Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand

Valley of Flowers is a national park located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is renowned for its picturesque beauty and the diverse range of alpine flowers that bloom here during the monsoon season. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the Himalayan black bear and the snow leopard. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers and is situated at an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level. It is a popular destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts, who come to witness the breathtaking beauty of the valley and the surrounding landscape.

Valley of Flowers : "The Garden of God"

Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The park is situated in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal Himalayas, at an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level. The park covers an area of 87.50 square kilometers and is known for its spectacular meadows of alpine flowers that bloom in a riot of colors during the monsoon season.

The Valley of Flowers is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, including Nilgiri Parbat (6474m), Rataban (6166m), and Nar Parvat (5965m). The park is home to numerous species of flowers, including Himalayan blue poppy, Himalayan bellflower, Himalayan cobra lily, Himalayan primrose, Himalayan knotweed, and Himalayan riverbed primrose . The park also has a rich variety of fauna, including the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, red fox, and the Himalayan tahr.

Valley of Flowers National Park is not just a beautiful destination for nature lovers, but it also holds religious significance. The park is believed to be the place where Lord Hanuman found the mythical Sanjeevani herb to revive Lord Rama's brother, Lakshmana, in the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Geographical Details -

Spread over an area of 87 sq km in the Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms one of the two core zones (The other being the Nanda Devi National Park) of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Valley of Flowers is an Indian national park that was established in 1982 and it is the world's heritage site declared by UNESCO in 2005. The valley is believed to have been discovered in 1931 when three British mountaineers led by Frank Smythe; lost their way and chanced upon this spectacular valley. Attracted by the beauty of this place they named it the “Valley of Flowers”.
The Valley of Flowers has nestled in the "Pushpawati River valley" which is in the upper expanses of the Bhyundar Ganga River near Joshimath in the Garhwal region. The lower reaches of Bhyundar Ganga near Gobindghat are known as "Bhyundar Valley".

Valley of Flowers Trek: A Mesmerizing Journey through Nature's Best-Kept Secret

Location : Valley of flower, Joshimath, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
Trek length : 37 Km
Trek Difficulty : Easy to Moderate
Trek Altitude : 3600 m/11,500ft.

Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers Trek is a stunning journey that takes you through lush meadows, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests, leading to a hidden valley blooming with vibrant alpine flowers. The valley is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The trek is relatively easy and can be completed by people with moderate fitness levels. The best time to embark on this journey is from June to October when the valley is covered with a carpet of colorful flowers. The trek starts from the small village of Govindghat and takes you through the picturesque towns of Ghangaria and Hemkund Sahib before reaching the Valley of Flowers.

The trek to the valley begins with a gradual ascent from Govindghat, following the gushing Alaknanda River. The trail is adorned with beautiful rhododendron and oak trees, which provide a cool respite from the heat. As you gain altitude, the landscape changes, and you start to see snow-capped peaks in the distance. After a few hours of hiking, you reach Ghangaria, a charming village that serves as a base camp for the trek.

The final leg of the journey takes you to the Valley of Flowers. As you hike through the meadows, you are greeted by a plethora of flowers in different hues and sizes. The valley is home to over 500 species of plants and flowers, including the rare Himalayan blue poppy, which is found only in this region. The fragrance of the flowers, combined with the cool mountain breeze, makes for an ethereal experience.

Apart from the stunning natural beauty, the Valley of Flowers Trek is also known for its abundant wildlife. You might spot musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and even the elusive snow leopard if you are lucky.

The Attraction Place of this trek -
• Govind ghat
• Ghangharia
• The Valley of Flower (Bhyundar, Nandan van, Pushpvati valley)

Best Time to do Valley of Flowers trek: -

The Valley of Flowers trek opens on July 1 with the permission of the state government and remains open till October. The best time to visit is between July and early September, when the valley is full of flowers, just after the outbreak of monsoon.

Trek route of Valley of Flowers
Pulna - Ghangharia → Valley of Flower → Ghangharia → Pulna

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Why you should Plan For Valley of Flowers Trek ?

Here are a few reasons why planning for the Valley of Flowers trek should be on your bucket list:

Natural Beauty:
The Valley of Flowers is a stunning alpine valley, nestled in the Himalayas, that bursts into a riot of colors during the monsoon season. The valley is home to a vast variety of flowers, including Himalayan blue poppies, primulas, daisies, and many more. The beauty of the valley is unmatched, and it's hard not to be captivated by the breathtaking scenery.

Trekking:
The Valley of Flowers trek is an easy to moderate trek, making it accessible to most people. The trek takes you through lush green meadows, waterfalls, and streams, and you get to witness the stunning views of snow-capped peaks along the way. It's an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally while experiencing the joys of trekking in the Himalayas.

Biodiversity:
The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can spot various animals like musk deer, snow leopard, and blue sheep if you are lucky. The valley is also home to many rare and endangered species of flowers that are not found anywhere else in the world.

Spiritual Significance:
The Valley of Flowers is considered to be a sacred place by the locals. According to Hindu mythology, the valley is where Lord Hanuman found the magical herb 'Sanjeevani' to save Lord Rama's brother, Lakshmana. The valley has a tranquil and serene atmosphere, which makes it an excellent place for meditation and reflection.

Adventure:
The Valley of Flowers trek is not only about nature and spirituality but also an adventure. The trek offers a thrilling experience of walking through rugged terrain, crossing streams, and camping under the stars. It's an opportunity to disconnect from the world and connect with nature.

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Valley of Flowers Trek Price :

• Haridwar to Haridwar (6 days & 5 Nights)
  We start our journey from Haridwar, which is well-known as the holy city of Uttarakhand. This is simply: Haridwar → Govind Ghat → Ghangharia → Valley of Flower → Ghangharia → Govind Ghat → Haridwar
  Packages start from - Rs. 10,499 Per Person (Including Accommodation and Meal + Transport) + 18% GST

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Accommodation and Permissions for Valley of flower trek

Accommodation options for the Valley of Flowers Trek can be limited as the region is a protected area and camping is only allowed in designated areas. Here are some possible options for accommodation:

Ghangaria: This is the base camp for the Valley of Flowers Trek, and there are several guesthouses and lodges here that offer basic amenities like hot water, clean beds, and meals.

Camping: As mentioned earlier, camping is only allowed in designated areas, and you will need to carry your own camping gear. You can book a camping spot through the Forest Department.

As for permissions, you will need the following permits:

1. Forest Permit: This can be obtained at the Forest Department office in Ghangaria.
2. Valley of Flowers Permit: This can also be obtained at the Forest Department office in Ghangaria.
3. Inner Line Permit: This is required for non-Indian citizens and can be obtained online or through the District Administration Office in Chamoli.
4. Trekking Permit: This can be obtained from the Uttarakhand Mountaineering Association in Dehradun.

It is advisable to carry all necessary documents and permits at all times during the trek.