Valley of Flowers Trek

The Valley of Flowers is open for a short window of time, from June to September. Once the rains begin, the peak blooming season is between mid-July and mid-August. The colours of the flowers change every few days, and the waterfalls and Hemkund Sahib are in full spate during this time. Note however that travel during the 15th August period gets especially crowded. 

Yes, the Valley of Flowers is the perfect introduction to the Himalayas. Beginners will be able to manage the paved trail quite comfortably, with only a few steep patches to challenge them. However, the ascent to Hemkund Sahib can be difficult, so if you’re not up for it, you can always ask the operator for an alternate plan. All You Need to Know about the Valley of Flowers.

Valley of flowers is located near Joshimath in Uttarakhand. Auli is also a short distance from Joshimath. 

Govindghat to Ghangaria: Approximately 12 kms one way, about 6-8 hours one way. 

Ghangaria to Valley of flowers: Approximately 3-4 kms one way, about 3-4 hours one way. 

Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib: Approximately 5-6 kms one way, about 4-6 hours one way. 

In same cases we might be able to drive past Govindghat and start the trek at Pulna. 

Pulna to Ghangaria: Approximately 8-9 kms one way, taking about 5-6 hours.

Yes! We normally have a group of 15 to 20 participants, and you can join them. You might find other solo travellers as part of the group. 

Yes, you will be sharing a room with a female co-traveller for most treks. Please double check with us. Some operators do combine female solo travellers with male solo travellers or ask solo travellers to pay extra for not having a roommate.

Yes, you can. The minimum age is 8 yrs while the maximum age depends on the fitness of the traveller.

At the time of writing, the Valley of Flowers budget trek cost is between Rs 8,500 to Rs 12,000 per person, depending on the inclusions and exclusions. For premium stay options, private transfers and other upgrades costs can range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 depending on what you choose. 

Yes, but check the inclusions and exclusions for the trip you choose. Travel from Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun to Govindghat/Joshimath/Auli is necessary. Some trekkers choose to book this on their own by shared taxis from Delhi or Haridwar. Some trekkers choose the option we offer with our operators. Most trips include this transfer, but it is better to double check before booking.

The trek also requires some local transfers. If you are not staying in Govindghat - the trek start point - you will need transfers from the place you are staying on the first night to Govindghat. Same will apply in reverse on the second last day of your trek. 

Most VOF treks need you to report to Haridwar railway station. The exact time and location will be given to you on your booking confirmation. But please check your trip before booking. Some trips start from Rishikesh as well. For custom trips, we also offer pick up and drop off services from Dehradun airport/station at little to no additional cost. 

No, this trek does not have a camping stay, as it's a monsoon season the trekkers are accommodated in a guesthouse. In premium options we have some Swiss tent options. 

Yes, it is available, and charges you between INR 500 to 700 per bag, at the time of writing this. You can store your luggage between day 2 and the last but one day of the trek. 

It normally depends on a group size, but usually operators use a tempo traveller, Tata Sumo, Bolero, or an Innova. We cannot assure which vehicle will be used. It depends on various factors. For custom trips however you can request a specific vehicle. 

Freshly cooked vegetarian meals. Please check which meals are included in your package. During road travel, the group will stop by a local highway restaurant/dhaba. Here meals are to be purchased by trekkers themselves. 

There is no snow on this trek route. 

The temperature is in a range of 5-20 degrees celsius. The evenings get quite cold, and it is recommended to carry warm clothing for the evenings and nights. 

Yes, you will need to inform the hotel manager an hour prior to this. Note, water is heated on wood fires and takes time, especially when large groups of people arrive at the same time and request water. In most packages the cost of hot water is not included and the homestay/hotel is likely to charge you a small amount for each bucket of water. 

Valley of flowers is approximately 3600 meters or 11800 feet. If you trek includes a visit to Hemkund Sahib, it is at a height of 4600 meters or about 15100 feet. 

Almost all itineraries include a trek to Hemkund Sahib. Please double check the itinerary with us to confirm this. 

There is a helicopter service between Govindghat (trek start point) and Ghangaria (trek base). You will still need to trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers. The service operates multiple times a day, charges on a one way basis, is subject to weather conditions and is charged extra if you choose to do this. We have no control on this service, cancellation, timings, safety, etc. Please reach out to The Great Next if you have more questions about this service.