Valley of Flowers Trek: A Journey to the Heavenly Abode of Flowers

Valley of Flowers, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, is a breathtakingly beautiful valley that is famous for its diverse flora and fauna. This valley is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and is situatedat an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level. The valley remains covered in snow for most of the year, but as the snow melts during the monsoon season, the valley comes alive with thousands of vibrant flowers. The Valley of Flowers trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

The trek to the Valley of Flowers starts from the small town of Govindghat, around 20 km from Joshimath. From Govindghat, one has to trek for around 16 km to reach Ghangaria, the base camp for the Valley of Flowers trek. The trek is moderately difficult and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The trail passes through dense forests, gushing waterfalls, and scenic meadows.

About Ghangaria

Ghangaria is a small village located at an altitude of 3,050 meters above sea level. The village has a few basic facilities like guesthouses, restaurants, and shops. From Ghangaria, one has to trek for around 6 km to reach the Valley of Flowers. The trek to the valley is a steep climb, and one needs to be physically fit to undertake this trek.

As one enters the valley, they are greetedwith a carpet of flowers in different shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. The valley is home to more than 500 species of flowers, including the Himalayan Blue Poppy, Himalayan Bellflower, Himalayan Cobra Lily, Himalayan Cudweed, and Himalayan Knotweed. The valley is also home to several species of butterflies, birds, and mammals like the Asiatic Black Bear and the Himalayan Musk Deer.

 

Valley of Flowers Trek Weather

The weather in the Valley of Flowers varies depending on the time of year. The best time to visit the valley is during the months of July to September when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in full bloom.

During the daytime in July and August, temperatures in the valley typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). At night, temperatures can drop to 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). It is recommendedto carry warm clothing for the night time as the temperature can drop significantly.

In the month of September, the temperature starts to drop as winter approaches. The daytime temperature can range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) and the night time temperature can drop to as low as 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F). During this time, the valley may also experience light rain and occasional snowfall.

It is important to note that weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so it is important to be prepare for any kind of weather. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before planning a trip to the Valley of Flowers and to carry adequate clothing and equipment for all types of weather.

Home of a wide variety of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers is home to a wide variety of flowers, with over 500 species of plants and flowers found in the valley. Some of the most commonly seen flowers in the valley include:

1. Himalayan Blue Poppy: This is the most famous flower found in the valley, and it blooms in shades of blue and purple.
2. Himalayan Bellflower: This flower blooms in shades of blue, white, and purple.
3. Himalayan Cobra Lily: This unique flower looks like a cobra with its hood open and can grow up to 3 feet tall.
4. Himalayan Cudweed: This flower blooms in shades of pink and purple.
5. Himalayan Knotweed: This flower has a long stem and blooms in shades of pink and red.
6. Himalayan Primrose: This flower blooms in shades of pink, yellow, and white.
7. Himalayan Balsam: This flower blooms in shades of pink and is often found near streams and rivers.
8. Himalayan Dwarf Rhododendron: This is a small shrub with bright red flowers.

Apart from these, there are many other flowers found in the valley, including Himalayan Forget-Me-Not, Himalayan Avens, Himalayan Meadowsweet, Himalayan Geranium, and many more. The valley is a true paradise for nature lovers and photographers, and the colorful flowers that bloom here make it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature.

 

Best places to visit near Valley of Flowers Trek

Best places to visit near Valley of Flowers trek

The Valley of Flowers trek is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, which is home to several other beautiful places that are worth visiting. Here are some of the best places to visit near the Valley of Flowers trek:

1. Badrinath: This is a holy town located around 56 km from Joshimath. It is home to the Badrinath Temple, which is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism.
2. Auli: This is a beautiful hill station located around 16 km from Joshimath. It is know for its skiing slopes and stunning views of the Himalayas.
3. Hemkund Sahib: This is a holy site for Sikhs and is located around 6 km from Ghangaria. It is located at an altitude of 4,329 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
4. Nanda Devi National Park: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located near the Valley of Flowers. It is home to several rare and endangered species of animals and birds.
5. Mana Village: This is the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border. It is located around 60 km from Joshimath and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
6. Tapovan: This is a beautiful meadow located near the Gaumukh Glacier. It is located around 23 km from Gangotri and is a popular spot for camping and trekking.

These are just a few of the many beautiful places to visit near the Valley of Flowers trek. Each of these places offers a unique experience and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the region.