Valley of flowers is a famous Indian National Park located in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. It is recognised as a World Heritage Site and also acknowledged by botanists and Mountaineers for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. It is famous for its endemic alpine flowers and various varieties of flora and meadows. It has rich biodiversity and is home to several endangered species of animals and birds.
It has a reputation for being the best monsoon trek in India. The beautiful landscape of the rugged mountains of Nanda Devi park to the east makes a wonderful transition between the Zanskar range and the Great Himalayas.
Flora, Wildlife and Birds
The valley of flowers is known for flora. There are about 498 flowering plant species in the valley. The most common flowérs seen here are blue Himalayan poppy, Himalayan maple, Brahma kamal, rhododendron, Himalayan white birch blue primula, daisies, rampant weed and Himalayan bellflower. These flowers embellish the landscape with their beauty and scent filling the hearts of visitors with wonder and awe. The wildlife in Valley of Flowers consists of red giant flying squirrel, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan musk deer, brown beer, Himalayan Mondal and yellow nape woodpecker.
Fun facts about the Valley of Flowers:
- It is the best monsoon trek in India. You can witness flora and vegetation in its full blossom. Unlike several other treks, it doesn’t get blocked and is dangerous during monsoons.
- The valley is a paradise for enthusiastic photographers. You’ll see it is the best place on heaven and earth for nature photography.
- It is an amazing trekking destination and is loved by trekkers.
- It has untouched biodiversity
- You can see the colossal Nanda Devi Peak, India’s second highest peak, from the Valley of Flowers.
- You will see the beautiful elevated lake Hemkund Sahib, Hathi parvat and Saptarishi peaks and Himalayas that form a splendid background to the entire journey.
Location
Valley of flowers is located in Chamoli, Uttrakhand. It is close to the snow-clad peaks like the Hindy deity Parvat, Kunt Khal, saptashrungi and Nilgiri parvat.
How to reach the valley of flowers
The valley is reached through a meandering path. From Delhi, one must head to Haridwar Or Dehradun. From Haridwar Or Dehradun to Joshimath and from there to Govind ghat.
Best time to visit
The best time is obvious from the name of the trek. The valley of flowers is in its full bloom during the monsoon. During the monsoon, the spectacular flowering festival begins in the alpine meadows. The best time to go and visit the valley is July and August. Although it is open in September too, it is not advisable to visit it in September since the snow starts to melt and it gets slippery. The valley isn’t accessible from December to early May.
Itinerary
Day 1
On the first day of the journey, the journey begins from Haridwar. The traveller sets for Auli. It is a 315 km long journey covered by car in 10-12 hours. Most of the journey is covered alongside river Alaknanda and features several beautiful views of emerald rivers and natural greenery. Day 1 of the journey ends at Govindghat.
Day 2
Auli to Ghangaria
Day 2 begins with trekking 7 km towards Ghangaria village walking through charming snow-clad mountains and mesmerising KagBhusandi Lake.
Day 3
Ghangaria to Valley of flowers
Day 3 of trekking begins early in the morning with an energetic head start towards a valley of flowers. As soon as you enter the valley you’ll know the difference. You can hear the sweet chirping of birds with gushing water in the river. Everywhere around there’s just pure beauty and the bounty of nature.
Day 4
You head towards the spot along the Pashupati river bed which is very beautiful. It is 6 km away from the valley of flowers. After that, you bead back from the valley.
Day 5
On this day you will trek back towards Sri Hemkund sahib. The pious gurudwara is a blissful place on a difficult journey. There’s a high-altitude lake that appeals to the visitors. The location of the building is 13500 feet above sea level.By the end of the day, you’ll be a Gangharia.
Day 6
This day you’ll head from Gamharia to the pulna trek, drive to Badrinath and reach Auli by the evening.
Day 7
On the last day of the trek, you’ll go back to Haridwar. You shall reach by the evening. This is where the trip concludes and you bid farewell.
