Nestled inside the Valley of Flowers National Park, within the embrace of towering mountains, the Valley of Flowers Trek is a surreal experience, a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. The valley remains open between June and October. However, to witness the entire valley spring to life, timing the trek rightly is crucial. If you don’t time your trek rightly, you will miss the most exquisite blooms the valley is renowned for.
So when should you time your Valley of Flowers Trek to witness the maximum species of wildflowers blooming?
The Valley of Flowers remains open between June and October, each season having its charm and beauty.
Here is a detailed month-wise guide on the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers Trek in Uttarakhand based on information provided by local explorers and guides.
Valley of Flowers Trek month-wise guide
| Month | Best time to visit for | Rain |
| June | – Snow bridges at higher altitudes – Lush green valley – Peaceful trail – Flowers are yet to bloom | – Occasional or no shower – Snow at higher altitude – There is less probability of road blockage |
| July | – Flowers start budding in the first week – The full bloom of many species begins in mid-July, transforming the colours in the valley – Extremely colourful flower bed welcomes trekkers – Fewer crowds on the trail | – Light rain in the first week of July – Rain intensifies after mid-July – Come prepared with rain gear, such as ponchos, rain jacket, raincoat – Chances of road blockage due to landslides between Dehradun and Govindghat |
| August | – Abundant of flowers in the most vibrant shades – The trail is frequented by hundreds of trekkers every day. – Expect the trail full of visitors. – August is the best time to witness the maximum species of flowers bloom. | – Expect heavy rain – Occasional showers at higher elevations – Carry good quality rain gear – Chances of road blockage due to landslides between Dehradun and Govindghat |
| September | – Little or no flower blooms in September’s first week. – Flowers wither completely post 15th of September. – The valley embraces lush green shades and witnesses fewer trekkers. | – Little or occasional rain – Dont forget to carry rain gear as rain is unpredictable in the mountains |
| October | – The flowers are completely waned as autumn approaches – Valley of Flowers is officially closed in October. | – No or occasional shower – Remember to bring your rain gear |
Can I do Valley of Flowers in June?
The trek opens to the visitors on 1st June. Although the valley is lush green, the trail at the higher elevation remains buried under snow. The month witnesses the landscape transform from a white sheet of snow to soothing greens. The colours on the trail slowly deepen in the valley as green dominates the valley and few of the wildflowers start budding.
June is not the right time to visit the Valley of Flowers if you wish to witness the full bloom in the Valley. As Hemkund Sahib, located near the valley has the same starting point, the base camp remains crowded with pilgrims visiting the holy shrine.
Is July the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers trek in Uttarakhand?
July breathes life into the valley, as maximum flower species start budding by the first week of July.
If you trek to the Valley of Flowers in early July, you will see only a few species of flowers in bloom. While the flowers are yet to bloom, the lush greenery in the valley compensates rightly. As the trek takes you to a maximum altitude of 14,000ft trekkers find snow in patches in early July.
As monsoon arrives in northern India by mid-July ushering in a fresh spell of rain that invigorates the flora in the valley. If you plan this trek after mid-July, vibrant pink, purple, yellow, and blue hues greet you.
By July’s end, you will be enthralled by the colonies of geraniums and golden lilies dominating the valley.
The flowers fully spring to life in the valley, transforming into a riot of colours by July’s end. During this period, the valley is adorned with an array of wild blossoms in abundance, creating a dream-like scenery of tranquil flower beds.
Plan your trek to Valley of Flowers after 15th July to witness the valley abloom in myriad shades. Hundreds of species of flowers blossom in enthralling hues. As this is the peak season perfect to witness the wildflowers bloom, trekkers throng the valley in huge numbers. A lush green valley dotted with vibrant wildflowers forms a carpet of blossoms, while the towering mountains guard the valley, enticing trekkers to be mesmerized by the dreamlike landscapes.
As July marks the beginning of the monsoon, prepare for a rainy hike inside the Valley of Flowers. Despite the rain, trekkers can’t resist stopping by every corner to appreciate the beauty of these wildflowers. As it is a peak monsoon season, the trail remains secluded and you can enjoy the peaceful exploration of the valley. The base camp, Ghangria receives comparatively fewer pilgrims, offering a serene and quiet stay in Ghangria.
Note: There is a high probability of road blockage due to landslides between Dehradun and Govindghat. Keep a buffer day while visiting Valley of Flowers in July and August
When should I plan the Valley of Flowers in August to witness the maximum bloom?
The valley boasts the flower blooms in abundance till mid-August. Trekkers are greeted with varieties of fully bloomed flowers in August. A few of the July blooms remain intact while some make way for fresh blooms. Some species of flowers bloom for a longer time while others live a shorter life, blooming for a particular period. Lady Slipper Orchids last for not more than 7 to 10 days.
August also witnesses a shift in colours in the valley. As new varieties of flowers dominate the landscape, you will notice a change in blooms and the valley’s colour.
As the monsoon intensifies, you will have to trek on rainy days. Some days it rains incessantly while others experience afternoon showers and drizzles. Carrying good rain gear protects you from the wrath of rain and helps you enjoy the valley to the fullest.
Will there be flowers in September?
Exploring the valley in September will have the fleeting hues of vibrant wildflowers. The flowers wane by August end and you will see the remains of August bloom in September. The last of August blooms greet trekkers till the first week of September. However, by mid-September the flowers wither and the colours in the Valley also transform completely.
The valley welcomes very few trekkers in September and the trail remains secluded and serene. While the charm of blooming flowers is a miss, the valley wears a lush green cloak, offering picturesque landscapes.
You will find berries have replaced the flowers by mid-September. If you climb to Hemkund, you may find the remains of some species of flowers by the Sikh shrine.
Although the valley loses its colour, the trail remains peaceful after mid-September when the crowd dissipates. But the base village of Ghangria remains bustling with pilgrims travelling to offer their prayers at Hemkund Sahib.
Valley of Flowers in October – Flowers vanishes completely
The valley officially closes for visitors in October/November, depending on the weather conditions in the region. You can trek in October’s first week, provided the forest department keeps the gate open for visitors. The flowers will be completely withered and the autumn hues embrace the landscapes and the valley.
To immerse yourself in the splendour of valley abloom in vibrant hues, time your trek between July 15 and August 20, the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers. This duration witnesses the full bloom of the maximum species of flowers and is at its most vibrant. The trail remains free of the maddening crowd, and the monsoon rain enhances the beauty of the lush green trails and sprouting river streams.
Pack waterproof gear, comfortable trekking shoes, and good quality rain gear like ponchos and rain jackets.
