Overview
Valley of Flowers is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Indian national park.
The beautiful valley, with elevations ranging from 3300 to 3650 metres, is a nature lover’s paradise. It stretches for about 6 kilometres from Bhuindhar village and covers an area of about 87 square kilometres. The valley has the most diverse collection of wildflower species, making it particularly flower-rich. The Pushpawati River flows through the valley. From June to early September, the valley is ablaze with exotic flowers. The area, which was designated a National Park in 1982, is home to approximately 520 flowering plant species. This national park is home to Himalayan black bears, musk deer, brown bears, Bharal, and a variety of birds and butterflies.
With its myriad of colours – purple, yellow, red, blue, and white – that form a carpet on the valley floor during its full blossoming season, the Valley of Flowers National Park in the Garhwal Himalayan region is like a scene from a childhood fairy tale. The Valley of Flowers trek, which symbolises the connection between nature and the human soul, is one of the most beautiful treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region, drawing visitors of all ages from around the world. The blue Primula is the most beautiful of the Himalayan flowers, and it is most visible during the peak season, which lasts from mid-July to mid-August.
Ghangaria to Hemkund sahib
The journey continues from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh pilgrimage site bound within the mountains at a lofty height of 4,300 metres. Another major highlight of the Valley of Flowers trek is the lake’s tranquil and crystal clear water, which reflects the surrounding peaks.
The Valley of Flowers Trek, a 22-kilometre drive from Joshimath, is awash in natural colours and inspires visitors’ faith. The Alaknanda River trail continues to Ghangaria through an evergreen forest densely forested with Himalayan trees. Sikh pilgrims travelling in both directions use the trail, which is strategically located with eateries along the way. Even though hundreds of people use it every day, the trail is immaculate. Thank you to everyone who helps sweep the trail daily. After Ghangaria, the trail splits.
The Valley of Flowers is reached via one route, while Hemkund Sahib is reached via the other.
The road to Valley of Flowers National Park winds through gurgling streams, ridges, and forest, with views of towering peaks in the distance. The path gradually descends to a small footpath along the valley’s edge, then takes a sharp turn, revealing the distinct and colourful nature hidden within the mountains. The Valley of Flowers National Park trek is unlike any other in the Garhwal Himalayas. It’s a botanist’s dream, a photographer’s dream, and a vacationer’s dream all rolled into one. A further 5-7 kilometres of walking through the valley will bring you to the glacier, which can be seen from afar. The valley’s stream runs the length of it.
Where is the Valley of Flowers?
Valley of Flowers National Park is located in the West Himalayas of India. It’s famous for its varied flora and endemic alpine flower meadows. Rare and endangered species such as the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear, and blue sheep thrive in this diverse environment. The gentle landscape of Valley of Flowers National Park contrasts with the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park to the east. They form a distinct transition zone between the mountain ranges of Zanskar and the Great Himalaya. Both parks are surrounded by the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (223,674 ha) and a buffer zone (5,148.57 km2). This Reserve has been a member of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2004.
When Should You Go to Valley of Flowers?
From June to July: During these months, visitors can admire the valley of flowers’ waterfalls and stunning glaciers. The main benefit of visiting this month is that there will be little to no rain and the flowers will be nearly ready to bloom.
In August and September: As the snow melts in May, new plants germinate and grow until the end of the season in August. Many flowers are in bloom until mid-August. August and September are the best months to see the most flowers, as well as the last month to visit the Valley of Flowers. Plants and flowers begin to dry and drop their seeds to the ground in preparation for the following season.
Attractions Near Valley of Flowers!
Govindghat is the starting point for both the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Saheb.
Govindghat Hemkund Saheb: Hemkund Saheb, also known as Shri Gurudwara, is located in Govindghat. Hemkund Saheb is a Sikh deity and holy site. It is well known in the Sikh community. Ghangharia is 6 kilometres away.
Hemkund Saheb Shri Badrinath Temple is one of India’s four Dhams and the most important Vishnu temple in the country.
Mana Village and the Shri Badrinath Temple are the last Indian villages before the India-Tibet border. It is also a popular tourist destination among Indians.
Flora And Fauna
There are 498 flowering plants in the Valley of Flowers.
1. Himalayan Blue Poppy
2. Himalayan Maple.
3. Brahmakamal
4. Himalayan white birch
4. Rhododendron
5. Rampant Weed
6. Blue Primula Daisy
7. Himalayan bellflower
The following animals and birds have been seen here:
1. Giant red flying squirrel
2. Black bear of the Himalayas
3. Musk deer from the Himalayas
4. Himalayan goral
5. The Himalayan blue sheep
6. The brown bear
7. Yellownape Monal
8. Himalayan Woodpeckers
