
Valley of Flowers opens for 2025 season with key visitor details
Valley of Flowers opens for 2025 season: from dates, timings to entry fees, here’s everything you need to know
The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is now open for the 2025 season. It welcomes visitors from June 1 to October 31, depending on the weather. This beautiful valley is located in Chamoli district and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its amazing variety of wildflowers, with over 600 species blooming during the season. The valley also offers stunning views of the Himalayas, making it a favorite destination for trekkers, nature lovers, and photographers.
The best time to see the flowers in full bloom is between July and early September. During these weeks, the valley becomes alive with colorful alpine flowers that are rare and found only here. The flowers bloom for a short time, so visiting during this period is special and rewarding.
The trek to the Valley of Flowers is of moderate difficulty, making it suitable for beginners who want to try high-altitude trekking. It is a chance to enjoy nature’s beauty in a peaceful, untouched place. Unlike many tourist spots, the valley has no shops or hotels inside, which helps keep its natural charm and purity.
Nearby, there is also a spiritual site called Hemkund Sahib. It is a sacred Sikh pilgrimage place located by a glacial lake, just a short detour from the valley. Visiting Hemkund Sahib adds a spiritual and cultural experience to the trip.
How to Visit and Entry Details
Getting There
To reach the Valley of Flowers, you will need to travel by air, train, road, and on foot. Here are the main steps to reach the valley:
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Nearest Airport: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 295 kilometers from Govindghat, the starting point of the trek. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Govindghat.
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Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station, about 270 kilometers from Govindghat. From Rishikesh, regular buses and taxis are available to Joshimath or Govindghat.
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By Road: Govindghat is well connected by road to towns like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Shared jeeps and buses operate regularly during the trekking season.
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Trekking Route: From Govindghat, you travel about 4 kilometers by vehicle to Pulna, the last village accessible by road. From Pulna, the trek begins with a 10-kilometer hike to Ghangaria, a small village near the valley. From Ghangaria, it is a further 3.5-kilometer trek into the Valley of Flowers. The trail is beautiful but can get slippery when it rains, so wearing proper trekking shoes and gear is important.
A useful tip is to start the trek early in the morning and return to Ghangaria on the same day. Overnight stays inside the valley are not allowed to protect its fragile ecosystem.
The Valley of Flowers is open from June 1 to October 31. However, the best time to visit is during the monsoon months of July and August. This is when the valley is bursting with flowers, and the weather is generally good for trekking. Visiting during this time gives you the most colorful and lively experience.
Though the park remains open till the end of October, flower blooming reduces after September, and trekking conditions may become difficult due to colder weather.
Entry Fees
To enter the Valley of Flowers National Park, visitors must pay an entry fee at the Forest Department checkpoint near Ghangaria. The fees are different for Indian and foreign visitors:
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For Indian nationals, the fee is ₹150 per person for a 3-day pass. If you want to stay longer, each extra day costs ₹50.
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For foreign nationals, the fee is ₹600 per person for a 3-day pass. Each additional day costs ₹250.
These fees only cover entry to the park. Extra costs for services such as hiring porters, mules, or helicopter rides are separate.
When entering, it is important to carry a valid government ID, like an Aadhaar card, passport, or driver’s license. You will need it to get your entry permit.
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Timings
The Valley of Flowers opens every day from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors must enter and exit within these hours. The park officially opened on June 1, 2025, and is expected to close on October 31, 2025, but closing dates may change depending on weather conditions.
The Valley of Flowers is a unique place known for its natural beauty and rare flora. Here are some reasons why it is special:
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Short Blooming Season: The flowers bloom for a short time, mainly between July and early September. This short period creates a magical carpet of colorful flowers covering the valley.
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Rare Wildflowers: The valley is home to more than 600 species of alpine flowers that are not found anywhere else. Many of these flowers are rare and precious, making the valley a botanist’s paradise.
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Easy Trekking: The trek to the valley is moderate in difficulty. It is ideal for beginners who want to experience trekking at high altitudes without extreme challenges.
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Spiritual Site Nearby: Hemkund Sahib, a holy Sikh shrine, is close to the valley. It is situated beside a beautiful glacial lake, providing a peaceful place for prayer and reflection.
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Pristine Nature: The valley has no commercial activity inside. No shops or hotels are allowed to protect the environment. This helps keep the area pure and untouched by modern development.
Tips for a Great Visit
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Start Early: Begin your trek early in the morning to make the most of daylight and avoid bad weather.
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Pack Proper Gear: Carry waterproof shoes, warm clothes, rain jackets, and trekking poles. The trail can get slippery during monsoon rains.
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Carry Enough Water and Snacks: There are limited facilities on the trail, so bring your own food and water.
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Respect Nature: Do not pluck flowers or disturb wildlife. Carry back all your trash to keep the valley clean.
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Stay Safe: Weather in the mountains can change quickly. Be prepared and follow safety instructions from guides or forest officials.
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Book Permits Early: Entry permits and accommodations in Ghangaria fill up fast during peak season. Plan and book in advance.
The Valley of Flowers is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers a rare glimpse of nature’s colors and Himalayan views. The 2025 season is open from June 1 to October 31, with the best time to visit being July and August when flowers bloom in full.
Getting there requires some travel by plane, train, road, and trekking, but the journey is worth it for the breathtaking scenery. The trek is moderate and suitable for beginners who want a high-altitude adventure.
Visitors must pay entry fees and follow park rules to help protect this unique ecosystem. With proper planning and respect for nature, a visit to the Valley of Flowers can be a memorable experience full of natural beauty and spiritual peace.