Trip planning
What Type of Shoes Is Appropriate for the Valley of Flowers?
Watch · Devkant on the trail, July 2025
सही जूते सबसे ज़रूरी
The right shoes matter most
“When you come on the Valley of Flowers tour, the right type of shoes is very, very important or your whole trek could be spoilt — no fun, just trouble Trekking shoes need a few basic qualities First, you cross many shallow…”
1:10 · Hindi with English captions · full screen
All 22 reels
This is a very important question: life can become hell on the trek if you are not wearing the right shoes. People come in sports shoes, leather shoes and floaters — I have even seen people walking barefoot into the Valley of Flowers. When I asked why, they said they had lost their shoes near the Hemkund Sahib gurudwara; some Sikh pilgrims even walk barefoot over the glaciers. But not all of us are so tough. You will already be working hard on the trek, so the right gear matters — above all, your shoes.
Shoes to avoid
- Sports shoes. They are not tough enough for trekking, and they are made of cloth. Once they get wet it is very hard to dry them in the cold, humid weather of the Valley of Flowers and Ghangaria.
- Old shoes. They may break on the trail itself — the trek is full of rocks and puts a lot of pressure on your shoes.
I have seen many shoe soles lying along the trail — proof that old shoes can leave you at any time. It has happened to our own clients too:
One of our clients trying to repair his shoes — the soles broke deep inside the Valley of Flowers.
What makes a good trekking shoe here
New, but broken in
Your shoes should be new, but wear them for at least fifteen days before the trek: new shoes can bite and cause blisters. Old shoes may be comfortable, but they can break at any time, as happened to one of my clients in September 2012.
Good grip
If you come before 25 July you will have to walk over glaciers on the trek, so your shoes need a good grip on the sole.
Ankle support
Choose shoes with some ankle support. On a rocky trail it protects you from torn ligaments if you twist your ankle by mistake.
Water resistance — and take them off at streams
It is almost impossible to find fully waterproof shoes, but avoid cloth-and-foam sports shoes: once wet they are very difficult to dry. Inside the valley you cross 3–6 shallow streams, depending on how deep you go. No shoe really resists that much water, so take your shoes off before crossing. Do not be lazy about it — nine times out of ten you will end up with wet shoes, and you can imagine trekking the rest of the day in them.
What about floaters?
Sometimes floaters are the better choice, because you do not have to take them off at streams. But they are not recommended for people who feel the cold, they are not good for walking over glaciers, and you are more likely to twist an ankle in them.
Our recommendation
Sturdy Woodland shoes with a good grip on the sole and ankle support, with a pair of floaters in your bag as a backup.
Quechua hiking shoes are also a very good idea. They are not expensive and you can order them online.
More to read
See our full packing list and how difficult the trek is.
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.
-
Harkirat ·
I am visiting hemkunt sahib on 25th may. And had a wish to visit valley of flowers. Is it a ideal time for going there . Bcoz at this time there is a huge mass of snow
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Sir,
You are right. At this time Hemkund Sahib is covered with snow. Also Valley opens on 1st June so you can't visit Valley around 25th May. For more information please click:
Thank You!! -
Bharatheeraj M. ·
I understand the problems with sports shoes. But i feel woodland shoes are heavy for a long trip. I once went on a moderate trek in Nainital with woodlands shoes and had a tough time. Though the shoes are meant for trekking, it slows down and my legs are tired within 2 hours. do you suggest any other option?
Devkant Sangwan ·
Hello Madam,
Please click the following link: What Type of Shoes Is Appropriate for the Valley of Flowers? -
Nitin D. ·
Hi,
I am doing Vally of Flowers on 13 September 2015.If I use floaters for trekking will it be ok.I have done trekking in Madhya Pradesh with floaters where there was contionueous raining but climate was not very cold.I was very comfortable with floaters there.Here I am worried as climate is cold.So will u recommend floaters for trekking.
-Regards.
-Nitin DangoreDevkant Sangwan ·
To know more about what kind of shoes you need kindly visit this What Type of Shoes Is Appropriate for the Valley of Flowers? page.
What travellers say about trekking with us
-
★★★★★
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