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Nestling at the feet of majestic snow-peaks, The Valley of Flowers lies in Uttar Pradesh. This 120 square km carpet of flowers is considered to be abode of the gods. After the monsoon the entire valley is transformed into a garden with innumerable varieties of flowers.
History
In 1931, an English mountaineer Frank Smythe, on his way back from an expedition to Mt Kamet, stumbled across the paradisaical Bhyundar Valley, an 8-km long glacial corridor in Chamoli Garhwal. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and carpeted with flowers- some 500 species, including the elusive Brahmakamal, the cobra lily, the Himalayan edelweiss and the ethereal Himalayan blue poppy- the Valley forms one of India's most unusual protected areas. Declared a National Park in 1982, the Valley of Flowers stretches over an expanse of 87.50 sq km- an area which has steadily gained in popularity, not just among nature lovers, but also among eager-beaver trekkers over the past few years.
Climate
The climate of the Valley of Flowers is moist temperate and alpine type, with short cool summers and long severe winters influenced by the southwest monsoon in the summer, and western disturbances in winter. The area becomes snow bound for about 7 months (late October to early May). July and August are the wettest months when there is rain fall almost every day. The best visiting season is from mid July to mid of August.
Flora N Fauna
This part of Uttaranchal, in the upper reaches of Garhwal, is inaccessible through much of the year. But when the snows melt and the monsoon arrives, the earth comes to life- all along the Bhyundar Ganga river. For miles on end, flowers- orchids, poppies, primulas, calendulas, daisies and anemones among them- in every conceivable colour, carpet the ground. Alpine forests of birch and rhododendron cover a part of the area, and are home to tahr, snow leopard, musk deer, red fox, common langur, bharal, serow, and Himalayan black bear. They're elusive, though, and a trek through the Valley may not result in actually seeing much wildlife other than the myriad butterflies which flutter over the blossoms.
Trekking In The Valley
The trek towards the Valley of Flowers National Park starts from the roadhead at Govindghat, it is a long 14 kms trek to Ghangria. The trek takes a good six to seven hours and many find the going tough. The scenery is however delightful with alpine forests all around and the Bhyundar Ganga roaring past you, especially if you visit in the rainy season when the river has maximum water. After crossing the tollgate near Ghangria, one finally starts on the delightful walk towards the valley. Since a relatively lesser number of people visit the Valley, and horses are not allowed in any more, the trek is more peaceful and enjoyable. The approach to the main valley leads through lovely dense forests of oak, spruce and silver birch.
