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.
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".
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 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
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.
Your journey will start from the Haridwar bus station around 6 AM. It takes around 10-12 hours.
On the way, you will see The five Holy Prayag (Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, Nandprayag, and Vishnuprayag) .
Overnight stay at Govind ghat Hotel.
Govind Ghat is a starting place for the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund sahib.
The Short Drive is around 10 Km, Govind-ghat to Pulna drive. it takes 45 mint drive.
The Main trekking route for the valley of flowers starts from Pulna.
Today's trek is from Pulna to Ghangharia. it is a 12 km trek.
Light lunch will be provided on the way.
Overnight stay at Ghangharia.
Start today morning with a delicious breakfast, and be ready for today's trek.
Start the trek from Ghangharia to the Valley of flowers. it is a 5 Km trek. Enjoy the beautiful valley of flowers, take beautiful pictures, and then back to Ghangharia.
Overnight stay at Ghangharia.
Start your journey back by capturing the photos and beautiful memories of these beautiful plaintiffs.
Trek back from Ghangharia to Pulna and drive back for Govind ghat.
Overnight stay at Govind-ghat.
Get up and ready to leave the beautiful mountain place.
Start your Last day's journey for the last destination "Rishikesh"of this trip.
This journey will end at Rishikesh/Haridwar bus station.
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Firstrek Business Today, 2:38
Really Awesome services, they porovide to their customers. You must try this place once.
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