Valley Of Flowers Reopens For Tourists; Know Permit Rules, Trek Route And Budget

The famous Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand has reopened to visitors for the 2026 season. The UNESCO World Heritage Site will remain open until October 31, offering tourists a chance to witness hundreds of rare and colourful flower species in full bloom.

The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district has officially reopened for tourists and trekkers. Situated at an altitude of around 3,600 metres above sea level, the valley remains covered in snow during winter but transforms into a vibrant landscape of blooming flowers during the monsoon months.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers is home to more than 300 species of flowers and several rare varieties of flora. The valley stretches across nearly 87 square kilometres and attracts nature lovers, photographers and trekking enthusiasts from across the country and abroad.

The site is best known for its colourful meadows filled with orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, anemones and many other Himalayan flower species. The region is also home to rare wildlife, including musk deer, Himalayan bears, Himalayan weasels, grey langurs and snow leopards.

Tourists can visit the valley until October 31, after which the area will close for the winter season. Authorities have urged visitors to cooperate in preserving the fragile ecosystem and rich biodiversity of the region.

How To Reach The Valley Of Flowers

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, visitors can travel by road to Rishikesh and then continue towards Govindghat.

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. From Govindghat, travellers can take local transport to Pulna village, which serves as the starting point of the trek.

The trek from Pulna to Ghangaria is approximately 10 kilometres. From Ghangaria, visitors must undertake a further 4-kilometre trek to reach the Valley of Flowers.

Permit And Registration Process

Registration is mandatory for all visitors. Travellers must register through the Uttarakhand government’s Tourist Care portal or mobile application.

Entry into the Valley of Flowers requires a permit from the Forest Department. Permits can be obtained online or from the forest check post at Ghangaria. Officials advise obtaining permits closer to the trekking date to avoid disruptions caused by changing weather conditions.

The entry permit is valid for three days. The fee is Rs 150 for Indian citizens and Rs 600 for foreign nationals.

Trekking Budget And Important Guidelines

Visitors can either arrange their own accommodation and guides at Govindghat and Ghangaria or opt for organised trekking packages.

Most guided trekking packages are priced between Rs 9,900 and Rs 11,500 per person. These packages generally include accommodation, meals, permits and guide services.

Authorities have also reminded visitors that overnight stays and camping inside the Valley of Flowers are strictly prohibited. All tourists must return to Ghangaria before 5 pm on the day of their visit.

With the monsoon season approaching, the Valley of Flowers is expected to offer one of its most spectacular displays of natural beauty, making it one of India’s most sought-after trekking destinations.