Valley of Flower National Park is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. British Mountaineers RL Holdsworth, Eric Shipton and Frank S Smythe lost their way while they were returning after successful expedition of Mt.Kamet. When they were in search of the way they found this valley which was full of flowers. All are attracted towards the beauty of this place and they named this place as Valley of Flower. Later, Book was released by Frank S Symthe in the name of Valley of the Flowers.
What to see in Valley of the Flowers: This Park is the second core zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. In 1982, this was declared as National park. Valley is one of the best places for natural lovers, botanists and adventure lovers. This park is known for meadows of endemic alpine flowers and different variety of flora. It is the home to rare and endangered animals such as Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Black bear.
When the snow starts melting during the end of May, this valley is accessible. At that time very little number of flowers can be seen. Major attraction in the month of June is beautiful and watching huge glaciers and waterfalls in the Valley of flowers. Till mid July, lot of flowers blooming. More than 650 varieties of flowers can be seen here. Maximum number of flowers can be seen between mid July and Mid of August. Plants start drying in the month of September.
What to see around Valley of Flowers:
Badrinath: It is one of the holy places for Hindu Devotes. Badrinath along with Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri is known as Chota Char Dham. It is cradled in Nar Narayan mountain ranges. It is located 7kms away from this park.
Hemkund Sahib: It is located 24kms away from this park. For Sikhs there are 508 important pilgrim places in India. It is one of those pilgrim places. This is the highest gurudwara of Sikh community. It is situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
Govindghat: This is the starting point for trekking to valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. It is located 17kms away from Valley of Flowers. This is the parking point for tourists. Porters and Mules are available for hire.
Ghangaria: It is located on the banks of Lakshanman Ganga River. This is also the base camp for trekkers to Valley of Flowers. It is located 29kms away from Valley of flowers.
Chamoli: This place is famous for biodiversity hotspots, pilgrim centres and Scenic landscapes. It is located 22kms away from Valley of flowers.
Joshimath: It is one among the 4 Peeths (centres). This is most sacred place to the Hindus. It was established by Adi Shankaracharya. It is located 36kms away from the town.
Auli: This offers best view of Himalayan Mountain ranges. It is located on the way to Badrinath, which is the best pilgrim place for the Hindus. This is most popular winter destination in Uttarakhand. It is located 49kms away from the town.
Getting to Valley of Flowers: Road route is available only till Govindghat. From Govindghat, visitors have to trek for 16kms to reach this national park. Govindghat is well connected with Srinagar, Ukhimath, Chamoli, Pauri, Rishikesh, etc through road. Nearest railway station is located at Rishikesh. Nearest airport is located at Dehradun.
Getting around Valley of Flowers: Inside the national park, there are no motorable roads. Valley has to explore on foot. From Govindghat, buses and taxis are available to visit the surrounding places of Valley of Flowers.
Best time to visit Valley of Flowers: Valley opens from 1st June to 31st October. Best time to visit this place is during July, August and September.
Where to stay in Valley of Flowers: Accommodations are not available inside the park. Hotels and Lodges are available in Ghangaria.
Where to eat in Valley of Flowers: No eateries are available inside the park. It is advisable to carry food.