Valley of Flowers is a jewel that is nestled deep in Uttarakhand, away from the concrete cities. This national park is a biosphere reserve that is home to numerous varieties of endemic flora as well as several species of endangered animals. If you are lucky, you might spot some animals like the red fox, snow leopard or even a musk deer, to name a few. Local legends say that this is the place where Hanuman had collected the sacred Sanjeevani for curing the ailing Lakshmana. The sights that you will encounter here are truly mesmerizing.
The valley of flowers is spread across a vast area of 87.5 sq kilometers! This exotic paradise is perched 3658 meters above sea level in Bhyundar valley. Only in the year 1931 had this valley been accidentally discovered by three British mountaineers who had lost their way and they were the ones who named it the Valley of Flowers.
Why should you visit the Valley of Flowers?
Trekking along this place is truly a magical experience. The pristine green of the mountain ranges and the beautiful flowers seem to fuse with the white clouds up above to give a picturesque quality to this valley. This place lures thousands of visitors, especially photographers, curious botanists and nature lovers. During the winter season this place is covered in a thick cover of snow and it is in full bloom only during the months of July, August and September. These three months are best suited if you want to truly experience the grandeur of this place. The locals aren’t exaggerating when they say this place is truly a fairyland. Also a visit to the nearby sacred pilgrimage of the Sikhs’ Sri Hemkund Sahib where one takes a dip into the glacial waters will be worth the visit.
How do you reach the Valley of Flowers?
The base camp for the trek to the Valley of Flowers is Ghangaria and there are several hotels and lodges that provide accommodation. Ghangaria is an ideal place to relax after the long trek because settlement is prohibited in the national park. This mystic land of flowers is located in Chamoli, a small district in Uttarakhand. You can travel to Govindghat from New Delhi or Haridwar and from there you will need to commute to Chamoli.
When should you visit?
The Valley opens its gates for the public from 1st June to 4th October every year, unless forced to remain shut due to unforeseeable circumstances. The Valley open up at 7 in the morning and the last entry for the day is allowed at 2.00 pm and everyone needs to move out of the valley by 5 pm! So, you will have to plan your schedule keeping these timings in mind! It would be ideal to visit the valley between July and August, because you can catch the flowers in full bloom!
If you love nature and quiet, then this is a place you must visit!
