Valley of Flowers National Park is a world heritage national park in Uttarakhand, famous for its outstanding natural beauty, endangered animals and endemic alpine flowers. The park is spread over an area of around 88 km².
Beautiful waterfalls, landscapes and meadow add more stars to the beauty of Valley of Flowers. This national park is surrounded by forests.
Understand
History
The Valley of Flowers was discovered by British mountaineer, Frank Smythe, in 1931, when he along with other mountaineers were descending from a successful expedition of Mount Kamet. He came back in 1937 to collect seeds and do research. Later he wrote a book called The Valley of Flowers.
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Flora: Orchids, Poppies, Primulas, Calendulas, Daisies and Anemones.
Fauna: Tahr, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Red Fox, Common Langur, Bharal, Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear.
Climate
Best time to visit Valley of Flowers is from July to August, this is the when climates remain best to trek this beautiful valley. Average rainfall in this area is almost 1800 mm. Valley of Flowers is located at an altitude of 3250 to 6750 metres above sea level. Maximum temperature in this area goes up to 17°C and minimum goes down to 7°C, an excellent temperature for trekking.
Get in
Fees and permits
Visitors have to pay a fees of ₹150 per head at the entrance, for the first 3 days and there after ₹50 for every additional days.
Get around
See
Hemkund:
This places is surrounded by the seven snow covered peaks. Hemkund lake is a holy lake for Hindus and Sikhs. Best way to reach this place is through Govind Ghat, on the Badrinath road.
Do
Trekking: Valley of Flowers is a World Heritage Site and among the natural wonders of the world. This beautiful valley is located at the feet of amazing snow peaks. This valley is almost 10 km long and almost 12 km wide. During the rainy season, the whole valley turns into a naturally created beautiful garden, with different variety of colorful flowers. This valley is located at an altitude of around 3500-4000 meters. There are a few snow lakes and glaciers in this valley which increases the beauty of this place.
Valley of Flowers is famous for its excellent natural trekking trail, it is the home for many beautiful flowers like Cobra Lily, Blue Poppy and Brahmakamal. This is a must visit place for the flower and nature lovers.
Children below 10 years will find the trekking from Govindghat to Ghangharia (14 km) very difficult on foot or on horse back. It is very tiresome even for the adults. And the trek from Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers (to and fro) is done on foot and is at least 10 km. It is surely not advised for young children.
Buy
If you are really interested in various species of flowers, you can buy a CD from the check-post.
Eat
Carry your lunch or snacks from Ghangria.
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
Budget hotels are available from ₹400-500 per night at Ghangaria. Dormitories are also available. However travellers cannot expect expensive luxury facilities.
Camping
Staying overnight at the park is not allowed. Visitors must visit it from Ghagaria and come back before it is dark.