The valley opens on June 1 each year and shuts in October. The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is between July to September when you can see the valley at this bloom with flowers. August is the best time to see the flowers bloom; however, it might get difficult to reach there due to landslides and heavy rainfall.
It remains accessible for the rest of the year because of heavy snow. Keep in mind that entrance to the Valley is restricted to daytime - you can enter the Valley only between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and you will have to leave before 5:00 PM. Overnight camping is prohibited.
More about Best Time to Travel to Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers in Monsoon (July - September)
This is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers, as the monsoon showers give rise to breathtaking flowers of all colours. From geraniums, primulas, asters and trollies to Epilobium, rhododendrons, marigolds and pedicularis, you can hope to see some of the most beautiful flowers on earth, which are unique to this Himalayan wonderland. The Valley does not disappoint fauna enthusiasts either - you can spot varieties of butterflies, musk deer, Himalayan bears, snow leopards and blue sheep here during this time as well! View of Himalayas from Valley of Flowers Source Temperatures range from 13°C to 20°C during monsoon, and you can expect reasonably heavy showers as the months' pass. Do not forget to carry an umbrella with you as you attempt to reach the Valley. In July, the rains have just begun, the flowers have just started to bloom, and the scenery is just stunning. Do not miss the Ladies Slipper Orchid flower in July. The auspicious Brahma Kamal flower also blooms in the Hemkund Lake in July, so keep your cameras ready to capture these postcard-perfect scenes. In August and September, the Valley is at its most beautiful, with more than five hundred species in full bloom. You can expect the best views during these months. The rain may be a hassle in the beginning, but as days pass, rainfall also decreases and the weather is quite comfortable. Be prepared for isolated showers, though. The monsoon months come under the tourist seasons - accommodation and amenities are a tad expensive, so beware of conmen.
Valley of Flowers in Summer (March - June)
Summer in the Valley of Flowers is not a recommended time to visit this region, as there is not much to see regarding biodiversity. The terrain is fast-changing, and the glaciers start to melt, forming many rivulets and streams. You can trek and hike in nearby areas, as the park is not open to tourists until June. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. In June, you can expect a few tourists as the flowers have just started to bloom. Amenities and accommodation are cheaper, as this is the off-season. Tourists on a budget can make the best use of this time to visit the Valley of Flowers and enjoy the vistas of snow-capped ranges. In June, you can cross rivulets and waterfalls as the glaciers melt across the Valley. You cannot hope to see many flowers now, but the snow-clad mountains make for stunning panoramas.
Valley of Flowers in Summer Source
Valley of Flowers in Winter (October - February)
Valley of Flowers in October October is the last month of the year when the Valley of Flowers is open to tourists. You may not find a lot of flowers here in October, as the terrain drastically turns shades from green to yellow and finally ochre, after which the first snow of the season falls. This is the off-season month when you can expect transportation to be cheaper. Hiking from Ghangaria Base Camp is a fun activity to do in October, as you bathe in the cold waters of the streams and watch the snowfall.
Valley of Flowers from November to February The Valley is closed at this time due to shivering cold temperatures which go well below freezing point. As autumn makes way for winter, the flowerbed is covered with a thick heap of snow, covering all the blooms. The Valley becomes a stretch of white and brown and is hardly recognisable as the verdant Valley of Flowers. Glaciers cover the region, and the entire valley is snow-capped. It is incredibly risky to venture out to this region during this time. There are no flowers to spot nearby, and the weather is too cold to bear. If you're into winter sports, there is some solace for you. While the actual valley is off-limits, there are areas nearby in Ghangaria where you can try skiing. You can also embark on treks and hikes in October and February. January is the coldest month of the year. Source The Valley of Flowers is a picturesque locale that is a sure entry to your bucket list. Make full use of the tourist window and visit this stunning site, to bask in nature's glory.
Events in Valley of Flowers
Trek to Hemkund Sahib
May - September
Set on a glacial peak surrounded by seven peaks, Hemkund Sahib makes you feel as if you've reached the feet of the Gods. Hemkund is inaccessible from October to April due to snow on the roads. However (Read More), this is can be a difficult path to tread so make sure you're in perfect health before attempting this trek.
