Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand

Valley of Flowers is a mesmerizing region of rare beauty dotted with some rare species of Alpine flowers presenting a mind-blowing riot of colors too very pleasing to the eyes and to the senses. To get detailed travel info on Valley of Flowers and the nearby visit-able places, read on

Uttarakhand is known as the Land of the Gods because at each turn you are likely to land in a place that has some religious significance of the other. There is, however, another place that has no religious significance in itself but is a glorious paean to the creative powers of God and that is the inimitable and incomparable Valley of Flowers. Temples give you very little idea about the greatness of Gods: it is a matter of faith. However, the Valley of Flowers, in full bloom in mid-summer is enchantingly bewitching. God was in a good mood when he created the Valley and he lavished all his love on it is what you feel as you behold the magnificent view.

Valley Of Flowers

If you happen to go on a pilgrimage to Badrinath as part of your char dham yatra, you can take time off to visit the Bhyundar Valley which is a part of the larger Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Chamoli district. It is spread over 87.5 sq km and is at a height of 3658 meters above sea level.  You can also travel directly from Rishikesh, which is about 300 km away. The ideal way is to travel up to Govindghat and from here go on a trek from Ghangaria which serves as the base camp.

Ghangaria

The ideal time to visit is from July to the end of August when the entire area is carpeted with multi-hued flowers in full bloom and the air is filled with fragrance. The Valley is quite extended and you cannot possibly cover it all in one day you have to exit the valley at 5 PM, which is why you should make base camp at Gangharia. Rise early, reach the entry point by 6.45 AM, and buy your ticket in time for the opening at 7 AM. You can also travel from Haridwar to Govindghat. The valley opens from 1st June and remains open up to 4th October but in the early part of the season, you may not see as many flowers as you will towards the end of June. July is probably the best time when the slopes are covered in green and the valley is carpeted with flowers of over 300 species. You will see colorful orchids, poppies, calendulas, anemones, and primulas in a visual treat. By August the flowers reduce in number and by September flowers have become sparse as plants begin to show seeds.  If you like to walk, you can stay in Govindghat and trek 13 km to Ghangaria from where it is another 4 km trek to the Valley. The better option is to stay in Ghangaria, a small place with a few hotels. There are options other than walking and that is by pony, porter or helicopter should you be so inclined. However, a walk alongside the Pushpavati is a treat and you should not miss it.

Govindghat

In peak season there is a rush of tourists and you would need to rise early and be at the gates in order to buy entry tickets that cost Rs. 150 for Indians and $ 10 for foreign nationals. One ticket is valid for 3 days and for each additional day, you pay Rs. 50 extra. Cameras are allowed for free but professional video cameras attract an additional fee of Rs. 500.  In order to explore the valley to the fullest you should stay at least a week.

Snow Leopard

Apart from exotic flowers such as the Himalayan Blue poppy and rhododendron, there is plenty by way of flora and fauna. The valley is also home to medicinal plants and trees. As you travel inside you may come across native animals like monkeys, the Himalayan weasel and marten, musk deers, leopards, bears, and birds like the Himalayan vulture, pheasants, barbets, and pigeons.

Hemkund Sahib

Since you are here you might as well visit Hemkund Sahib, which is close by. You will come across hundreds of Sikh pilgrims making their way to this holy place. However, if you are here purely to enjoy the beauties of Uttarakhand, head to Auli. This is a beautiful resort fast developing as a skiing resort. The chief attraction of Auli is the ropeway, said to be Asia’s longest covering a distance of about 4 km. The ropeway connects Auli with Joshimath and you have a magnificent 25 minutes to admire the splendors of the mountains and valleys from high above. Arriving at Joshimath you can go on to Chenab Lake in the vicinity and lose yourself in the beauties of the mountains reflected in its crystal clear waters. For the religiously inclined there is the Adi Badri pilgrimage destination, Badrinath, Bhavishya Badri, and Bhavishya Badri which can all be reached in a couple of hours. Still, for nature lovers, there is another attraction in the form of Chamoli a paradise located 1300 meters above sea level with picture postcard view of the mountains, lakes, and verdant greenery of the slopes.

In comparison to the Valley of Flowers, all other places of interest located nearby pale into insignificance because it is simply heaven on earth.