Total Coverage Area : 87.5 Sq. Kms.

Location : On the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in Chamoli District of Uttar Pradesh.

Visiting Season : From mid July to mid of August

Description

The world famous Valley of Flowers is situated in the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in the far interior of Garhwal Himalayas. The valley is spread over an area of 87.5 Sq. Kms. and is 3,250 mts. to 6,750 mts. above sea level. Rich references have been made about this colouful and eye catching valley in the records of Indian History and epic literature such as the Ramayana and Mahabharat. Legend associate with this valley with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramyana collected 'Sanjeevani" herb to revive Lakshman.

Trek Towards The Valley

The trek towards the Valley of Flowers National Park starts from the roadhead at Govindghat, it is a long 14 kms trek to Ghangria. Since only day visits are allowed to the Valley, Ghangria serves as the base and it is usually filled with people. The trek takes a good six to seven hours and many find the going tough. The scenery is however delightful with alpine forests all around and the Bhyundar Ganga roaring past you, especially if you visit in the rainy season when the river has maximum water.

After crossing the tollgate near Ghangria, one finally starts on the delightful walk towards the valley. Since a relatively lesser number of people visit the Valley, and horses are not allowed in any more, the trek is more peaceful and enjoyable. The approach to the main valley leads through lovely dense forests of oak, spruce and silver birch.

The Valley of Flowers itself, is a classic U-shaped valley - a work of the Tipra-Kharak glacier. Over millions of years, glaciers have advanced and receded many times. Today's Himalayan glaciers are only a pale shadow of their former selves as they have been receding ever since the last Himalayan Ice Age. However, the rich morainic soil left by the glaciers proved to be ideal and numerous varieties of alpine flowers took bloom.

The Immense Flora

Below the forest is the meadow. River Pushpavati flows through the valley and there are many waterfalls enhancing the beauty of the valley. The splendour and the scintillating beauty of the valley attracts tourists from all over the world.

The bloom starts immediately after the melting of snow but the peak blooming period is from mid July to mid of August. Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom here in natural way. Wherein some of the species are Anemone, Geranium, Marsh Marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham Kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia, Thermopsis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Strawberry, Epilobium, Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the flowers have medicinal values too. The abundance of Asmanda fern in this valley is a rare sight than in other Himalayan valleys.

The valley remains is bloom for three months while the looral composition keeps on changing every few days. By September the hue starts changing and autumn bids farewell to flowers and the entire vegetation remains dormant for about next five months when the valley is snow bound. Apart from the flowers some species of Butterfly, Musk Deer, Blue sheep (Bharal), Himalayan Bear, Himalayan Mouse Hare and some Himalayan birds & Snow Leopard are also found in this area. Due to these specialties it has always caught the attention of the nature lovers as well as the environmentalists. To conserve the nature's benevolent gift and to maintain the natural balance of the valley-the valley was declared a National Park in 1982.

Visiting Season

The rainy season - in August and September - is the best time to visit the valley, if you want to witness the around 300 varieties of alpine flowers bloom and turn the valley into a flower paradise.

Access

Air : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 319-kms.

Rail : The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 302-kms.

Road : The valley is approachable from Govindghat. There are two ways to reach Govindghat.

» Rishikesh-Srinagar-Karnprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat-(Distance approx. 270 Kms. On Haridwar-Badrinath highway)

» Haldwani-Ranikhet-Karnprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat (Distance approx. 332 Kms.) After crossing the Alaknanda river at Govindghat, an ascending bridle path along Bhyundar Ganga leads to Ghangharia which is 13 kms. Away from Govindghat, from where the Valley is only 3 kms.

Accommodation & Facilities

Uttranchal Govt. Tourist Rest House, Gangharia as well as Forest Rest Houses at Govindghat and Gangharia are the accommodation options available for tourists visiting the valley. There's also a Gurudwara at Ghangharia with lodging facilities. Dining facilities are also available at Ghangaria.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Climate : July and August

Maximum Temp. : 17ºC

Minimum Temp. : 7ºC

Head Quarters : Joshimath

Nearest petrol pump : Jharkula, Joshimath (22 kms. Before Govindghat)

Nearest Hospital/Market/Bank : Joshimath

Nearest Post & Telegraph Office/Phone : Govindghat