Best time to visit Valley of Flowers.
Best time to visit Valley of flowers, Uttrakhand.
Valley of flowers is snow clad for most of the year and it becomes accessible only in the month of June. Officially Valley of Flowers opens First June every year. Valley of Flowers is always beautiful. It depends upon your taste that what you would like to see.
Valley of Flowers in May :
Valley of Flowers is snow clad in the month of May and almost inaccessible as depicted in the picture below. You are not allowed to visit Valley of Flowers during this time. (We have obtained this picture from locals). This is the time when snow in the Valley of Flowers starts melting and seeds put down by the plants last year start germinating. You may find some flowers.
Valley of Flowers in June:
This is the time when snow starts melting rapidly and small plants starts growing and glaciers keeps on melting. By the end of June the Valley of Flowers is reaching towards its youth and starts changing its color from white to green with new flowers keep on coming on daily basis.
Our Recomendation :- School holidays and pilgrimage time for Shri Hemkund Shahib for which the base camp is same as the one for Valley Of Flowers, Ghangaria, results in too many people in that area. This in turn will increase the cost of hotels and reduces the services. So this is not the best time to visit Valley of Flowers.
Valley of Flowers in July:-
This is the time when Valley of Flowers is in full bloom and will be in full bloom till August end. You will find lots of greenery and flowers everywhere in the Valley of Flowers. If you are fond of watching glaciers you should go in earlier weeks of July(Latest by 15th July). Please watch our pictures of glaciers taken in Valley of Flowers. Most of these pictures are taken in the first and second week of July.
Valley of Flowers in August:
With the passage of time different type of flowers keeps coming and going as per their turn. After a good experience you can find the exact flowering time for each type of flower. There are some flowers which bloom only for a week or so. For example you will find Ladies Slipper Orchid flower mainly in first week of July. You will find maximum number of flowers till mid August and slowly number of flowers will reduce and the plants start maturing and die but not before dropping their valuable seeds for the next year. The color of the valley starts turning from Greenish to yellowish peach. Please watch the picture below of August last week.
Valley of Flowers in September:
This is the last month when you have an access to Valley of Flowers. The number of flowers reduced, but the color of the valley will change in a dramatic way as you can see in the picture below. Soon there will be snow fall and the plants and seeds will be buried deep under the snow. The seeds will again germinate in next year and the cycle will continue. As rainy season gets over by the end of August so the valley is accessible through out without disruption. Officially the Valley of Flowers will close on September 30th.
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63 Responses to Best time to visit Valley of Flowers.Leave a Reply |
We have been planning to go to the Valley of Flowers for a while. Had thought about the last week of July; but I just found out that my exams are in the first week of August. We really want to catch a glimpse of the flowers in full bloom. Would mid-August be a good idea? Your post is very interesting! Perfect source of information!
Thanks for your compliment. When will your exams over. If you could make it for 11th August trip it would be great. Mid august is a good idea to visit Valley of Flowers.
I’m not certain, will only find out the exact dates next week. Tentatively, there will be a group of about 9-10 of us. I also wanted to know if Valley of Flowers will be very crowded at that time?
Hello Regina,
Thanks for contacting. You did not tell me your dates, but Valley of Flowers is generally not much crowded and in peak time generally 200-300 people visit Valley of Flowers everyday. This data is collected by me in 2012 from forest department officials at the entry gate of Valley of Flowers. If you want a package from my side and want me to accompany your group kindly fill in your details on contact us page. Do not worry about departure dates as they can be changed on later date. You will get a mail instantly showing detailed itinerary and other terms and conditions of the tour to Valley of Flowers.
We are planning to visit Valley of Flowers in the first fortnight of July, 2013. Wanted to know, if we come there by ourselves, would staying at Ghangaria would be a problem? I yes, what should we supposed to do as there will girls in our group, so proper safety and security at night is our top most priority. Kindly suggest.
Hello Raman, Going by your self means What, How will you be going by your own vehicle or public transport or hired vehicle. Public transport is pathetic and not recommended at all. Also taking your own vehicle is not recommended as driving will be too tiring and long (10-12 hours). The last option is going by a hired vehicle. Ghangaria has some small hotels and most of them are not professionally managed. But some of them are good.
I will recommend you to be part of my group. I will be personally accompanying the group. I have two departures during first half of July, 2013. And cost is also reasonable. I will pick you up from Haridwar and drop you back at Haridwar. To download the itinerary and know other details about the trip like cost and other terms and conditions kindly fill in your details on any of the contact us form on each page of this website. You will get a mail instantly. I will personally call you. Or you can call me at +91 9992756910 at any time. Your first priority is to see Valley of Flowers fully and with me you can be assured that you will not miss anything which is worth seeing.
We are planning to go to Gobindghat in our bolero from Chandigarh with 1-2 stops in between, so driving won’t be a problem. From there, we are thinking to trek to Valley of Flowers as that’s the last spot to take your vehicle.
If you think, it would not be a problem to go ahead with this plan, please let me know. Else, I’ll contact you for details.
It is ok, but please hire a driver and do not think of driving of your own as after doing trekking it will be too tiring to drive for one full day. You may contact me for any further questions.
Hi Devkant. We want to visit the Valley of Flowers this year. However, we will have just 1 week for this trip. We also have a restiction that we can travel only during the 15th to 30th of any month. Which will be the best month to visit? May, June or July? Is it worth it to do a trip for this short a time?
Hello, The best month among the choices you made will be July. One week time is enough but you forgot to mention from where you are coming. You need at least 6 days from Haridwar. You may wrap up the trip early if you are lucky but can not be planned in advance. For example if you are lucky and weather is clear you may save a day or two if you get Helicopter from Govindghat to Ghangaria. But I will recommend you to have at least seven days from Haridwar to Valley of Flowers and back, as you may get struck due to weather and landslides, Its rare but may happen. You may also opt for our fixed departures to Valley of Flowers and I will be personally accompanying the groups. To know the fixed departures and download Itinerary kindly visit our fixed departure page.
We plan to go to Valley of Flowers next year between 4-10 August. Will the valley be in full bloom at that point and is it the best time . What will be approx trek time be from Valley of Flowers to Hemkund considering if we walk at slow pace.Is a day enough to cover Valley of Flowers
The valley will be in full bloom between 4-10 August. One is generally ok for Valley of Flowers. But, my recommendation is that you keep two days from Valley of Flowers as you need a day for macro photography of flowers and other day you can go deep into Valley of Flowers. We also organize trekking tours to Valley of Flowers. I accompany my groups to Valley of Flowers. We also have a fixed departure on 4th August. To know other fixed departures click here. The fixed departures are already announced.
I live in Canada. Some one was talking to visist Hamkunth
Sahib and they want me too join with them.
I am 52 years old, female, work out 4 times a week.
Low blood sugar level problem. and has asthma too.
Please advise should I go visit hamkunth or not.
thanks!!!
Hello, Thanks for contacting. Blood sugar is not a problem to visit Hemkund Sahib. But I am worried about Asthma. Kindly take advise from your doctor. My answer is No. As Hemkund Sahib is at a height of 13500 feet above sea level and Oxygen availability is an issue specially for you (being asthmatic). If your doctor gives you some medicine for that you can visit. Its your personal call. If at all you visit Hemkund Sahib you should take care that in case of any small uncomfortableness you should decent down as soon as possible. Your age is also no problem at all. I have taken people of age 67 yrs with me to Hemkund Sahib
Hi, I am planning to go to VALLEY OF FLOWERS around 2ND WEEK OF OCTOBER(10TH-116TH) 2012. Is it possible?? Or shall the Valley of Flowers will be closed? What about Hemkund ??
Both Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib will officially close on 4th October. Moreover there will be vary less to no flower in Valley of Flowers
we have 3 days off which are 30th sept,1st oct,2nd oct and we are planning trip to Valley of Flowers.we decided to leave on 29 th night by bus to Haridwar..by 6 am we will reach to Haridwar than we will take bus or taxi to Govindghat. I want to know is till what time we will reach to Govindghat on 30th sept if we take bus. Than how we proceed our trip to Valley of Flowers if we want to come back to Delhi on 2nd oct night?
Hello Radhika Savani Dutt, It will be almost impossible to do a trip to Valley of Flowers in three days from Delhi. You need one full day each for reaching Govindghat and back from Haridwar. The road Journey is of at least 10-11 hours. You are left with only one day and you need to reach Ghangaria from Govindghat and back from Ghangaria to Govindghat. I feel you are at least two days short. You have only choice left, you may use helicopter between Govindghat and Ghangaria. moreover the road journey is too tiring. You need at least 6 days in you really want to do this trip. If you still have any question left you are most welcome to talk to me at +91 9268319339.
Thank you Devkant. I think we shift date to next year..as per you there will no more flowers to see in this season. But i want to know if we plan out trip to Valley of Flowers next year which is the best time to see Valley of Flowers with full of flowers…?
Most welcome Radhika ji. The best time would be last week of July. I will have a fixed departure on 28th July 2012 from Haridwar. You may join my group. I would be going with the group.
Dear Devkant sir..
we are two person one is me and other is my wife..and we have a plan to visit Valley of Flowers between 2 October to 8 October by our small car ALTO..plz advice me..is it right time to visit Valley of Flowers..?we are passionate for Himalayas and Uttrakhand . We are from New Delhi..
Dear friend, Alto is a very good car but not for Himalayas. First recommendation leave your car in Haridwar or Rishikesh. Last entry to Valley of Flowers will be on 4th October. I feel you need to know a lot, kindly talk to me for your benefit. Feel free. This is not a cake walk. Moreover there will be no to a few flowers. God lives there.
Hi ! I am planning to visit Valley of Flowers from Delhi. The plan is:
28th Sep: Night train to Kotdwara
29th Sep: Take cab to Ghangaria & stay there.
30th Sep: Trek to Valley of Flowers & back
1st Oct: Cab to Kotdwara
Catch night train to delhi.
What is your view on the same ? Possible ? Will I see flowers there ?? I am extremely keen to travel. BTW : travelling with my wife & 9 1/2 yrs daughter. should not be a problem I guess ?? Kindly advice. Great pics.
The last motor-able road to Ghangaria is up to Govindghat.That and from Govindghat one need to trek to Ghangaria for 14 kilometers. It takes one full day to trek to Ghangaria. Other options to reach Govindghat to Ghangaria are Helicopter and Pony/ Using these may save you some time. But flying of Helicopter depends upon weather conditions. I feel you need to add two extra days in your plan for going to Ghangaria from Govindghat and back. As far as flowers in Valley of Flowers during this time of the year is concerned you will find very less number of flowers but weather will be clear and you will be able to see nice landscapes and the Valley of Flowers will be in a different shade. For more details you can contact me personally at +91 9268319339
Dear Sangwan I want to visit Valley of Flowers next year ie 2013, what will cost me if i join your group. Pl mail me. I M 40 years.
Dear Mr. Vijay the fixed departures to Valley of Flowers has been announced. TO know the dates kindly click here
it was a pleasure reading all info as we are planning to go to Valley of Flowers next month end. we are leaving bombay on 29th sept. i just wanted to know whether we will see flowers or not and whether it will rain at that time or not. As i love doing macro photography of flowers it will be difficult to manage a camera if it rains suddenly.
Dear Yamini Patel, thanks. You will find very less flowers at the end of season. Specially if you love macro photography. But you will find splendid views. As monsoon season will also be over by the time. You may also fresh snow on the peaks. The temperatures will also be very low specially during night times. As far as rains in Valley of Flowers is concerned, it generally does not rain heavily. you need to carry an umbrella while you trek to Valley of Flowers
Info given by you page is very useful and the pictures too are very beautiful. I have a query, Is there any other way by which Valley of Flowers can be seen or visited. I have heard that from Auli a trolly rides takes one over the Valley of Flowers
There is no trolly from Auli to Valley of Flowers. But the trolly service is from Joshimath to Auli only. Presently this service is suspended for about year and half for want of change of cables.
Reaching Valley of Flowers can only be done from Ghangaria and by trek only. However you have following options.
Govindghat to Ghangaria- Trek,Pony, Porter, Palki or Helicopter. But flying of helicopter depends highly on weather.
Ghangaria to Govindghat- Trek, Porter or Palki only.
Ghangaria to Hemkund Shahib -Trek, Porter, Pony or Palki.
As far as these pictures are concerned they do not actually explain the real beauty of Valley of Flowers (In fact no picture can explain). Actual experience is far far more beautiful.
If we have to visit Valley of Flowers along with Hemkund Sahib then what according to you should be the Best Time ? Its mentioned that it is always beautiful but if you have to suggest one date to visit then what should it be ?
According to me the best date will be last week of July. Still I will keep my options open. Valley of Flowers is really always beautiful. I have been to Valley of Flowers in almost all seasons. I opted for above mentioned date as flowers are maximum in number during this season.
in july i hv completed my holly kailash mansarovar parikrama……Its my desire to go 2 Valley of Flowers , hemkund sahib & gomukh…..how to make d plan….whether u arrange for d trekking…….
thanks, Yes I do organize trekking tours to Valley of Flowers.
i want to go to the Valley of Flowers, hemkund sahib & gomukh . whether all these are in one package ? whether you operate for these tours ?
Yes I do organize trekking tours to Valley of Flowers. Gomukh is not in the package. Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath is covered in the package.
I wish to go to the Valley of Flowers on 7th-14 sept but reading your blog has made me rethink this.
I am an avid photographer and wish to click flowers esp in the macro mode.
Do you recommend post poning my trip to next year july? or should I try my luck this year in sept?
thanks.
Hello, You will certainly find very few flowers during this time of the year. But still i will recommend that you visit Valley of Flowers this September as well as Next year July. Dont miss any chance to visit Valley of Flowers. You never know that you will be able to visit next year or not. Moreover type of flowers you find this season, you will not find in July. for any further details kindly talk to me at +91 9268319339
Very nice blog. I am benefited.
i would like to take my parents for a trek next year. they are 62 and 67. they are physically fit. they can walk the distance also. is it possible for them to visit Valley of Flowers?
Yes, they can visit Valley of Flowers. They may use ponies/porters instead of trekking from Govindghat to Ghangaria. And porters can even be used in Valley of Flowers. Kindly talk to me for any further questions.
For those who are older but want to take maximum benefit of Valley of Flowers and Hemkunt Sahib, but want to avoid difficult uphill climb of 13 km grom Givnd Ghat to Gangariya, a helicopter service (Rs. 3500 one way)is available. One may take helicopter both ways or walk down the easier downhill, thus also having the satisfaction of seeing every thing and take photographs of nature and wild life.
Thanks Dr. Gurcharan Singh. But since the main season for Valley of Flowers is From July to September and the same is the time for rainy season. It is not advisable to count on Helicopter while planning. Of course it is a bonus for older people of at all Helicopter flies that particular day. I will advise to take a pony in case Helicopter does not flies the day of your Journey. If you are lucky to reach Ghangaria by Helicopter I advise you to finish first two to three kilometers on the same day from Ghangaria, so that you have enough time to explore the deeper parts of the Valley of Flowers. We also organize trekking tours to Valley of Flowers, Kindly contact us to book a seat with us. I will be accompanying you with the group.
hiii…how many days it will take for the trip to Valley of Flowers from Delhi. Is july end the best time to visit?
It will take a minimum of seven days from Delhi to Valley of Flowers. Yes July is one of the best times to visit Valley of Flowers
my uncle is 80 yrs old but fit & he is interested 2 Valley of Flowers . is it possible 4 him 2 go? i hv also little bit breathing prob,can i go?
Kindly consult your doctor about this. Valley of Flowers is at a height of 11000 feet (upper range,where we will be going). You can hire porters instead of trekking down to Valley of Flowers.
I am 44. can i do Valley of Flowers Trek ? I heard that it is very difficult from govind ghat to ghangaria. & Gangharia to Hemkund is it so ? I am not a trekker but I do Morning walk every day for half an our. please guide me.
Seema, as you morning walk daily i feel will able to track from Gobindghat to Hemkund. Horses are also available of you find it difficult. Best time to visit will be from august mid to september end.
Gobind ghat is at height of around 5800 feet and Valley of Flowers is at around 11500. So you will gain height of 4700 m in 17 km trek. Nature gives you energy when you trek through such beautiful mountains.
Out of this 17 kilometers, 14 kilometers are covered on day 1 from Govindghat to Ghangaria (At a Height of 10200 feet) and one need to stay at Ghangaria. Next day we trek to heaven on earth, THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS. We need to come back to Ghangaria from Valley of Flowers as overnight stay and camping is not allowed in Valley of Flowers
Please confirm if we would need any permission(govt) to trek in Valley of Flowers. We are planning a visit around 20th Aug.
We are also not sure about the intensity of the rainfall-would an umbrella work or a raincoat is better?
Thanks in advance!
You do not need any permission till date from govt. but I according to my knowledge you may need it in future (from next season). All you need to do is to go to Ghangaria village and then to Valley of Flowers entry point and purchase entry ticket from forest department. It would cost only Rs. 150 per person for Indians and Rs. 450 per person for foreigners. It rains frequently in Valley of Flowers and weather changes very rapidly so according to me umbrella is a better choice as its very handy as compared to rain coat. But if you are comfortable in taking out and putting back the raincoat into your bag you may take raincoat. Moreover in raincoat your backpack may not be accommodated. So according to me umbrella is a batter choice.
considering the weather forecast of this year and much taled about delay in the arrival of monsoon in india what will be the better time to visit the valley of flowers this year end of july(30th and 31st,or after 17th of august coz dat is d only time i can manage some vaccations for me tour!please oblige!and also with accomodation at ghangharia i am a bit confused as the gmvnl is alrady full!
Valley of Flowers is always beautiful, but according to me out of the two options you have, the first one is better as after 15th August the flower/plants are on their later stage of life and by 30th august the Valley of Flowers will change its color to peach. Moreover during July end the Valley of Flowers will be in full bloom and will be at its peak beauty. Also I have a fixed departure from Delhi on 28th July, if you wish you can contact me for more details of the tour. I will personally accompany the group. Its my hobby to take people to Valley of Flowers, the true wonder of nature. I always accompany my groups to Valley of Flowers.
If you want to accompany me to Valley of Flowers in any of the groups kindly contact me by filling up your contact details on contact us form. Only three fields viz. name, phone number and email id are to be filled. It will take only 30 seconds.
PLANNING TO TRAVEL 1ST WEEK OF JULY 2013 ABOUT 6 OF US FROM BANGALORE
This year we have ten fixed departures to Valley of Flowers and out of this in two fixed departures we will be going to Valley of Flowers for two days. Kindly visit our fixed departures page for more details and download detailed itinerary. Please call me at +91 9992756910 any time. Following are the fixed departures for 2013.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Sunday, July 07, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013 (7 days)*
Sunday, July 28, 2013 (7 days)*
Sunday, August 04, 2013 (7 days)*
Sunday, August 11, 2013 (7 days)*
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Sunday, September 01, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
*These trips are extended by a day as this is the peak time for flowers. We will be going to Valley of Flowers for two days instead of just one day. On first day we will explore first 3-5 kilometers of the valley and on next day we will penetrate deeper parts. To know more kindly see this post to know why go for extended trip.
We are a group of friends and want to visit Valley of Flowers in October this year. We will reach Haridwar on the morning of 22nd October, 2012 and make our journey from there to Valley of Flowers.
Please give us all necessary information and advice to help us in making our trip.
Valley of Flowers opens only for four months in a year and rest of the time it is snow clad. And moreover officially also no one is allowed to enter Valley of Flowers apart from these four months i.e. from June to September end. So you will not be allowed to enter Valley of Flowers in October last. Also one may not have access to Valley of Flowers as it will snow clad throughout. To visit Valley of Flowers kindly read the above article carefully.
We are planning to visit Valley of Flowers on 12th September 2012: GOVINDGHAT – GHANGHARIA and 13th of September 2012: GHANGHARIA – VALLEY OF FLOWERS – GHANGHARIA. Would we be able to see some flowers at least during this time? How would be the weather as we would be traveling with a 2 yr old son? Would valley be beautiful then?? Would we get to see some nice flora and fauna then?? Is the grass height too tall and we find snakes at this time?? Do we get a guide?
Thanks for the comment. Here are the answers to your questions. First- yea you will see some of the flower. second- weather will be very cold specially during evening and morning times. It is not at all recommended to travel with a 2 year old child. However if you feel like taking him you may do so. You can hire porter for your son. They are available for Rs. 500-700 per day. Third- Valley of Flowers is always beautiful. please check my for more details. Snakes are available almost every part of earth. So they are available here too. I have seen in my last eight years’ experience only once a snake. It was very beautiful but, unfortunately I could not click its picture. Paths in Valley of Flowers are very much defined and you need not worry about snake bite. Guides are available in village Ghangaria. If you have any further questions kindly feel free to call me at +91 9268319339 or
Where the Valley of Flowers is situated? What is it all about? I want to know more. Thanks
Valley of Flowers National Park is Situated near Badrinath, in the state of Uttrakhand in India. It is at a height of 11000 feet to 14000 feet above sea level in western Himalayas. It was declared as world heritage by UNESCO under nature category. We organize trekking tours to this true wonder of nature. To know more about the place kindly visit our page. Valley of Flowers is accessible through trekking only. You need at least five days from Rishikesh to visit Valley of Flowers. To visit Valley of Flowers you can