Valley of Flowers shuts for winter after a record 35,261 visitors

31 October 2026

The Valley of Flowers in Chamoli district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, closed its gates for the winter on 31 October. Between June 1 and October 31 it drew 35,261 visitors, the highest ever for the park: 34,996 Indians and 265 foreigners. Fees brought in a record ₹66.96 lakh, which will go to conservation, repair of the trekking route and protection of its biodiversity. Spread over 87.5 square kilometres in the high Bhuyandar Valley, it is known for more than 500 rare flower species that bloom in the monsoon. Trekkers set out from the base camp at Ghangaria. Heavy snow keeps the park shut for about six months, but staff will keep patrolling to watch wildlife such as snow leopards and guard rare medicinal plants. It opens to visitors every year on June 1.