Introducing Valley of Flowers
Situated high in the Garhwal Himalayan range, the Valley of Flowers is a land of enchanting beauty. Set against birches and gleaming white snow peak, the Valley of Flowers is the place where flowers - some 500 species, romance with clear running water streams. The Pushpawati river, emerging from the glacial deposits, meanders through the Valley of Flowers and divides it into two parts. The major portion of the Valley is on the right bank of the river, which attracts large number of trekkers.
Legend goes that, this valley is the area from where Lord Hanuman collected 'Sanjeevani' herbs to revive Laxmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama. Far from the world of civilization, earlier this valley was known to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar Valley, the playground of fairies and nymphs.
Way back in the year 1931, the Valley of Flowers was first introduced to the world by English mountaineer Frank S. Smith, who was on his way back from an expedition to Mount Kamet. In 1982, the Valley of Flowers with an area of 87.50 sq. kms was declared a National Park.
Today, with thick dew covered flowers, birds singing in the surrounding forests and the clean pure air filled with floral aromas, the Valley of Flowers makes a beckoning treat for naturalists, environmentalists, ornithologists, trekkers, tourists and pilgrims.
Flora of the Park
The Valley of Flowers remains snow-covered from November to May, but in the month of June when the ice envelope thaws, the beautiful flowering plants cover the whole valley. Some of the important flowering plants found in the valley are Aquilogia, Aconite, Anemone, Aster, Anaphalis Bistorta, Codonopsis, Campanula, Corydalis, Cypripedium, Delphinium, Dactylorhiza, Geum, Geranium, Himalayanblue poppy, Impetiens, Inula, Lobelia, Lilium, Ligularia, Marsh, Marigold, Morina, Pedicularis, Primula, Potentilla, Ranunculus, Rhododendron, Saxifraga, Saussurea abvallata, Straw berries, Trysimum, Thermophis, Trolises etc.
Fauna of the Park
Of course, the Valley of Flower is known mainly for its flowering plants, but it is also home to a variety of wild animals. You can see wild animals like Musk Deer, Himalayan Bear, Mountain Goats, Red Fox, Common Langur, Bharal, Serow, Snow Leopard etc. Other wildlife attractions are Himalayan Birds, Phigents, Butterflies and Tail Less Rat.
Activities You Can Take Part In
Trekking : A trek from Govindghat to the Valley of Flowers is an adventurous activity, which you have to take to reach the park. While you trek on this route, you get a close look of the beautiful countryside and also get a chance to meet the people of the nearby areas.
Where to Stay
Accommodation facilities are not available within the park and visitors are not allowed to stay overnight in the park. The nearby places have a wide range of accommodation facilities, but none of them are luxurious. You can stay at state-run tourist resthouses in Joshimath and Ghangharia. In addition to these, there are several private tourist lodges and resthouses in both these places.
How to Reach
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun (306 kms) which is well-linked by flights with Delhi. Rishikesh (289 kms) is the nearest railhead, which has several trains from different parts of the country. From Rishikesh, take the road route to reach Valley of Flowers. Joshimath in Garhwal is the nearest major town from Valley of Flowers. Joshmiath has convenient road connections with the towns of Dehradun and Haridwar. From Joshimath, hire a vehicle to reach Govindghat (17 kms), beyond which you have to take a trek of about 17 kms to reach the gate of the park.
