Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib: what the trip involves
The Valley of Flowers is a high Himalayan valley that sits inside a UNESCO World Heritage site. You do not drive into it. The trek starts at Govindghat, passes Pulna and Ghangaria, and ends on foot. Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh shrine at about 15,225 ft, uses the same base at Ghangaria but is a separate climb.
From Badrinath you plan this as its own block of days. Many pilgrims add it before or after the Badrinath darshan. If you are building a longer yatra, read the Char Dham Yatra guide first, then come back here to fit in the trek.
Our pick: Valley of Flowers tour
A guided week to the Valley of Flowers with transport, meals and fees included.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Valley of Flowers and Himalaya tours
Guided trips in the Garhwal Himalaya, with live prices and availability.
The route from Govindghat to the valley
Distances are approximate. Allow full days on foot.
Govindghat
This is the roadhead and the start of the trek. Everything you need for the climb has to come with you from here, including food for the valley day.
Pulna and the walk to Ghangaria
From Pulna it is about 10 km on foot to Ghangaria. Ghangaria is the base for both the valley and Hemkund Sahib.
Ghangaria to the valley
From Ghangaria it is about 3 km to the Valley of Flowers zone. Entry fees are paid at the park office in Ghangaria.
Back the same day
Overnight stays inside the valley are not allowed, and you should be out by 5 p.m. An early start of around 5 a.m. is the usual plan, so you have time to walk and return. This is a pace, not a gate opening time.
Fees, permit and rules in 2026
Pay and register in the right place, and carry ID.
| Visitor | Entry fee 2026 | Where you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Indian visitors | INR 200 | Park office, Ghangaria |
| Students and visitors over 60 | INR 100 | Park office, Ghangaria |
| Foreign visitors | INR 800 | Park office, Ghangaria |
The permit is issued on site or online and is valid for 3 days. Check the child rate, other concessions and whether you need to book online before you go, because these details can change from season to season.
Separate from the park permit is the free yatra registration. It covers the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib, and you need it before you travel. Read the registration guide for the steps. The two are different procedures: the registration letter does not replace the park permit.
When the flowers bloom
The bloom usually peaks from mid-July to August. That is also the rainy season, so a clear sky is not guaranteed on the best flower days. Plan around the rain, not against it, and keep a spare day in your schedule.
The valley is part of the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, listed by UNESCO in 1988 and extended in 2005 to include the valley. The parks protect rare species, but sightings are not something to plan around. Walk quietly, stay on the path and take your rubbish back down.
Hemkund Sahib and the Ghangaria climb
A Sikh pilgrimage with its own season.
Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh shrine linked to Guru Gobind Singh. The climb from Ghangaria is steep, and the shrine is about 19 km from Govindghat. Hemkund Sahib opens in late May and closes in early October, which is earlier than the Badrinath temple. In 2026 the season ran from late May to 10 October. Check the dates for your year before you plan.
Do not treat the Hemkund climb as an easy add-on to the valley day. Do them on separate days, because both are long and both are at altitude. The valley ticket does not cover Hemkund, and the Hemkund entrance is not the valley gate.
Altitude and health
Above 2,500 m, a sensible rise is about 300 to 500 m of sleeping height per day, with extra time to adjust. Headache, dizziness, nausea and breathlessness are warning signs, not normal tiredness. Get a medical check before you go, and descend or seek help if you get worse.
What to carry
Valid photo ID, warm clothes, your own prescribed medicines and food. Do not count on shops beyond Ghangaria. No alcohol or tobacco, and no litter.
When the weather turns
Heavy-rain alerts stopped the Char Dham yatra, Hemkund Sahib and trekking for two days at the end of September 2026. Keep your dates flexible and read the weather and best time guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that fit around the valley trek.
Valley of Flowers: frequently asked questions
Can I visit the Valley of Flowers as a day trip from Badrinath?
No. The trek starts at Govindghat and runs via Pulna and Ghangaria. There is no road into the valley, so plan separate trekking days.
How much does it cost to enter in 2026?
The fee is INR 800 for foreign visitors and INR 200 for Indian visitors. Students and visitors over 60 pay INR 100. Fees are paid at the park office in Ghangaria, so confirm the current amount there.
When is the best time to see the flowers?
Mid-July to August is the usual bloom. It overlaps with the rainy season, so expect wet days and leave time in reserve. The valley is open from 1 June to 31 October.
Can I stay overnight in the valley?
No. Overnight stays are not allowed, and you should be back out by 5 p.m. Most visitors use Ghangaria as their base.
Can I combine the valley with Hemkund Sahib?
Yes, but on separate days. Both start from Ghangaria, and Hemkund Sahib is a steep climb to a shrine at about 15,225 ft.
Do I need a separate registration for Hemkund Sahib?
Hemkund Sahib is part of the free yatra registration. The park permit for the valley is a separate step, so use the official portals for both.