Valley of Flowers is a fairy-land situated high in the Himalayas of the Uttaranchal, at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea-level, protected by snowy mountains. Unknown to humans, for centuries this enchanting valley lay frozen during the colder months, and burst into its youthful beauty every year, as the snow melted with the advent of summer.

The Valley of Flowers is a high-altitude UNESCO world heritage site located in the upper reaches of Garhwal. It is inaccessible to tourists for the most part of the year and is home to some exotic flora and fauna, including snow leopard, musk deer, red fox and blue sheep.

Best Time to Visit

Every year, the valley is opened to the public from June to October. There is only one way to reach the valley from Joshimath - through Ghangaria.

How to Reach

The nearest airport is in Dehradun, 295 kilometers (183 miles) away, and the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, 276 kilometers (170 miles) away.

Where to Stay

It’s best to stay overnight in Joshimath before continuing to Ghangaria. The government run Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) guesthouses are the reliable options for accommodations in the area, and advance bookings are possible.

Travel Tips

The Valley of Flowers requires a strenuous hike but you'll feel on top of the world in this magical and enchanting place. Exotic flowers and foliage can be found all along the route from Ghangria to the main valley. Make sure you pack plenty of clothes in case you get rained on (which is likely), and carry some food with you for the hike. Govind Ghat and Ghangaria get quite crowded from July to September with Sikh pilgrims on their way to Hem Kund, so it’s a good idea to book accommodations in advance.