Hidden from the outside world and known only to some
mountain inhabitants of the Bhundar Valley , it was traditionally avoided by
the shepherds of the hills, believing it to be the celestial playground of the
Gods, nymphs and fairies.This mysterious
valley was discovered by the world renowned British explorer, Botanist and
mountaineer Frank S. Smith, in 1931 while returning from Mt. kamet expedition.
His book “The Valley of Flowers” lifted the veil of the hidden beauty for the
outside world. In 1939, the British Botanical Association sent their botanist
Margarate Legge for further study of the valley. She never returned, she
slipped off and was lost forever in the valley. It has now become the part of
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.An alpine valley formed by retreating glaciers,
whose movements through millions of years have shaken the hard rocks beneath,
forming a unique U-shaped valley. It houses some of the rarest flora and fauna,
that have gone through the wonderful evolutionary process to adapt to the harsh
geographical and climatic conditions. It’s one of India’s most coveted National
Natural Parks.
Best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is from mid July to
mid August.
How To Reach
Air- Nearest airport is Jolly grant, Dehradun, 316 km’s.
Rail- Nearest railhead is Rishikesh, 300 km’s.
Road- The Valley is approachable from Govindghat. There are
two ways to reach Govindghat.
1- Rishikesh-Srinagar-Karanprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat (270
km’s.)
2- Haldwani-Ranikhet-Karanprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat (332
km’s)
After crossing the Alaknanda river at Govindghat, an
ascending bridle path along Bhyundar Ganga leads to Ghanghria which is 14 km
away from Govindghat, from where the valley in only 3 km walk through this
majestic valley, cross the hill streams and rivers accompanied by butterflies,
birds, Himalayan bear, leopards and musk deer.
The Valley Of Flowers is flanked on either side by majestic
peaks, capped with snow. The Pushpawati river, emerging from the glacial deposits
around rataban and nilgiri ranges, cuts through the Valley and divides it into
two sectors. The major portion of the valley is in its right bank and is a
paradise for trekkers.
Many streams flowing from glacial deposits in and around the
valley irrigate it and merge finally into the Pushpawati river. While exploring
the Valley, the smaller streams can be easily crossed by wading across but the
larger ones need to be crossed on a log bridges. In case those which have not
been put up in time, thick glacial bridges across the streams also serve the
purpose.
There are no side tracks for viewing colonies of flowers
away from the main track so you can either try to wade through knee deep
flowers and foliage, crushing some on the way or stay on the single track
running through the length of the valley without seeing the best. There are
many smaller valleys carved out by streams of melting glaciers. On the banks of
these Valleys, you can encounter the most exciting pattern of Flowers.
An irresistible wonder for nature lovers, botanists,
ecologists, zoologists, ornithologists and trekkers, the Valley remains snow
covered from November to May, but when the ice envelope thaws in June it is a
signal for the profusion of colours hidden in petals of alpine during July and
August.Having tremendous, medicinal and aromatic values are : Anemone,
Geranium, Marsh, Marigold, Primula, Potentilla, Geum, Aster, Lilium, Himalayan
blue poppy, Aconite, Delphinium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Saussurea abvallata,
Campaula, Pedicularies, Trysimum, Morina, Impetiens, Bistorta, Ligularia,
Anaphalis Saxifraga, Lobelia, Thermophis, Trolises, Aquilogia, Codonopsis,
Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Straw berries and Rhododendron.
Apart from the flowering plants, various Himalayan birds,
butterflies, Musk deer, Bharal (Mountain goats) Himalayan bear, tail less rat
etc. are the rare inhabitants of the valley. It is in the winter, the valley
freezes with the view of heavenly glaciers. The entire valley lies beneath, like
the polished steel. The meadows get quilted under thick layers of snow.
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