Part of: Uttarakhand Current Affairs · See also: Uttarakhand GK · UKPSC syllabus
The Valley of Flowers in Chamoli district closed for winter on Saturday, 31 October 2026. The Valley of Flowers 2026 season drew a record 35,261 visitors since its opening on 1 June. Range Forest Officer Ashish Jirwan shared the figures. Moreover, the forest department earned ₹67,07,500 from visitors this season. Hence, the UNESCO World Heritage site broke all its earlier footfall records.
Indian and Foreign Visitors
Of the total, 34,996 visitors were Indian and 265 came from abroad. Among Indian visitors, there were 21,306 men and 8,604 women. In addition, 4,431 students and researchers above 18 visited the valley. The count also included 124 children above 12 and 531 elderly visitors. Meanwhile, foreign visitors included 127 men and 138 women.
How the Valley Broke Its Records
Earlier, in 2022, the valley drew 20,827 visitors, then reported as a record. Later, the count dipped to 15,924 in 2025, with 416 foreigners. This year, however, the valley crossed last season’s total within two months. In fact, it recorded 16,462 visitors between 1 June and 30 July.
Rain Closure and Winter Patrolling
The valley also stayed shut on 27 September after a heavy rain warning. Now, forest staff will continue patrolling the valley through winter.
About the Valley of Flowers National Park
The valley lies in the Pushpawati river valley, at the head of the Bhyundar valley. It became a national park in 1982 and covers about 87.5 sq km. Notably, British mountaineer Frank Smythe reached the valley in 1931. His book Valley of Flowers made it famous. Besides, visitors share the trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria with pilgrims heading to Hemkund Sahib.
UNESCO World Heritage Status
UNESCO inscribed Nanda Devi National Park as a World Heritage site in 1988. Then, in 2005, UNESCO added the Valley of Flowers to the same property. Today, the site carries the name “Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks”.
Valley of Flowers 2026 Season: Key Facts for Revision
- Season: 1 June to 31 October 2026
- Total visitors: 35,261 (34,996 Indian, 265 foreign)
- Revenue: ₹67,07,500 for the forest department
- Earlier high: 20,827 visitors in 2022
- National park: 1982, Chamoli district
- UNESCO status: 2005, with Nanda Devi National Park
Why the Valley of Flowers 2026 Season Matters for UKPSC
Notably, the record shows rising interest in high-altitude nature tourism. So, remember the total footfall, the revenue and the season dates. Also, link the valley with Nanda Devi, Frank Smythe and the Hemkund Sahib route. For official updates, also visit UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Next, for a related story, read about Wildlife Week 2026 in Uttarakhand. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.