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 The
world famous Valley of Flowers is situated in the upper
expan- sions of Bhyundar Ganga in the far int- erior of Garhwal
Himalayas. The valley is spread over an area of 87.5 Sq. Kms. And is
3,250 mt to 6,750 mt. Above the mean sea level. The rich references of
this colouful and eye catching Valley, are found in the animals of
Indian History and literature like that of Ramayana and Mahabharat. The
rich references of this colouful and eye catching Valley, are found in
the animals of Indian History and literature like that of Ramayana and
Mahabharat.But due to its near inaccessible approach it had disappeared
from the tourists map until in 1931 when Franksmith a British
mountaineer having lost his way while returning from successful
expeditionto mt. Kamat, reached this valley which was full of flowers.He
was overwhelmed by its enchanting beauty and named it as “ Valley
of Flowers".
The valley of Flowers National Park starts from
Ghangharia but the main valley starts after crossing the gorge and the
stream starting from nar Parvat, 3 Kms. Away from the Ghangharia. In the
front of the Valley stands and snowclad peak of Ratban Parvat and at the
block is the kunt Khal, towards the left is Nar Parvat which separates
the Badrinath valley from this valley and in the right hill is the dense
Birch forest.
Below the forest is the meadow. River pushpavati flows through the
valley and there are many aterfalls enhancing the beauty of the valley.
The splendour and the scintillating beauty of the valley attracts
tourists from all over the world.
 The bloom starts
immediately after the melting of snow but the peak blooming period is
from mid July to mid of August. Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom
here in natural way. Wherein some of the species areAnemone, Geranium,
Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus,
Corydalis, Inula, Braham kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina,
Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia,
Thermo- psis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Str-
awberry, Epilobium, Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the
flowers have medicinal values too. The abundance of Asmanda fern in this
valley is a rare sight than in other Himalayan valleys. The valley
remains is bloom for three months while the looral composition keeps on
changing every few days. By September the hue starts changing and autumn
bids farewell to flowers and the entire vegetation remains dormant for
about next five months when the valley is snow bound.
Apart from the
flowers some species of Butterfly, Musk deer, Blue sheep ( Bharal ),
Himalayan bear, Himalayan mouse hare and some Himalayan birds & Snow
leopard are also found in this area. Due to these specialities it has
always caught the attention of the nature lovers as well as the
environmentalists. To conserve the nature’s benevolent gift and to
maintain the natural balance of the valley-the valley was declared a
National Park in 1982.
APPROACH
:
The valley is approachable from Govindghat. There are two ways to reach
Govindghat.
Rishikesh-Srinagar-Karnprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat-(Distance
approx. 270 Kms. On Haridwar-Badrinath highway)
Haldwani-Ranikhet-Karnprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat (Distance approx. 332
Kms.)
After crossing the Alaknanda river at Govindghat, an ascending bridle
path along Bhyundar Ganga leads to Ghangharia which is 13 kms. Away from
Govindghat, from wher the Valley is only 3 kms.
GENERAL
INFORMATION :
Area : 87.5 Sq. Kms.
Year of establishment : 1982
Location: On the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in
Chamoli District of Uttar Pradesh.
Climate : July and August
Maximum Temp.: 170 Celsius
Minimum Temp : 70 Celsius
Head Quarters : Joshimath
Nearest Railway Station : Rishikesh, Distt. Dehradun
Nearest Air Port : Jolly Grant, Distt. Dehradun (17 Kms.
From Rishikesh)
Nearest petrol pump : Jharkula, Joshimath (22 kms.
Before Govindghat)
Nearest Hospital/Market/Bank : Joshimath
Nearest Post & Telegraph Office/Phone : Govindghat
Best time to visit : From mid July to mid of August
ACCOMMODATION
:
Forest Rest House : Ghangharia (10,800 ft. Above
MSL)
No. of suites : 2
Electricity : Not available
Fooding : Personal arrangement
Medium quality meals are available are available in the wayside
restaurants at Ghangharia.
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