Valley of Flowers National Park: The Complete Guide

With the monsoon rains, the breathtaking scenery of the Valley of Flowers National Park in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, which is bordered by Nepal and Tibet, comes alive. Approximately 300 distinct types of alpine flowers grow in this high-altitude Himalayan valley, creating a vibrant carpet of colour against a rocky snow-capped backdrop. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is around 595 kilometres (370 miles) from New Delhi and covers an area of 87 square kilometres (55 miles). It is bordered by Nanda Devi National Park and rises to a height of 10,500 to 21,900 feet above sea level. The major valley in this national park is a 5-kilometre (3-mile) glacier corridor that serves as the last destination for travellers going on the Valley of Flowers Trek from Govindghat, which is 40 kilometres (25 miles) long. There are tumbling waterfalls, mountain streams, and unusual species can be seen along this path. Other hikes in and around the park include crossing glaciers and traversing lovely terraced meadows.

Valley of Flowers

Because it is covered in snow and inaccessible the rest of the year, the Valley of Flowers is only open to tourists from the beginning of June until the beginning of October. From mid-July to mid-August, when wildflowers such as orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and anemones carpet the landscape following the first monsoon rain, is the finest time to come. The only way to see this sight is to walk the 7-kilometre (4-mile) round-trip journey from Govindghat hamlet.

Many more treks and nature walks may be found in this area, in addition to the well-known Valley of Flowers journey. Because attempts have been made to increase visiting numbers to the region, some can be reached even during the off-season. Although most walks are hard, you may hire a porter to serve as both a guide and a load carrier.

Wildlife photographers travel to this part of the world because it is home to one of the world’s most unique natural biospheres. Rare and endangered wildlife such as the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep may be found in this area. A nature trek, especially if done with a guide, may provide some once-in-a-lifetime sightings as well as a terrific opportunity for photography.

The Valley of Flowers is not complete without a visit to adjacent Nanda Devi National Park, where the Himalayan peak of Nanda Devi (at 7,816 metres, or 25,643 feet above sea level) offers a stunning background. Ride the ropeway (aerial tram) from Joshimath to Auli, a hill station and ski resort that takes you past some of the world’s highest mountaintops.

The Valley of Flowers National Park is mostly visited by visitors who want to finish the famous Valley of Flowers Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria and view the wildflowers in full bloom. In an effort to bring tourists to the high mountain settlements, numerous more hiking routes have recently developed in and around the park.

Valley of Flowers Trip: The Valley of Flowers trek begins from Govindghat and concludes in the distant town of Ghangaria, covering 40 kilometres (25 miles). It begins out as a pleasant stroll with a low incline, but as you ascend over 6,000 feet in height, it becomes increasingly difficult. The journey from Ghangaria to the main valley is lined with exotic flowers and vegetation.

Visitors who are not in good physical shape might hire a porter or ride a mule at Govindghat to carry their luggage.

This 15-kilometre (9-mile) path begins from Kunthkhal (in the Valley of Flowers) and ends at Hanuman Chatti, and is considered the Valley of Flowers’ original trekking route. Only experienced climbers should try this challenging trekking path, which passes over glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, and rivers. The trail’s last rock ledge necessitates the use of a fixed rope.

This 21-kilometre (13-mile) hike takes you past terraced farms and wide, grassy meadows abounding with rare wildflower species on its way to Dibrugheta. In the summer, you could see musk deer along this path.

Chenab Valley Trek: The Chenab Valley Trek is a nine-day expedition that takes you 60 kilometres (37 miles) across the Chenab Valley. This path navigates simple slopes appropriate for novices as it walks across the Garhwal Range of the Himalayas, passing via Chenab Lake at a height of 13,000 feet above sea level. Before reaching your final destination of Dhar Kharak, you’ll come across wildflowers such as primulas, orchids, poppies, marigolds, anemones, and daisies.

Conclusion

As an Indian national park, Valley of Flowers National Park was established in 1982. It is located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli region and is known for its diversified vegetation and endemic alpine flower meadows. In this beautifully diverse ecosystem, rare and endangered creatures such as the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep dwell. The park is home to Himalayan monal pheasants and other high-altitude species.