Every valley has its own color. Some are wide, some are narrow. In the Himalayas, valleys give space to humans for accommodation, and rivers flow across them. Humans and nature become part of each other in the valley. But in Uttarakhand, there is a valley that is still aloof from the activities of humans. The valley is called the Valley of Flowers.
The valley of flowers is rich in flora and fauna and is snuggled in the western region of the Himalayas. It was discovered in 1932 by mountaineer Frank S Smith.
It was declared a national park and a Unesco world heritage site in 1982. The valley holds a dense forest that is run by a river named the Pushpawati River. At the height of 3,658 feet, a valley of flowers starting from the Bhyundar valley in the Chamoli district valley is spread over an area of 87.50 sq km. 8 km long and 2 km wide, it provides a beautiful trek for visitors or nature lovers.
Botanists, nature lovers, and bird watchers all come in the season of summer from May to October to watch this beautiful valley. At its peak, the valley blooms with beautiful flowers such as Brahma Kamal, Cobra lily, and blue lily.
Location Of Valley Of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is located 300 km from Rishikesh in the Chamoli district near (Badrinath). Motorable up to Govindghat village, the trek of 16 km along the banks of the Pushpawati river starts from Govindghat and runs up to Ghangaria.
Once On the trek, you reach Bhundyar village, which offers a perfect view of Hathi Parvat. After trekking for 10 km, Ghangaria, serving as a base camp for a valley of flowers, welcomes the visitor. It’s the last place for accommodation because camping inside the valley is not allowed. A few accommodations are available, and only BSNL networks work here. After Ghangaria, the journey to the valley of flowers is 4 km one way through the valley and is 6-7 km long, and ends with a glacier.
How To Reach Valley Of Flowers
By air, Jolly Grant is the nearest airport in Dehradun.
By train, the nearest station is Rishikesh, 273 km from Govindghat.
By road, the valley of flowers is connected to Govindghat.
Ticket price
Rs. 150 for Indians and Rs. 450 for foreigners.
When to visit
The best can be viewed between the months of June and October
June
A season, when flowers start to germinate in the background of melting glaciers. It’s the last phase of the snow and summer has started in the valley.
July
The valley begins to take on a more green hue. A green, lush carpet unfolds in the valley.
August
It’s the peak season when over 500 varieties of flowers bloom in the park. It’s the most beautiful month to view the beauty of the valley of flowers. Photographers and botanists prefer to visit during this time.
September
The plants shed leaves and flowers. Everything starts once again, turning white, and the valley welcomes the winter season.
October
Heavy snowfall began this season. The park will be closed on the 4th of October for the general public.