Valley of Flowers

Region: Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Duration: 5 Nights and 6 Days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Max altitude: 3700 meters
Approx trekking: 22kms

The Valley of Flowers is a high-altitude Himalayan valley which was declared as a national park in 1982 and is also a World Heritage Site listed in UNESCO, lies at an altitude of 3200m. to 3700m. The Valley of Flowers is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand which occupies a strategic position in this region. The valley is 20 km northwest of Nanda Devi National Park across the wide valley of the Bhyundar Ganga. This national park is surrounded by majestic snow-clad mountains that stand in bold relief against the skyline are the peaks of Gauri Parbat (6590 m), Rataban peak (6126 m), Sapatshring (5038 m) and Neelgiri Parbat (6479 m).

Valley of flower divided along its length by a small river called the Pushpawati River originates from Tipra glacier and several tiny potable streams and waterfalls rush down from the glacial deposits to merge with it.  It joins the Lakshman Ganga at Ghangaria. Ghangaria is the base camp for the Valley of Flowers trek and Hemkund Sahib. The valley is spread over 87.50 square kms and lies along the Pushpavati River. On the left bank of Pushpavati river, are several chunks of flat land. One of them is called Nag Tal, literally the place of the venomous plants. It is observed that this area is abundant with poisonous flowers. However, since the area of Nag tal is not accessible due to lack of proper bridge across Pushpawati, no one can go there for visit. The main portion of the valley is stretched in the East – west direction along the river Pushpawati.  Here the beautiful flowers studded in landscape, seem like a huge canvas painted by nature. The flora and fauna of the valley is rich and diverse ranging of alpine flowers and Himalayan black bear, Snow leopard, Musk deer etc.

In 1931, British mountaineer Frank S. Smythe along with Eric Shipton and R. L. Holdsworth lost their way while returning from a successful expedition to Mt. Kamet and happened to enter the valley, which was full of flowers. They were attracted to the beauty of the area and named it the “Valley of Flowers.” As they strolled down they could see the first plant was blue Primula in huge numbers and after that Androsace, Potentillas, Geraniums etc. Frank S. Smythe later authored a book by the same name.

Hemkund Sahib (the highest Gurdwara in world) 4329m.

The shrine at Hemkund Sahib stands apart from all other Sikh shrines. It is a popular pilgrimage shrine nestled by seven peaks called “Sapt Shring” and a glacial lake right in front. The famous Laxman (Younger brother of lord Rama) Temple is also built here. Both places of worship attract reverence from people of all faith. The local name of this place is “Lokpal” literally meaning ‘The almighty that cares people of the world’.

WHEN SHOULD I GO?

The Valley of Flowers is a monsoon trek, done between early June and early October. You can visit any time during the summer, but the best time to visit are the months of July, August & up to mid September  when monsoon showers turn the valley into a massive meadow of gradually blooming flowers. In June the valley is like a green carpet and the blue crystal clear sky is also like blue roof, in monsoon many colorful flowers blooms on this green carpet with moving mist and in September autumn comes and brush brown color on the valley. After October the winter comes and till April the valley is a blanket of white snow.

WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF FITNESS REQUIRED?

The level of difficulty of Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib ranges from easy to moderate. Though it does not require prior high altitude trekking experience the level of fitness must be good and the trekker must take on jogging and vigorous walking to be prepared for the trek.

TREK DURATION

5 Nights and 6 Days