|
The
world famous Valley of Flowers is situated in the
upper expan- sions of Bhyundar Ganga in the far int- erior of Garhwal Himalayas.
The valley is spread over an area of 87.5 Sq. Kms. And is 3,250 mt
to 6,750 mt. Above the mean sea level. The rich references of this colouful
and eye catching Valley, |
 |
...
are found in the animals of Indian History and literature like that of
Ramayana and Mahabharat. The rich references of this colouful and eye catching
Valley, are found in the animals of Indian History and literature
like that of Ramayana and Mahabharat.But due to its near inaccessible approach
it had disappeared from the tourists map until in 1931 when Franksmith
a British mountaineer having lost his way while returning from successful
expeditionto mt. Kamat, reached this valley which was full of flowers.He
was overwhelmed by its enchanting beauty and named it as “ Valley of Flowers".
 |
The valley of Flowers National Park starts from Ghangharia
but the main valley starts after crossing the gorge and the stream starting
from nar Parvat, 3 Kms. Away from the Ghangharia. In the front of the Valley
stands and snowclad peak of Ratban Parvat and at
the block is the kunt Khal, towards the left is Nar Parvat which separates
the Badrinath valley from this valley and in the right hill is the dense
Birch forest. |
|
Below the forest is the meadow. River pushpavati flows through the valley
and there are many aterfalls enhancing the beauty of the valley. The splendour
and the scintillating beauty of the valley attracts tourists from all over
the world. |
|
The bloom starts immediately after the melting of snow but the peak
blooming period is from mid July to mid of August. Almost 300 species of
wild flowers bloom here in natural way. Wherein some of the species areAnemone,
Geranium, Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium,
Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis,
Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages,
Sibbaldia, |
 |
|
Thermo- psis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Str- awberry,
Epilobium, Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the flowers have
medicinal values too. The abundance of Asmanda fern in this valley is a
rare sight than in other Himalayan valleys. The valley remains is bloom
for three months while the looral composition keeps on changing every few
days. By September the hue starts changing and autumn bids farewell to
flowers and the entire vegetation remains dormant for about next
five months when the valley is snow bound. |
|
Apart from the flowers some species of Butterfly, Musk deer, Blue sheep
( Bharal ), Himalayan bear, Himalayan mouse hare
and some Himalayan birds & Snow leopard are also found in this
area. Due to these specialities it has always caught the attention of the
nature lovers as well as the environmentalists. To conserve the nature’s
benevolent gift and to maintain the natural balance of the valley-the valley
was declared a National Park in 1982. |
|
|
|
APPROACH
:
The valley is approachable from Govindghat. There are two ways to reach
Govindghat.
-
Rishikesh-Srinagar-Karnprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat-(Distance
approx. 270 Kms. On Haridwar-Badrinath highway)
-
Haldwani-Ranikhet-Karnprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat
(Distance approx. 332 Kms.)
After crossing the Alaknanda river at Govindghat, an ascending bridle path
along Bhyundar Ganga leads to Ghangharia which is 13 kms. Away from Govindghat,
from wher the Valley is only 3 kms.
GENERAL
INFORMATION :
Area
: 87.5 Sq. Kms.
Year of
establishment : 1982
Location:
On the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in Chamoli District of Uttar
Pradesh.
Climate
: July and August
Maximum
Temp.: 170 Celsius
Minimum
Temp : 70 Celsius
Head Quarters
: Joshimath
Nearest
Railway Station : Rishikesh, Distt. Dehradun
Nearest
Air Port : Jolly Grant, Distt. Dehradun (17 Kms. From Rishikesh)
Nearest
petrol pump : Jharkula, Joshimath (22 kms. Before Govindghat)
Nearest
Hospital/Market/Bank : Joshimath
Nearest
Post & Telegraph Office/Phone : Govindghat
Best time
to visit : From mid July to mid of August
ACCOMMODATION
:
Forest Rest
House : Ghangharia (10,800 ft. Above MSL)
No. of
suites : 2
Electricity
: Not available
Fooding
: Personal arrangement
Medium quality meals are available
are available in the wayside restaurants at Ghangharia |
