The valley of flowers was declared a national park in 1982 and a UNESCO world heritage site. The people who have not visited the place may wonder about the reason behind this ‘world heritage’. But mountaineers, botanist and even writers from all over the world agreed that they were really captivated by its beauty.
It has gained significant cultural importance due to its wide range of flora and a representative of Himalayan meadows and alpine shrubs.
When to Visit Valley of Flowers?
One must visit this national park in monsoon as the flower bed blossoms in the monsoon. A fun fact is that the place was unknown to humans until Frank Smith, an explorer, found the place in 1931.
A number of tourists went to the park in the past decade due to a reason. When the new age media discovered the national park, its news spread all around like fire and photographers, travel enthusiasts, tourists got in line to visit here. It was a wonderful discovery everyone wanted to get a glimpse of.
A few developments that have made this destination popular in the past decade are opening of few medium budget hotels in Govindghat, few shops which provide trekking accessories and prescription medicines (for nausea), and of course, the airport at Dehradun. After the Kedarnath tragedy, Valley of flowers was shut for a few days because the authorities wanted to protect its vulnerability. But no one harm was done to the meadows.
Story Behind the Valley of Flowers
Joane Margret Legge was a botanist who was sent for an expedition to The Valley Flowers. She was studying the different varieties of flowers, treading on a rocky path when she slipped her leg and fell off a cliff. She died in that incident. Her sister erected a memorial at the place of her death in the Valley.
When people cross through the valley, most of them noticed the steep cliff that they pass through, also the majestic mountains that seem to be floating in front of the valley. The trekkers also cross through several glimmering streams of water. They pause to listen the sweet rustling sounds of water passing through rocks. The best season to visit the valley is the monsoon. At this time, the flower beds present here spring up to life and the green foliage looks stunningly beautiful.
Its impact on one’s state of mind is also incredible. People who seem down throughout the trek, hop back to jubilation when they witness such a beauty.
If there is one thing that people feel missing from their lives when they come here is the stress that they feel in their chaotic city lives. People feel free, they feel like they have achieved Nirvana.
And the fun doesn’t just stop here. If you are keen enough, you can witness some rare animals and plants here.
Some Important Facts One Must Know Before Visiting Valley of Flowers
- Location: – Chamoli District of Uttarakhand (Garhwal Region)
- Postal Code: – 246443
- Accessibility: – Not accessible through-out the year (Opens for only 5 months- June to October)
- Best time to visit: – July to September
- Standard Tour Duration: 3 Days- Govindghat to Govindghat, 5 Days – Haridwar/Dehradun to Haridwar/Dehradun,
7 Days- Delhi to Delhi - Accommodation Options: – Basic Hotels/Guesthouses & Camps on the trek
- Food Type: – Veg & Non-Veg Indian Food
- Max Altitude: – 4500 MT/14763 FT above the sea level
- Total Trekking: – 35 Kms
- Category of Trek: – Moderate
- Temperature Range: – 4 °C to 20 °C
- Nearest Major Railway Station: – Haridwar (291 Kms/09-11 Hrs drive by road + 17 Kms trek to reach Valley of Flowers)
- Nearest Airport: – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (284 Kms/09-11 Hrs drive + 17 Kms trek to reach Valley of Flowers)
- Nearest Major Bus Stand: – Joshimath (22 Kms/1 Hr drive by road + 17 Kms trek to reach Valley of Flowers)
- Mobile Network/Internet: Only BSNL Network available during the trek (Vodafone, Jio & Airtel Network covers
till Joshimath only) - Last ATM Point: – Joshimath
Valley of Flowers National Park Highlights
- One of the World's beautiful & loveliest Valleys
- Easy Trek for Beginners
- 500 + Flower and plant species (many of which are present only in this valley)
- Every 15 days, during the season, the valley changes its colour.
- Good collection of Butterflies and birds.
- Mountains and glaciers covered with snow visible from the valley.
- Numerous cascades, streams, lush green meadows during this valley trek
Valley of Flowers National Park Activities
Trekking
Adventurers and Nature lovers visit beautiful Valley of Flowers offering travelers abundant natural beauty in the form of waterfalls, verdant hills covered with pine and oak trees, gushing rivulets and streams and, of course, myriad flowers. There is great opportunity for the trekkers in the Valley to explore different parts of area and get the glimpse of beautiful flowers and natural hills. Trek to Valley of Flower beautiful meadow one can not miss it.
Pilgrimage
Hemkund Sahib is one of Uttarakhand's most revered Sikh shrines and each year thousands of pilgrims take part in arduous pilgrimage. Throughout winter the shrine is sleeping under a dense blanket of snow. So there is great opportunity for the devotee to get the blessings of Guru ji. Also you can visit Badrinath Temple which is at the altitude of 3133 m from sea level. This is one of lords Vishu Temple has great Value in Hindu Religions.
Rural Tourism
Ghangaria is the last inhabited village one finds on the Flowers Valley trek. One can visit the charming village at the confluence and learn about their rustic way of life, their traditions and their beliefs. One can also visit Byundar Village enroute Ghangaria from Govindghat. People of this village are very enterprising. Many villagers en-route you can find and they are always happy to help and eager to welcome visitors.
Foodings and Lodgings in Valley of Flower
Food and accommodation Services are not available in Valley of Flowers. Because Valley of Flowers is located in the hilly area, it is difficult to find these facilities, but you can find the accommodation and good food in Ghangaria which is 3.2 km away from Valley of Flowers. This is the place where trekkers and traveler start walking and camping to Valley of Flowers. Here one can find numerous types of private lodges and hotels that serves you better food with all the possible facilities. In these hotels & lodges veg and non-veg food served. So, one can enjoy the variety of foods at reasonable price at Ghangaria and relax.
Valley of Flowers National Park Travel Tips
- Each year, Valley of Flowers is open to the public on June 1st. The park is still open from June through October.
- Start early from Ghangharia to get more time in the Valley of Flowers. It is a world heritage site and therefore you must enter your names in the register, pay the entry fees and report the plastic bottles that you bring along with you.
- Entry to Valley of Flowers opens daily at 7.00 am and last entry is allowed until 2.00 pm. You will start at approximately 1 p.m. to get back to 5 p.m.
- Carry extra pair of Socks, Gloves, Poncho / Raincoats, Extra Batteries for your CameraWhile the Valley is breathtaking in May, June and September.
- But the most preferred months are for the maximum number of flowers in July and August.
- Before planning their trip to Valley of Flowers, tourists should inquire about the weather and road conditions, particularly during the monsoons.
Place to Visit Nearby Valley of Flowers
Badrinath
Badrinath is one of sacred Dham in India. The Badrinath Temple, located at an elevation of 3133 m above sea level, belongs to Lord Vishnu and is situated on the right bank of the Holy River Alaknanda. Located 21kms ahead of Govindghat, every year thousands of devotees visit this holy shrine to get the blessings of Lords Vishnu. So, if you are visiting valley of flowers you must visit Badrinath Temple to get the blessings of lord Vishnu. Badrinath Temple has great value in Hindu Religion.
Joshimath
It is one of the four math’s the revered Guru Shri Adi Shankaracharya created. Joshimath is Shri Badrinath's home as winters in the area approach. It is also connected to Auli via the highest cable car in Asia. Located 26kms away from Govindghat, Joshimath also offers Kalpavriksha and Narsingh Temple amazing sightseeing. Joshimath is located at the altitude of 2100 m and this is the city that holds religious importance in Uttarakhand.
Govindghat
Govindghat is a scenic hamlet in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state, visited by pilgrims and explorers alike. It is located at the confluence8 of the rivers Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga, on the way to Badrinath. Govindghat is also the starting point for the trek towards Hemkund Sahib and Flowers Valley. At an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level, this heavenly location is situated. Since Govindghat is nestled on the banks of the Alaknanda River, the 2013 Uttarakhand Floods, which was restored later, disrupted a significant part of it.
Pandukeshwar
Pandukeshwar is a sacred place on the way to Lord Vishnu's' Badrinath' abode at an elevation of 1829 meters above sea level. Pandukeshwar, at a distance of 18 km from Joshimath, is believed to be the place where King Pandu, father of Mahabharat's great epic Pandavas, worshipped Lord Shiva. Pandukeshwar includes two famous temples. The Temple of Yogadhyan Badri, one of' Sapta Badri' or seven of Badri, and the other is the Temple of Lord Vasudev Yogadhyan Badri Temple is Utsava-murti's abode (festival-image) in wintertime when Badrinath is closed. Pandavas was believed to create Lord Vasudev Temple.
Auli
Auli is India's famous skiing destination, and is also renowned with the finest ski slopes in the world. It offers amazing views of mountains covered in snow. Located just 36 km from Govindghat, it is the 2nd highest junction of cable cars in Asia and is well connected to Joshimath. Auli is a picturesque hill station, and therefore a point of attraction for lots of travelers every year. Every year many traveler visit Auli to see Snow Falls which is really amazing.
Mana Village
It is one of India's last villages close to the border with Tibet. Tourists love visiting this place just to have a look at the end of the lane. It is situated 3kms away from Badrinath, and 24kms away from Govindghat. This Mana Village if full of Gufas and You can enjoy excursions at Bheem Pul, Ganesh Gufa and Vyas Gufa whilst visiting Mana Village.This is one of mind blowing visit of the border area.
Hemkund Sahib
Guru Govind Singhji meditates for years at Hemkund Sahib, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. Hemkund means snow lake, and lake water is as cold as snow. Thousands of pilgrims take the trek to Hemkund Sahib each year to seek the blessings of the all-powerful landed at the star-shaped Gurudwara nestled near the lake. An approximately 6 km trek from Ghangaria is needed.
Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park is overshadowed by Nanda Devi Peak, which was established as a national park in 1982. In 1988 UNESCO designated this national park along with the Valley of Flowers as a World Heritage Site. Sprawling over an area of 630,33 square kms, this national park is surrounded by several peaks including Trishul, Dunagiri, Nanda Devi, Bethartoli and Nanda Devi North. A part of the Himalayan Biographical Region, this national park is home to several plant varieties and endangered animal species. Some of the rare animal species found in this park include black Asian bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. Himalayan musk wolf, Himalayan black bear, goral deer found in the national park.
Moments to Remember Visit to Valley of Flowers
The Journey
Adventure begins...There is something special about the journey between Delhi and Rishikesh because the train travels through dense forests, secluded areas, bridges, and river banks. People enjoy the journey as they travel through these terrains. Travelers board the trains at around 6:00 am in the morning.
Haridwar to Joshimath
Pay your respects to mother nature...Apart from its sanctity, Joshimath is also known for its scenic beauty. It is said the river Ganges originated here. This religious center was started by Adi Shankracharya, he called it ‘Jyotirmath’. One can take a bus towards Govindghat, which is called the starting point of the trek.
The journey from Govindghat to Ghangaria
Crossing the last obstacle to heaven...Govindghat is the starting point of the trek. The first thing that trekkers observe is the rocky and edgy terrain that they have to cross. This terrain along the cliff is dangerous for trekkers, but for the spirit of adventure, people go ahead towards Ghangaria. When people reach Ghangaria, they are generally too tired to explore and they spend their evenings enjoying the beautiful sunset at the hotels with hot drinks. The next morning, they head to their goal, The valley of Flowers.
Ghangaria to The Valley of Flowers
...and you reach ‘The Valley’After you have your supper, you head to the valley. The trek to the valley of flowers from Ghangaria is not as steep as the previous treks. Here, one has to cover a distance of 3.5km from Ghangaria in order to reach the valley. On the way of the trek, you’ll start noticing brightly-colored flowers that you might not have seen anywhere else. Once you reach the valley, you’ll have to buy a ticket to enter but that’s worth it because when you enter the valley, you are greeted with an array of stunningly beautiful flowers and large green meadows.
Enjoy the after-party!
Last moments to spend near the valley...Once you come back from your trek, the hotels will have your dinner steaming hot, ready to be served. You will have to spend the night at the hotel as the very next day, you head back home.
Ghangaria to Joshimath
Back to your ship...The way back is almost the same as the way you arrive at the valley. After Ghangaria, you head back to Govindghat. From there, you obviously don’t trek back. Most people take SUVs back to Joshimath, where you can go back to Rishikesh the very same day or the next day as per your convenience.
Rishikesh to Delhi
To the plains...If you arrive at Rishikesh early in the morning, you can stop enjoy a tea break before you head back to Delhi. While you wait, you can reflect back on your memories of The valley, because that experience will only exist in your mind.
Back to your shack- Delhi
...and you arriveOnce you head back to Delhi from Haridwar, covering a distance of more than 500kms, you start missing the heavenly place you visited. The trek will not just be a visit, it will be a memorable and life-changing experience as is evident by accounts of tourists.
Photographs
Nostalgiac…Once you reach home and slip back on to the bed, sipping tea, you look at the photographs of the valley. There can be no better souvenir other than those photographs, where people often wonder whether you really visited the place that beautiful or not.
Wonderful World…
If you have been to The Valley of Flowers, there is no way to forget that blissful experience. You will often wonder whether inhabitants of that place really know that they are living near heaven! There is no alternative for Valley of flowers, that’s a fact. You have to witness it to really understand what we mean by these words. If you put on your headphones and listen to a symphony, it will perfectly go in sync with this place. We can’t stress on the word ‘serene’ anymore to describe the valley. Come and witness this miracle with your own eyes!
