The valley of flowers located in North Chamoli and Pithoragarh in the state of Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful valleys in India famous all over the world for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and a variety of flora. Nestles in the upper expanses of Bhyundar Ganga in the Garhwal region at a height of 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level, this Valley of India is also home to rare and endangered animals including Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep. The valley was declared as National Park in 1982 and now it is also a World Heritage site. If you are looking to visit this paradise the below guide will make your life easier.
How To Reach
By Air – The closest domestic airport to the valley is the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. Travelers can take taxis or busses to and from the airport, before beginning the 16 km trek from Govindghat to the valley. Alternatively, you can also travel from Dehradun to Govindghat in a helicopter which is one of the exciting ways to reach the valley.
By Road – Motorable roads for the valley exist only till Govindghat, and for the remaining 16km travelers will need to trek till the Valley of flowers. This quaint town is well connected by buses to Delhi and other major destinations of Uttarakhand like Rishikesh, Pauri, Chamoli, Ukhimath Srinagar, etc.
By Rail – About 272km away from Govindghat is the Rishikesh Railway station and from there multiple busses and taxis are available to reach Govindghat.
Best Time To Visit
Monsoon – July to September
Thanks to the monsoon showers, the valley is in full bloom during this time. The average temperature is between 13°C to 20°C making it the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers. However, if you do not like crowds you should avoid the valley during this time because tons of tourists come by during these months to observe the meadows of gorgeous alpine flowers.
Summer – March to June.
This is when the snow starts to melt and as a result of which numerous streams start to melt and is not the ideal time to visit if you wish to experience the valley in all its glory. Temperatures during this time average from 15°C to 25°C.
Winter – October to February.
During this time the valley is embedded in snow and ice, and at these times the temperatures drop to sub-zero levels and this is why the national parks are shut to the public. Caution is advised when venturing into the valley during these months and the flowers and meadow are hidden to the public eye.
Places To Visit At the Valley Of Flowers In Uttarakhand
Valley Of Flowers National Park
Filled with blooming alpine flowers, stretching as far as the eye can see, the Valley Of Flowers National Park is a World Heritage site. The locals suggest that the best time to visit the Valley of flowers is between the last week of July to mid-August when the full bloom happens. Nestled in the Western part of the Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers is not only a uniquely beautiful national park acclaimed for its endless fields of mountainous florae but also home to some of the world’s most endangered species of plants and animals.
Nanda Devi National Park
The Nanda Devi National Park is also a world heritage site and home to some of the rarest and most unique wildlife in the country. The best time to visit the park is between June and October, ideally because you will be able to spot more wildlife, everything from butterflies and snow leopards.
Hemkund Sahib Temple
Also called Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib and located 4329 meters above sea level and you can reach here whilst hiking through dense woodlands and charming glances of the Himalayas is the Hemkund Sahib Temple. Accessible only from May to October this shrine is closed during winter. Because of jaw-dropping views and the surrounding snow-clad mountains, it’s also a popular trekking destination.
Hemkund Lake
Situated next to the Hemkund Sahib temple and popularly known as the Lake of Snow is the gorgeous Hemkund Lake. The circumference of the lake is nearly 2 km and the best time to visit is from June to October. Every year thousands of pilgrims who visit the Hemkund Sahib Temple also visit the lake.
Bheem Pul
3 km away from Badrinath and built over the Saraswati River, Bheem Pul is a natural stone bridge located in Mana Village which is the penultimate settlement on the Tibetan boundary. The roaring river and the neighboring caverns make it a perfect spot for that awesome Instagram picture.
Saraswati Lake
Named after the Goddess of Wisdom, the Saraswati river is a branch of the Alaknanda River rolling through Uttarakhand. It intersects with River Alaknanda at Keshav Prayag, near Mana Village in the Chamoli district and Bheem Pul creates a passage onward to Vasundhara Falls
Nature Walks and Trekking
If you visit the Valley Of Flowers in between June and October, you will have the opportunity of taking part in the various treks organized during this time. These treks also cover neighboring sites like Hemkund Sahib and Hemkund Lake. Ranging over 87.5 square km, the park provides ample opportunities to be amidst wild flora and spot fauna while indulging in a truly memorable nature walk.
Also Read: Here Are The Most Loved Tourist Destinations In Uttarakhand
Enjoy The Panoramic Views Of The Valleys And The Colors Of The Gorgeous Flowers
A UNESCO heritage site and home to thousands of Himalayan wild-flowers, stunning valleys surrounded by waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and rivers, the Valley of the Flowers is a sight to behold. Soak in the experience of trekking in the Valley of flowers at each step. A special destination for nature lovers and a seasonal hotspot for travelers from all over the world, a trip to the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand must be added to your travel list.
