Flowers so far as eyes can see, flowers as diverse as they could be in size, colour, and form, gentle streams flowing down from mountains all around, most picturesque meadows, distant snow peaks contrasting the mountains that look in front of us and an occasional mist which makes the whole landscape more beautiful — that Valley of Flowers (VoF) national park in Uttarakhand country is one of the few pristine biospheres situated in India.
A world heritage site, the valley is located in a very impressive area, which is the conversion point of the Himalayan ranges of Western and Eastern Himalayas. This fairyland located in the high altitudes of the Himalayas is shielded by snowy mountains. This spot, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and gleaming glaciers, embodies the charisma and elegance of character at its finest.
The bloom begins immediately after the melting of snow. Different flowers bloom in various months however, the peak blooming period is from mid-July into mid-August. Nearly 300 species of wildflowers blossom here unhindered by mankind.
Blue poppy, Brahmakamal, Campanula latifolia, Geranium, Morina long folio, Potentilla agrophylla, Potentilla cuneifolia, Saxifraga brunonis, Taraxacum officinale, Cremanthodium Arnicoides, and others are some of the most prominent plants.
The Ideal time for Valley Of Flowers Trek is August month.
It might more likely be attributed to the simple fact that until recently, the only means to achieve is to trek. Things have changed now, and you will find helicopter taxis transporting individuals to-and-fro. See the “How to Get to Valley of Flowers” section for more information.
The valley houses many endemic plants and birds and is a sanctuary for trekking enthusiasts. VoF trek is considered simple to medium one and one may opt it to get a flavour of what a top altitude Himalayan trek would be like.
Now let us look into the comprehensive travel map of Valley of Flowers where I’ll speak about how you can accomplish it, where it is possible to remain, what you could do, what to expect, what not to expect. In the end, I’ll share with you a few of the commonly asked questions about the Valley of Flowers trek too. So, without wasting further time, let us go for an experience.
Snowy peaks such as Gauri Parvat (where the Tipra Glacier begins), Rataban, Kunt Khal, Saptsring, and Nilgiri Parvat are nestled in the Valley of Flowers. VoF is The Park itself is a portion of the Nanda Devi Biosphere, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This river becomes Bhyunder by Ghangaria and drains into the Alaknanda in Govindghat about 12 kilometres downstream. The river Pushpavati flows through the valley.
How to Reach Valley of Flowers:
- When a place is raw and natural, it is a little difficult place to reach. One has to take numerous journeys, although it’s possible to drive straight to Govindghat from Delhi (approx. 500 km) avoiding a few of the steps.
- Govindghat (1920 m) to trek begin place (2195 m) — gradual ascent on well-laid streets. One can walk or employ a shared cab for 400 INR and save a few valuable energy.
- At the place where the trekking begins, there are a lot of porters, mules out there for hire. It is ideal to leave luggage at Govindghat and take only essentials in a backpack for your trek. You can also send your backpack on the mules to your Ghangaria hotel. Then you can trek at peace carrying out the sole real camera and water bottle (lots of places to refill)
- Trek start place (2195 m) to Ghangaria (2926 m) — is an easy to moderate trek. It’s a gradual ascent, and a well-laid path can be obtained. Until half of the course, River Lakshman Ganga is 1 side, and following a river crossing (via a bridge), we can’t understand the river.
- At certain locations, it is a small step; it is helpful if you carry a rod. This route has snacks shops (esp in a river crossing) at which you could have your lunch and move further.
- Ghangaria (2926 m) into VoF (3505 m). We can further afield 2-3 km inside the valley to achieve its further endings. Only 3 km of the valley will be open to tourists and the rest all are covered under the core area of the park.
- Hemkund Sahib is 2926 kilometres from Ghangaria (4300 m) — Optionally, one should go to Hemkund Sahib (a Sikh pilgrimage site with a Gurudwara and a glacial lake behind it), which is a Sikh pilgrimage site with a Gurudwara and a glacial lake behind it.
- It surrounded by misty mountains. It’s a difficult trek of about 6 km, but mules are readily available for hire in Ghangaria which you can use for Hemkund.
- We must get a license from the forest department to enter the VoF. There is a ticket counter (150 INR for Indians, 600 INR for different nationals) at the entrance where you can buy the ticket.
- The ticket is valid for three days. It is better to reach the counter early or find the tickets on the day that you reach Gangharia. Overnight camping isn’t permitted inside the valley, and all traffic will need to depart by 5 pm.
Best Time to See Valley of Flowers:
Every year a stunning flowering bonanza begins in such high elevation alpine meadows. Even though it is open around mid-June till Sep after the snow starts melting, the ideal time to visit to see the blooming flowers in July and Aug.
From December to early May, the valley is closed to visitors. Each month different flowers bloom carpeting in the valley in a variety of colours of flowers. It might rain on a day or 2, however, the sight of this valley makes all of the discomforts fly away.
Other sightseeing details about Valley of Flowers:
- Govindghat – Badrinath is about 25 kilometres and takes nearly an hour to reach. If the weather allows, the majestic Neelkand peak can be viewed from Badrinath temple. This temple is one of the abodes of all Chardham yatra.
- Badrinath – Mana is 3 kilometres, which can be dealt with by cab. The teenager from mana village to Vasudhara falls around 6 km, which is among the amazing trails one can come across. If you intend for this trek, be sure to start early in the morning. There are no snacks, water on this course; please take sufficient supplies. When compared to VoF or Hemkund Sahib, it is a very scenic and simple path.
The five confluences of rivers in the Garhwal area of the Himalayas are known as Panch Prayag. Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag, you can view the way from Joshimath to Haridwar. The colour of water fluctuates according to the season and is usually muddy/grey during July-Aug due to the monsoon season.
For your religiously oriented, trip to Rishikesh and Ganga-Aarti at Haridwar in the evening, you can Increase the itinerary.
Joshimath is your gateway to several Himalayan treks, pilgrim sites. Auli may also be visited from here.
