Are you tired of searching such a place where you can attain peace of mind and at the same time be with nature? So now your search is over you have landed on the correct page. This stunning North Indian place will not let you down. In fact, you will turn up into a state of confusion that how come you did not discover such a place till now. However, if you are not a nature lover then get ready to unlock something new and fresh in Valley of Flowers.
This Indian National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. One of the beautiful things about this Valley of Flowers is its geographical area. It is present between a Valley and a National Park. In the state of Uttarakhand, India you will find this beautiful and stunning place which is filled with wide varieties of flowers and flora. This valley is also attached to the Himalayan region due to which its ecological system is also different which is why you will find more than 300 varieties of flowers.
Geographical Location of the Valley
The Valley of Flowers is surrounded by Nanda Devi National Park which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The total area where this beautiful valley is spread is around 33.78 sq. mi and 3,352 meters above the sea level. In early days it was not discovered but in the year 1931, it was founded by R.L. Houldsworth, Frank S. Smyth and Eric Shipton. The site is near to Himalayan range, it sits on the conversion point of the eastern and western Himalayan range. Due to its high altitude, the valley is covered with white mountains.
The valley is rich in producing alpine flowers. The alpine flowers are a particular variety of flowers that only grows in certain climatic conditions. Still, there are many available varieties which you can explore here. This scenic beauty can be explored by anyone. However, the place is not only for bio-lover, but here you have access to trekking also. Huge and vast forest with the Pushpawati river, bridges and much more stuff make this place a suitable choice for adventure lovers.
Things to do in Valley of Flowers
In the uppermost region of India, Uttarakhand is a state which is highly popular after Jammu and Kashmir due to its tourist places. However, most visitors imagine that the valley is only dedicated to flowers and flora but there are many things which you must consider. Some tourist attraction places where you can visit and do adventure activities are as follows:
1- Explore Brahma Kamal
Brahma Kamal is a blossoming plant and it is categorized in Asteraceae family. It is primarily found in Uttarakhand, India and on the borders of China. This is a very rare flower which you can’t find anywhere else.
Even the Brahma Kamal has some mythological significance. It is said Lord Brahma holds the same flower. And it is characterized to give life. Perhaps you may find this ancient flower at an altitude of 14,763 feet.
2- Trekking
This is the best part for all adventure lovers. Trekking through mountains and rivers will provide you with some really amazing experience. The trekking facility starts from Govindghat. The trek of Valley of flowers gives you a great opportunity to explore verities of flowers & birds, snow capped mountains & much more.
The road connectivity is good till Govindghat and from there you can start your trekking journey to the Valley of Flowers.
3- Visit the Sikh Pilgrimage
The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is the only Sikh shrine in the world which is present at a height of 15,200 feet above the sea level. The shrine looks pretty much similar to the environment because of its colour.
The shrine is made up of white marbles and it looks similar to the entire environment as it is covered with snow. This shrine also has a small lake which is named as Hemkund Lake. Devotees always take a bath in this holy water.
Travel Tips to the Valley of Flowers
Some important travel tips which you should consider while visiting the valley:
Things to pack
- Always pack your entire medication products
- Take all your woolen cloths
- Trekking equipment
- Carry waterproof bags and jackets
- Emergency lights with an extra battery
- Extra pair of shoes
- All personal equipment
Things to avoid
- Do not travel after sunset. It is prohibited to enter the valley after sunset.
- Always check the climatic condition and avoid trekking if the environment is not suitable.
- Do not ruin or disturb the Valley of Flowers.
- Always conduct trekking in the dedicated trekking zone. The normal or eco-friendly zone is for visitors.
Trekking Route to Valley of Flowers
- Start your journey from Haridwar to Govindghat.
- Govindghat is at 6,300 feet. Continue from here to Ghangaria.
- Ghangaria sits at an altitude of 9,600 feet above the sea level. Ghangaria is the last step from here you can directly travel to Valley of Flowers which is at 11,500 feet above the sea level.
Some nearby places where you should visit:
- Joshimath
- Badrinath Temple
- Pandukeshwar
- Nanda Devi National Park
- Auli (Skiing Destination)
When & How to Visit the Valley of Flowers
Due to its extreme location, the conditions are not favorable in most of the seasons so the correct time to visit the valley is from July to September.
You can travel through these mediums:
- Bus – From Joshimath.
- Train – The nearest railway station is Haridwar.
- Air – The Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
- By Road – Proper connecting road is till Govindghat.
In the end
If you are planning for a trip in the month of July to September then considering Valley of Flowers is a great choice. Make a plan with your friends and family and travel to this beautiful destination and get a chance to imagine and feel the beauty of nature.
- Also Read: Best Adventure Sports in Himachal