Valley of Flowers National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers blooms with hundreds of species of alpine wildflowers from July to September. It is also a habitat for the endangered snow leopard.
Area (km²)
87.5
Established
1982
District
Chamoli
Nearest City
Joshimath
Quick Facts
Valley of Flowers contains over 600 species of alpine wildflowers including rare Himalayan herbs.
It was discovered by mountaineer Frank Smythe in 1931 after he accidentally wandered into it.
The valley is UNESCO World Heritage listed alongside Nanda Devi National Park.
Snow leopards, Asiatic black bears, and red foxes inhabit the upper reaches.
Habitat & Best Time to Visit
Habitat Types
Best Time to Visit
Jul – Sep
The valley is only accessible July to September when wildflowers are in bloom. Closed rest of the year.
Designations
Gates & Safari Zones
Ghangaria
Zone Core
Accessible July-September only. Trek from Govindghat.
