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Shashi J. ·
Is it permissible to visit Valley of flowers for more tan two days
Devkant Sangwan ·
One entry ticket is valid for 3 days, additional days can be added on per day basis, you can visit as many number of days as you wish.
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Prabhs ·
Hi Dev,
Can I take my 2 yr old Kid to VOF? Also do let me know the cost.Devkant Sangwan ·
He is too young sir. Please check Minimum Age to Visit the Valley of Flowers
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Shubhadarshini S. ·
I want to film the valley of flowers and surroundings do I need special permission?
Devkant Sangwan ·
You need to pay fees according to the camera used and purpose of the film. Please check the following image.
What travellers say about trekking with us
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★★★★★
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 -
★★★★★
Self and my wife Anjana stayed in Blue Poppy Resort for two days , i.e. 13 th & 14 th August. Before coming to Auli, we had trekked Valley of flowers and Hemkund Sahib. So, we were literally tired. But, the facilities and hospitality of this resort were best suiting to the breathtaking serene Natural beauty of Auli. Instantly, we got energized like kids even at our age of 60 &…
Read the full review
Self and my wife Anjana stayed in Blue Poppy Resort for two days , i.e. 13 th & 14 th August. Before coming to Auli, we had trekked Valley of flowers and Hemkund Sahib. So, we were literally tired. But, the facilities and hospitality of this resort were best suiting to the breathtaking serene Natural beauty of Auli. Instantly, we got energized like kids even at our age of 60 & 56 years. The owner, Mr. Devkant Sangwan himself welcomed us with his wide-open smiling face. The room was well-equipped with all the modern facilities and just facing towards full range of mountain peaks - Nanda Devi , Hati ghora, Palki, Ratnaban etc. Round the clock, Hospitality provided by all the staffs was simply excellent ! In fact, two days were very short period and we promised to ourselves to again visit this place and resort in near future.
Debesh H. · August 2021
Google review of Blue Poppy Resort, Auli -
★★★★★
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)