Valley of Flowers
Location
On the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in Chamoli district of
Uttaranchal
About Valley of Flowers
The world famous Valley of Flowers is situated in the upper expansions
of Bhyundar Ganga in the far interior of Garhwal Himalayas. The valley
is spread over an area of 87.5 Sq. Km and is 3,250 mt above the sea
level. The rich references of this colouful and eye catching valley are
found in the texts of Indian history and literature like that of
Ramayana and Mahabharat. But due to it being nearly inaccessible, it had
disappeared from the tourists map. In 1931, Franksmith, a British
mountaineer having lost his way while returning from successful
expedition to mt. Kamat, reached this valley which was full of flowers.
He got overwhelmed by its enchanting beauty and named it as "Valley
of Flowers".
The famous Valley of Flowers, with the largest
concentration of various species of wild flowers, is off the
Rishikesh-Badrinath road, 16 km from Govindghat. A virtual treat to the
eyes, this beautiful valley in the Himalayas was established as a
reserve in the year 1982. The park, smallest national park in the
Himalayas, was created to protect the catchment area of the Pushpavati
river. This stream emerges from a glacier then tumbles downward to meet
the Ganges. The park is perched on the upper reaches of the Bhyundar
Ganga of Chamoli district of Garhwal. The Pushpawati River flows by the
valley while the awesome Rataban peak forms a spectacular backdrop.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the valley is during July and August when
innumerable varieties of flowers bloom and present a spectacular sight.
The valley itself is 10 Km long and about 2 Km wide in conical shape,
with the river Pushpavati flowing through it. After one gets down at
Govindghat on the main Badrinath highway, it involves a trek of 15 Km to
reach Ghangaria, from where a further short trek of 5 Km leads one to
the edge of the valley. The valley ranges between 3352 and 3658 mts. in
altitude.
Getting There
Getting to the Valley of Flowers isn't exactly a cakewalk; getting here
requires a trek of about 20 Km. The nearest major town is Joshimath in
Garhwal, which has convenient road connections from railheads such as
Hardwar and Dehradun, both about 270 Km from Joshimath.
From Joshimath, a vehicle can be hired to take you to within 17 km of
the park, to the settlement of Gobindghat. The route from Joshimath to
the Valley of Flowers goes along the main road to Badrinath; roughly
midway along this road, a minor road branches off to Gobindghat, the
roadhead for the Valley. From Gobindghat, a trek of 14 km brings hikers
to the tiny settlement of Ghangaria, beyond which the toll gate to the
National Park is about 3 km.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 270 Km from Joshimath.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (315 Km).
By Road
Off the Rishikesh-Badrinath road, 16 km from Govindghat (24 km from
Badrinath).
