Valley of Flowers Trek

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Trekking in Himalayas - Valley of Flowers National Park

Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, Nestled high in West Himalaya, is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty. It is located in Uttarakhand state. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. The gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park to the east. Together they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya. The park stretches over an expanse of 87.50 km². Both parks are encompassed in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (223,674 ha) which is further surrounded by a buffer zone (5,148.57 km²). This Reserve is in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2004.

The Valley of Flowers is an outstandingly beautiful high-altitude Himalayan valley that has been acknowledged as such by renowned mountaineers and botanists in literature for over a century and in Hindu religion for much longer. Its ‘gentle’ landscape, breathtakingly beautiful meadows of alpine flowers and ease of access complement the rugged, mountain wilderness for which the inner basin of Nanda Devi National Park is renowned.

Valley of flower is splashed with colour as it bloomed with hundreds different beautiful flowers, taking on various shades of colours as time progressed. Valley was declared a national park in 1982, and now it is a World Heritage Site. The locals, of course, always knew of the existence of the valley, and believed that it was inhabited by fairies.

While trekking towards valley of flowers, one can experience the beauty of shining peaks fully covered with snow. One can also see the beautiful view of surrounding greenery and various running streams with crystal clear water.

The valley is home to many celebrated flowers like the Brahmakamal, the Blue Poppy and the Cobra Lily. It is a much sought after haunt for flower-lovers, botanists and of course trekkers, for whom a sufficient excuse to embark on a mission to reach a place, is that it exists.

The Valley of Flowers is internationally important on account of its diverse alpine flora, representative of the Western Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows ecoregion. The rich diversity of species reflects the valley’s location within a transition zone between the Zaskar and Great Himalayas ranges to the north and south, respectively, and between the Eastern Himalaya and Western Himalaya flora. A number of plant species are internationally threatened, several have not been recorded from elsewhere in Uttarakhand and two have not been recorded in Nanda Devi National Park. The diversity of threatened species of medicinal plants is higher than has been recorded in other Indian Himalayan protected areas [2]. The entire Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve lies within the Western Himalayas Endemic Bird Area (EBA). Seven restricted-range bird species are endemic to this part of the EBA.

The Valley of Flowers was declared a national park in 1982. This part of Uttarakhand, in the upper reaches of Garhwal, is inaccessible through much of the year. The area lies on the Zanskar range of the Himalayas with the highest point in the national park being Gauri Parbat at 6,719 m above sea level.

 History & Legends  :  Margaret Legge's memorial grave

Picturesque landscape near Legge's memorial grave

The place had disappeared from the tourist map due to its inaccessible approach but in 1931 Frank S. Smythe a British mountaineer lost his way while returning from a successful expedition to Mt.Kamet and happened upon this valley which was full of flowers. He was so attracted towards the beauty of the place he named it the "Valley of Flowers". He authored a book called "The Valley of Flowers" which unveiled the beauty and floral splendours of the valley and thus threw open the doors of this verdant jewel to nature-enthusiasts all over the world.

In 1939 Miss Margaret Legge, a botanist deputed by the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh arrived at the valley for further studies. While she was traversing some rocky slopes to collect flowers, she slipped off and was lost for ever. Her sister later visited the valley and erected a memorial near the spot. The memorial is still there.

Prof. Chandra Prakash Kala, a botanist deputed by the Wildlife Institute of India, carried out a remarkable research study on the floristics and conservation of the valley for a decade starting in 1993. He made an inventory of 520 alpine plants exclusively growing in this national park and authored two important books - "The Valley of Flowers - Myth and Reality" and "Ecology and Conservation of the Valley of Flowers National Park, Garhwal Himalaya'.

Management

There is no settlement in the national park and grazing in the area has been banned. The park is open only in summer between June and October, being covered by heavy snow during the rest of the year.

Location

State: Uttrakhand

Exact Location: The Valley of Flowers is nestled in the upper expanses of Bhyundar Ganga near Joshimath in Gharwal region and the old name of this valley was Bhyundar Valley.

District: Chamoli

Nearest Town: Joshimath.

The Trek

Getting to the Valley of Flowers requires a trek of about 17 km. The nearest major town is Joshimath , which has convenient road connections from Haridwar and Dehradun, both about 270 km from Joshimath.

Govindghat is a small place close to Joshimath (around one hour distance), from where the trek starts.From Gobindghat, a trek of 14 km brings trekkers to the Ghangaria, a small settlement located about 3 km from the valley. The valley starts near a gorge over the Pushpawati River.

Fauna

The park is home to tahr, snow leopard, musk deer, red fox, common langur, bharal, serow, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan brown bear, Pika (Mouse hare) and a huge variety of butterflies. Among the important birds and Pheasant are, Himalayan Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Snow Partridge, Himalayan Snowcock, Himalayan Monal, Snow Pigeon, Sparrow Hawk etc.

Flora

Flowers mostly orchids, poppies, primulas, marigold, daisies and anemones carpet the ground. Alpine forests of birch and rhododendron cover parts of the park's area. A decade long study of Prof. C.P. Kala from 1993 onwards concludes that the Valley of Flowers endows with 520 species of higher plants (angiosperms, gymnosperms and pteridophytes), of these 498 are flowering plants. The park has many species of medicinal plants including Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Aconitum violaceum, Polygonatum multiflorum, Fritillaria roylei and Podophyllum hexandrum [3,4].

Species

Gaultheria trichophylla flowering June-Sept used to prepare appetizer.

An exquisite white flower

How to Reach Valley of Flowers -

The nearest airport is in Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 295 kilometers (183 miles) away, and the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, 276 kilometers (170 miles) away. The closest you can get to The Valley of Flowers by road is Govind Ghat. This requires around an 11 hour drive to Joshimath from Dehradun, then another one hour to Gobindghat. From Govindghat it is a 13-kilometer (8 mile) trek along a steep, narrow, but well defined mountain trail to base camp at Ghangaria. This will take between 4 and 8 hours, depending on your fitness. Ghangaria has Hotels with Electricity and Mobile towers. From Ghangaria Another 3 km Trek Leads to Valley.

See also

·         Lakshman Ganga River

·         Pushpawati River

Valley of flowers is a fairy-land situated high in the Himalayas of the Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,600 meters above the sea-level, protected by snowy mountains. Unknown to humans, for centuries this is enchanting valley lay frozen during the colder months, and burst into its youthful beauty every year, as the snow melted with the advent of summer. This world famous Heritage Site Valley of Flowers is situated in the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in the far interior of Garhwal Himalayas.

Valley of Flowers Trekking

Spread over an area of 87.5 Sq. Km. The valley is at an altitude of is 3,250 M to 6,750 M above mean sea level. Many a legend are associated with this vibrant and eye catching Valley, and are often in the epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharat. The valley of Flowers National Park starts from Ghangharia but the main valley starts after crossing the gorge and the stream starting from Nar Parvat, At the entrance of the Valley stands the snow-clad peak of Ratban Parvat, towards the left is Nar Parvat, which separates the Badrinath valley from this valley, and to the right is dense Birch forest on the hillsides. It was in 1931 that Frank Smythe and Holdsworth stumbled on the valley while returning from their successful Kamet expedition. They were "at once transported from a region of solemn austerity to a fairyland of dainty flowers, most of them dwarf, but brilliant in colour". Bustling with beautiful, lively and vibrant colours, this park spread over an area of 87.5 sq. kms. has the largest collection of wild flower species.As though created by nature itself, the beauty of the park is enhance by the Pushpawati river flowing in the vicinity overlooked by towering Rataban peak in the background.

The scope for trekking in Garhwal and Kumaon is immense. From short walks to arduous ascents to mountaineering expeditions,Deep in the heart of the Himalayas, is this spectacular 'Valley of Flowers'. Many varieties of Himalayan wild flowers bloom here. Post Monsoons, the floor of the valley is covered with a carpet of myriad colours ! It is an awesome sight of colours with a contrasting back drop of majestic peaks.

Legends associate this valley of Garhwal Himalayas with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected "Sanjeevani" herbs to revive Lakshmana, the younger brother of Ramaji. Hanumanji had to visit far-flung areas in his search for the "Sanjeevani" life - saving herbs.
In 1939, Miss Margaret Legge, a botanist deputed by the botanical gardens of Edinburgh arrived at the valley of flowers for further studies, While she slipped off and was lost for ever in the garden of the gods. Her sister later visited the valley of flowers and erected a memorial on the spot where she was buried by the locals. The thoughtful memorial is still there.

The bloom starts immediately after the melting of snow but the peak blooming period is from mid July to mid August. Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom here unhindered by mankind.The myriad shades of the valley have attracted lots of travellers through the years.

RARE FLORA - Ranunculus, Pedicularis, MarshMarigold, Rhododendrons, Brahmakamal, Corydalis, Bistorta, Epilobium, Nomocharis, Oxypetala, Daisy, Sibbaldia, Anaphalis, Cypripedium Strawberry, Arisaema Costatum, Himalayan blue Poppy, Dianthus, Calendula, Yellow Anemones, Lilium.

Hemkund : The high altitude Hemkund lake (4329 mts.) lies in heavenly environs. A steep trek from Ghangharia leads one to this spot in about four to six hours. It is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs, as well as for people from other faiths. There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake. Encircled by seven snow clad peaks and their associated glaciers, it reflects its surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear serene waters. The glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks feed the lake and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this lake.

Fixed Departure Trekking Trips : We offer fix departure trekking trips of the Valley of Flowers trekking promising full value to your money. Fixed departures trips are minimum 2 to maximum 10 persons in one group making it eco friendly.

Duration 5 Nights / 6 Days
Destination Covered : Rishikesh - Joshimath - Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib - rishikesh

Day 1 : Rishikesh - Joshimath
On arrival transfer to midway for freshening up and then leave for Joshimath by car. On the way visit Rudra prayag where Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers meet. On arrival at Joshimath, check in hotel. Dinner & Night Halt.

Day 2 : Joshimath - Ghangaria
Early morning we leave from Joshimath for Govindghat, which is the starting point for the trek. From Govindghat there is a gradual ascent along a well - maintained pilgrim trail to the camp at Ghangaria - the base from where day walks can be made into the valley of flowers. Arrange porters and prepare for the trek. After a light breakfast, 14 km trek up to Ghangaria. Dinner & Night halt at Camp. ( All meals at camp).

Day 3 : Ghangaria - Valley Of Flowers - Ghangria
After breakfast 4 km trek to Valley Of Flowers (3858 m ) from Ghangaria. The valley is an enchanting sight with an impressive array of rare wildflowers like brahma kamal, fane Kamal with range of small multicolored flowers make it a delight for travelers. The snowclad peaks including Nilgiri Parbat (6474 m) stand in bold relief against the skyline. The valley is 10 kms long, 2 kms wide, and is divided by the Pushpawati stream, into which several tiny streams and waterfalls merge. After enjoying the beauty of valley we come back to Ghangaria. Dinner & Night halt at camp. ( Pack lunch and dinner ).

Day 4 : Ghangaria - Hemkundsahib - Ghangaria
After breakfast 6 km trek to Hemkundsahib (4329 m) from Ghangaria. This is quite a steep climb. In the Sikh holy book, the Granth Sahib, the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh recounts that in a previous life, he meditated on the shores of a lake surrounded by seven snowcapped mountains now recognized by Hemkund. We visit Lake & Gurudwara. Again 6 km trek back to Ghangaria. Dinner & Night halt at camp. ( All meals )

Day 5 : Ghangaria - Joshimath
After breakfast leave for Govindghat on the trek of 14 kms and reach govindghat be afternoon and drive back to Joshimath after that. check in hotel on arrival and relax. One can also visit Auli in the evening. overnight at hotel. ( breakfast and lunch ).

Day 6: Joshimath - rishikesh
Early morning we leave with packed breakfast from Joshimath for Haridwar. On the way visit Devprayag and Rishikesh.

We Have Customize the Valley of Flowers Trip in Four Option

No.1

• Auli and Gorson Meadow 3300 meter Trek with Asian Highest and Longest Cable Car Ride and 800 meter Chair car Ride/
• Duration of the Trip 7 nights 8 Days
• Departure Weekend Friday , Saturday and Sunday
• Ends on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

No.2

• Auli and Gorson Meadow 3300 meter Trek with Asian Highest and Longest Cable Car Ride and 800 meter Chair car Ride/
• Duration of the Trip 6 nights 7 Days
• Departure Weekend Friday , Saturday and Sunday
• Ends on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

No.3

• Auli and Gorson Meadow 3300 meter Trek with Asian Highest and Longest Cable Car Ride and 800 meter Chair car Ride/
• Duration of the Trip 7 nights 8 Days
• Departure Weekend Friday , Saturday and Sunday
• Ends on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Holy Shrine Badrinath Temple Visit as well Mana Village and Local Sight Seeing Visit.

No.4

• Auli and Gorson Meadow 3300 meter Trek with Asian Highest and Longest Cable Car Ride and 800 meter Chair car Ride/
• Duration of the Trip 5 nights 6 Days
• Departure Weekend Friday , Saturday and Sunday
• Ends on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Valley of Flowers National Park Fix Departure Trekking Tours

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