The stunning Valley of Flowers is nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and approx. 300kms to the north of Rishikesh. Initially, it is known as Bhyundar Valley. The beautiful Valley of Flowers tour package has a serene national park, it was discovered in the year 1931 by Mountaineer Frank S Smith and is a World Heritage site. It is renowned for its exotic varieties of medicinal herbs. As per the mythology, Lord Hanuman brought Sanjivani to the ailing Lord Lakshmana from the valley of flowers. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and is one of its kind. It is also renowned for its meadows of alpine flowers.
Combined with Nanda Devi National Park, the two of them together constitute the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The verdant pastures, majestic mountains and gushing streams attract millions of tourists every year from all over the world. One can witness the entire valley all covered with pretty colorful flowers and different types of flowers that gives a magical quality to the place. It holds more than 650 species of flowers including Blue Poppy, Cobra Lily, and Brahmakamal. It is also home to several rare and endangered animals.
History of Valley of Flowers
As per history in the year 1931 three British mountaineers Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth happened to discover this place when they lost their way returning from a successful expedition to Mt. Kamet. The valley that was full of flowers was named Valley of Flowers. The Valley of Flowers was declared as a national park by the government in the year 1980. In the year 1982, this park was renamed as Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve was established and this location was declared to be its core zone.
The Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve has been part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere reserves since the year 2004 and the Valley of Flowers is now a World Heritage site.
Importance of Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers is renowned for its meadows of beautiful alpine flowers and picturesque natural beauty. This richly diverse area is also home to rare endangered animals- Asiatic Black bear, snow leopard, brown bear, and blue sheep. It holds high diversity and density of flora and fauna of the west Himalayan biogeographic zone with significant populations of globally threatened species including the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer and several plant species.
Why One Should Visit Valley of flowers
Valley of Flowers is renowned for its impeccable beauty within and is also known for the beautiful region it is enveloped in. people visit this stunning place as it offers trekking options. The trek forms an incredible backdrop to make the trek much-much scenic and picturesque. This place is truly a paradise for photographers. With outstanding landscapes and the oblivious horizon, this valley offers views that a photographer cannot refuse to capture.
Best Time To Visit Valley of Flowers
The valley opens on 1st June each year and shuts in October. The apt time to visit the Valley of Flowers is between July to September when one can see the valley at this bloom with flowers. August month is the perfect time to see the flowers bloom. The entrance to the Valley is restricted to daytime. One can enter the Valley only between 7 am and 2 pm and one will have to leave before 5 pm. Overnight camping is prohibited.
Trekking in Valley of Flowers
The trek of Valley of Flowers is one of the prettiest trekking experiences. The trek starts from the Pulna village or Govindghat after crossing the beautiful Alaknanda river across the hanging bridge. One can witness the snow-clad peaks between the green and rocky mountains after passing the Pulna village during their trek. The 7kms trek between Pulna and Bhyundar village comprised of cold water springs and gushing waterfalls.
After taking some rest here one can continue the trek on the right bank of the Laxman Ganga till a log bridge is encountered. After crossing over to the left bank the trail becomes steeper. The journey further continues and one reaches Ghangharia that is the base camp to treks to Valley of Flowers 2kms from here.
Places to visit near Valley of Flowers
Nanda Devi the second highest peak in India, lies the stunning Nanda Devi National Park in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and is home to some of the rarest and unique high-altitude flora and fauna in the world. Witness the breathtaking views here. This area was given the status of a national park in the year 1982 to protect and conserve the fantabulous flora and fauna in the region. It is one of the major ecological hotspots of the world and is home to a variety of birds, mammals, plants, trees and butterflies. The Uttarakhand Packages offer fantastic opportunities for trekking and hiking in Valley of flowers which is a paradise for adventure seekers.
Closing and Opening Date of Valley of Flowers
Every year Valley of Flowers remains closed from November to February due to the shivering cold temperatures that go below freezing point. During this time there are no flowers to spot nearby. It reopens in June as the valley is all covered with colorful flowers. One can even spot musk deer, Himalayan bears, snow leopards and blue sheep during this particular time.
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